Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2010 
Jim’s practice focuses on representing privately held businesses and their owners on the wide variety of legal matters that may arise. This includes extensive experience with significant corporate transactions such as purchases and sales of businesses, complex contractual matters, and planning for business succession. In his practice, Jim works with clients across a wide range of industries, including fintech, manufacturing, distribution, and professional services. Jim has a unique perspective on the challenges of running a successful business having served as O’Neil Cannon’s President and Managing Shareholder for more than 25 years.
A cornerstone of Jim’s practice is building strong relationships with the clients’ owners and senior management. Jim’s experience has shown that effective legal counsel begins with a deep understanding of his clients’ businesses. This better positions him to provide tailored solutions that align with the clients’ goals and objectives. Jim and the law firm prioritize providing excellent legal work and exceptional client service delivered with efficiency, clarity, and practicality to minimize legal obstacles while maximizing opportunities for success.
Jim Assists Clients With
- mergers, acquisitions, sales and recapitalizations of businesses;
- shareholder agreements and operating agreements;
- securities law matters, including private offerings of debt and equity securities;
- restrictive covenants and nondisclosure agreements; and
- day to day legal and business issues, governance, compliance, and operational matters.
Jim’s Approach
Jim has a proven track record of applying his decades of experience and common sense to help clients navigate legal challenges with confidence. Whether a client is planning a sale of a business, acquisition of another business, or seeking guidance on general legal matters, Jim is dedicated to delivering results-driven solutions that support long-term success.
Awards/Distinctions
- State Bar of Wisconsin
- American Bar Association
- Wisconsin Chapter of Association for Corporate Growth (ACG)
Awards/Distinctions
- Peer review rated as AV Preeminent®, the highest rating in the Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Rating™ System
- Selected by his peers for inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America© (2010 - present) in the fields of corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, and securities/capital markets law
- Selected for inclusion in the Wisconsin Super Lawyers list (2007- present)
- Recipient of Carroll University’s MacAllister Distinguished Alumni Award (2019)
Community Involvement
- Served for nine years on the Board of Trustees of Carroll University, including three years as Board Chair.
- Has been involved as a Board Member of the Milwaukee Repertory Theater and the Friends of Art of the Milwaukee Art Museum
- Board Member, Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
- Ordained Elder, Presbyterian Church of United States of America
Education
- Marquette University Law School (J.D.)
- Carroll University (B.S.)
