James Thompson is a seasoned corporate transactional attorney with more than 25 years of experience successfully counseling clients through the entire investment lifecycle—from formation to capital raising to exit—as well as guiding clients through recapitalizations, restructurings and debt financing transactions. James actively partners with clients to help evaluate options, align stakeholders and execute transactions that meet both financial and long-term strategic objectives.
Representing clients in M&A transactions typically ranging from $50 million to $1 billion plus, James advises both financial and strategic sellers and buyers. He also represents founders and family-owned, closely held and high-growth businesses and PE-owned portfolio companies as sellers.
James advises start-ups and emerging growth companies as well as high net worth individuals, family offices, VC funds and strategics in venture capital financings, joint ventures and technology transactions.
In addition to his transactional work, James serves as outside general counsel to a wide range of companies, providing ongoing advice on corporate governance, commercial agreements and day-to-day business matters.
James’ work spans a range of industries, with a meaningful concentration in food and beverage, where he advises on both transactional matters and key F&B-related commercial agreements, such as co-manufacturing, supply, marketing, sales agency, sponsorship, co-development, distribution, bottling, floor stock, pilot product, pilot equipment, product testing, franchise and other industry-specific agreements.
Beyond the food and beverage industry, James advises clients in the technology, software, retail, energy, consumer products, manufacturing, industrial materials, apparel, transportation, storage and business services sectors.
Outside the office, James enjoys spending time with his wife and four sons. He follows international and U.S. soccer, with a particular interest in the English Premier League and his beloved Manchester United, and he supports (with his sons) Los Angeles professional and collegiate teams including the Dodgers, Lakers, Galaxy, Rams and the USC Trojans.