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Practices

Biography

James has substantial experience representing clients in public offerings, mergers and acquisitions, strategic corporate planning, private placements, periodic reporting by public companies, corporate governance, investment adviser compliance, and other matters in the general corporate law field. He has counseled the firm’s clients in a variety of industries, including hospitality, health care, banking and finance, and energy and natural resources. He serves as the firm’s Business Combinations and Capital Transactions Practice Group Leader. James has been a frequent speaker and author on securities law matters, corporate governance, and general corporate law issues.

Other Info About James

Education

Law School

Harvard Law School, J.D., 1985, cum laude
Harvard Environmental Law Review, Editor-in-Chief

Undergraduate School

Yale University, B.A., 1982, magna cum laude

Clerkships

James served as a clerk for the court(s) and judge(s) below:

Judicial Clerk to the Honorable Boyce F. Martin, Jr., U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, 1985-1986

Bar Memberships

James is licensed to practice in the following state(s):

Kentucky, 1985

Recognition

Local & National Recognition

The Best Lawyers in America® 2018, 2020 and 2026 Corporate Governance “Lawyer of the Year” in Louisville, KY

The Best Lawyers in America® 2015 and 2024 Banking and Finance “Lawyer of the Year” in Louisville, KY

The Best Lawyers in America® 2011 and 2024 Corporate Law “Lawyer of the Year” in Louisville, KY

The Best Lawyers in America® 2014, 2019, 2022 and 2025 Securities / Capital Markets “Lawyer of the Year” in Louisville, KY

The Best Lawyers in America®: Banking and Finance Law, 2006-2026; Corporate Governance Law, 2015-2026; Corporate Law, 2010-2026; Securities/Capital Markets Law, 2009-2026; Private Funds/Hedge Funds Law, 2017-2026

Chambers USA, Corporate/M&A, 2008-2024

Selected for inclusion in Kentucky Super Lawyers®, 2007-2020, 2022

AV® Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®

Professional Affiliations

Professional Affiliations & Memberships

American Bar Association

Kentucky Bar Association

Louisville Bar Association

Louisville Bar Association, former member Board of Directors and Business Law Section, Chair

Louisville Bar Foundation, Past President

Civic Activities

Civic & Charitable Organizations

Greater Louisville Inc., Former Member of the Board of Directors

Cabbage Patch Settlement House, Finance Committee

Yale Club of Kentucky

City Council of Indian Hills, Former Member

Highland Presbyterian Church Elder

Firm Committees

James serves or has served in the following leadership role(s) at Frost Brown Todd:

Nominating Committee, Member

Compensation Committee, former Member

Management Committee, former Member

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