Dennis James
Attorney at Law
Texas
TX
About
Formerly partner in large Dallas law firm; two years in Tokyo law firm; then General Counsel, C-level, and board member of startup/early stage companies ranging from $1 million to $1 billion in capital. His desire and ability to understand the client’s business model adds value.
After graduating from SMU (J.D., MBA, law review editor) and Indiana University (Finance), Dennis lived in Dallas, Tokyo, Paris, Seattle, and Scottsdale. He currently lives in Austin, from… read more which he serves clients in Texas and elsewhere.
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Practice Areas
Client Reviews
"Excellent experience working with Dennis. He knows his stuff and is easy to work with. Highly recommended."
"Dennis has been a great resource for us. Very knowledgeable and helpful, and always takes the time to make sure our needs are met. Highly recommended."
"As counsel for the Bill Gates controlled company that purchased our prior technology company, Dennis’ creative approach helped overcome some significant obstacles to the transaction. Many lawyers simply reduce the value of a transaction by their fees. Dennis is a value add. Bob, CEO of technology company, Denver."
"We needed to close funding quickly on several occasions -- both convertible debt and equity rounds. Dennis prepared the documents on a tight deadline and helped us close the financings. It was clear he understood the importance of time and cost to a small business. Jeff, CEO of computerized design and fabrication company."
Work History
James Law Firm
Founder
Oct 2016 - Present
Corporate law practice specializing in startups/early stage and mid-market companies. Private financings; M&A; commercial transactions and agreements; technology licensing; corporate legal generalist. Efficient and results-oriented high value work based on years of legal and business experience and achievement.
PLEDGEWIN LLC
Co-Founder, Board Member, COO & General Counsel
Jan 2014 - Jul 2016
Crowdfunding platform for donations to universities. Co-designed the platform; structured the company and arranged the financing; oversaw website development; integrated the platform's systems.
I-Frame Building Solutions
COO, Co-Manager, and General Counsel
Mar 2011 - Nov 2013
Computer controlled design and fabrication of high performance exterior commercial walls, engineered and built to specification. Helped structure and raise early stage investments. Oversaw product development, testing, and code compliance. Head of IP strategy; contributed to patented wall design. Assembled team that designed and implemented the 1st generation proprietary design/fab system.
Telesphere Networks Ltd.
COO, Board Member, General Counsel, Acting CFO
Jan 2005 - Nov 2010
Hosted unified IP communications services (UCaaS) to small and medium businesses nationally. Arranged and closed VC investment that led to more than $50 million invested. Structured and closed strategic acquisition of Denver based hosted communications company with valuable core software. Co-lead of product R&D. Peformed or oversaw all internal/external legal work.
Teledesic Corporation
President, Board Member, General Counsel
Aug 1998 - Jun 2004
Company founded by Craig McCaw and Bill Gates to provide global broadband communications system using low earth orbit satellites. Key member of fund raising team ($1 billion in capital raised). Helped negotiate multibillion dollar commercial agreements for satellite infrastructure. Oversaw legal work for $1 billion acquisition. Oversaw wind-down and return of significant portion of capital.
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts
Vice President and General Counsel
Jul 1988 - Jul 1998
Ultra-luxury boutique hotel company. Negotiated profitable transactions in the United States, Europe, French Antilles, Mexico, Panama, and Saudi Arabia. Oversaw legal work in connection with hotel sale transactions that exceeded $100 million each (Hotel Bel-Air and Hotel Hana Maui). Assisted with acquisitions and strategic planning for Start Technologies (shared tenant telecom) and its sale.
Johnson & Wortley
Partner
Jan 1980 - Feb 1988
Partner with successful corporate and technology practice focused on general corporate, venture capital, private equity, software development/licensing, and transnational transactions. Developed representation of major clients in connection with software licensing and development. With firm's sponsorship, worked from 1982-1984 as foreign associate at Tokyo law firm.