Focuses on the formation and operation of hedge funds and other private funds for investment advisers ranging from start-ups to global financial institutions.
Counsels investment advisers and investment funds in connection with a broad range of corporate, securities, derivatives and regulatory matters.

Jim’s practice is focused on the formation and operation of hedge funds and other private funds for investment advisers ranging from start-ups to global financial institutions. In addition to advising on formation and structuring of investment funds, he counsels investment advisers and investment funds in connection with a broad range of corporate, securities, derivatives and regulatory matters.

Jim’s many years of experience across the investment management industry have seen him advising on some of the most innovative private fund products. He has been recognized as a leading practitioner in the investment management field by numerous publications over the course of his career.

Jim’s principal areas of practice include:

Private investment funds, including hedge funds, private equity funds and hybrids (domestic and offshore), using a broad range of investment styles and strategies and targeting a broad range of asset classes, including securities (equity, debt, convertibles, asset-backed securities, mortgage-backed securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities), loans, futures and derivatives, physical commodities, tax liens and other asset classes
Pooled investment product design and development
Public and private commodity pools
Funds of funds
Private equity and hedge fund feeder funds and feeder fund platforms
Special purpose or single investment funds
Fund restructurings and workouts
Seed capital transactions
Secondary market transactions in interests in private investment funds
Regulation of investment advisers, commodity pool operators, commodity trading advisors and investment companies
Spinouts and lift outs
Compensation plans
Organization and reorganization of closely held investment management businesses, including the negotiation and drafting of organizational documents addressing economic sharing arrangements, management and control, and succession issues
Mergers & acquisitions of investment management businesses, including change-in-control transactions and acquisitions of minority interest
Joint ventures between investment management businesses.

Prior to joining Akin, Jim was a partner in the New York office of another leading global law firm.

Education

J.D., Fordham University School of Law, 1996

B.A., Lawrence University 1991

Bar Admissions
New York

Recognitions

The Legal 500 US, Investment Fund Formation and Management: Mutual/Registered/Exchange-Traded Funds and Private Equity Funds.
Who’s Who Legal, Leading Lawyer in Private Funds: Formation, 2022.
The International Who’s Who of Private Funds, 2013-2015.

Speeches and Publications

Co-author/Contributor, “United States,” in Virtual Currency Regulation Review, Fourth Edition, Law Business Research Ltd, August 2021.
Contributor, “Blockchain and Digital Assets” chapter, Broker-Dealer Regulation, Second Edition, Clifford E. Kirsch ed., Practicing Law Institute, 2011, Supp., May 2020.
Co-author, “National Futures Association Creates New Disclosure Requirements for Members Engaging in Virtual Currency Activities,” Futures & Derivatives Law Report, October 2018.