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.