Jim is a seasoned general counsel, litigator and corporate generalist with a diverse array of large firm, in-house and personal business entrepreneurial experience.

Jim graduated Harvard Law School in 2001 and joined the Century City (Los Angeles) office of O’Melveny & Myers, where he established a litigation practice that included a broad group of film, television, music, new media and video game clients. Several high-profile trials, including one that led to a landmark Supreme Court decision, earned him accolades as a member of Law360’s Media and Entertainment Group of the year for both 2013 and 2014.  He also represented clients in some of the nation’s most complex antitrust cases, and was part of a team that achieved the largest ever civil settlement of $1.25 billion on behalf of a multi-national computer industry client.

Jim left O’Melveny to become Chief Legal Officer of SBE, a leading international lifestyle hospitality company that develops, manages, owns, and operates award-winning hotels, restaurants and nightlife venues.  Jim oversaw all legal matters for the company of approximately 10,000 employees, including complex real estate and hospitality agreements, debt and securities, joint ventures, international IP, complex litigation, corporate governance and HR.  Jim also oversaw and advised on many operational elements of the business.  In 2016, Jim led the take-private acquisition of Morgan’s Hotel Group, a publicly traded company.  He continues to advise SBE as Outside General Counsel, as well as representing at VirtualGC a variety of other clients in different industries.

Separate from his legal practice, Jim founded and ran a West Los Angeles-based real estate business that funded investment in, brokered, and managed residential properties.  Jim lives in Los Angeles with his wife and daughter and enjoys surfing, snowboarding, and international travel.  He speaks Spanish fluently as well as conversational Portuguese.  He maintains a longtime passion for stand-up comedy, which he used to perform in Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

Jim sits on the board of the Los Angeles Chapter of the Make a Wish Foundation and actively participates in other community organizations.