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James R. Cambridge has more than 30 years of experience in the areas of business law, finance, and real estate.
Practice Areas
Bio
Jim is co-chairperson of the firm’s Business and Corporate Law practice group, and leads the firm’s US-China practice. He is also a member of the firm’s Executive Committee.
Jim’s clients have included private and public companies in the manufacturing, finance, real estate, retail, service, technology and transportation industries. His clients have also included professional athletes, corporate CEOs and other high net worth individuals. Jim serves as counsel for a number of businesses and handles a variety of matters such as business formations, contracts, employment, lending relationships, restructurings, real estate, buying and selling businesses and resolving troubled business situations. Jim has considerable experience in advising closely-held businesses. He also has experience in advising US and foreign-based companies in establishing operations in both the US and abroad.
Jim is a past Chairperson of the Business Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan and also served as the Chairman of the Legislative Drafting Committee of business and tax lawyers that wrote the Michigan Limited Liability Company Act.
He is frequently honored for legal excellence by his clients and other attorneys. Jim is a Fellow in the Michigan State Bar Foundation and received the Outstanding Business Lawyer Award from the State Bar of Michigan’s Business Law Section. He is consistently listed in Chambers USA – America’s Leading Lawyers for Business; Who’s Who in American Law; and The Best Lawyers in America®. Jim is noted as a “Michigan Super Lawyer” and being among the “Top 100 Lawyers in Michigan”. Jim has also been named among “Detroit’s Best Lawyers” by Thomson Reuters, and is rated a “Top Lawyer” by DBusiness Magazine. He has also been named a “Leader in the Law” by Michigan Lawyers Weekly and 2020 “Lawyer of the Year” in Corporate Law in Detroit by The Best Lawyers in America®. Jim has achieved preeminent AV ranking from Martindale Hubbell, reflecting the highest standards of legal ability, professional ethics and integrity.
A respected attorney and author, Jim lectures and publishes regularly on business law and planning. He has written numerous articles and books, including the highly regarded Michigan Limited Liability Companies. Jim is also a contributing author to Advising Closely Held Businesses in Michigan.
credentials
Affiliations
- State Bar of Michigan, Business Law Section – Past Chairperson
- State Bar of Michigan, International Law and Real Property Law Sections
- Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association
- American Bar Association, Business Law and International Law Sections
- Fellow, Michigan State Bar Foundation
- Member, Civil Service Commission, City of Livonia, Michigan
- Member, Executive Committee and Board, Michigan Municipal Services Authority, State of Michigan
- Member, Advisory Board, Detroit Chinese Business Association
Bar and Court Admissions
- Michigan
- United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
Education
- Western Michigan University Cooley Law School, J.D.
- Central Michigan University, B.S.
Insights & News
March 17, 2020
Coronavirus/COVID-19 Business Continuity: A Message to Our Community, Clients and Friends
Kerr Russell is committed to its community, clients and people. As the world navigates through the impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus), we want to assure you that Kerr Russell is committed to supporting our community, clients and people as effectively as we have through every other crisis our Nation has encountered over our firm’s nearly 150-year history.
Our firm is fully operational: We have made sure that our lawyers and staff are able to safely and effectively serve our clients’ needs and continue operations on an uninterrupted basis. Most of our people
November 15, 2019
19 Kerr Russell Attorneys Recognized as DBusiness Top Lawyers for 2020
A total of 19 lawyers from Kerr Russell are named as dBusiness Magazine 2020 Top Lawyers. The attorneys are selected through a peer review process. dBusiness polled 19,000 attorneys across Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, and Livingston Counties.
September 3, 2019
15 Kerr Russell Attorneys Recognized on the 2019 Michigan Super Lawyers List
A total of 15 lawyers from Kerr Russell are named as Thomson Reuters, 2019 Michigan Super Lawyers. The award is given annually to attorneys who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.
August 15, 2019
James Cambridge (Corporate Law) and Joanne Geha Swanson (Litigation - Antitrust) Named Best Lawyers® 2020 “Lawyers Of The Year” In Detroit
Congratulations to James Cambridge and Joanne Geha Swanson who are named the Best Lawyers 2020 “Lawyers of the Year” in Detroit for corporate law and litigation - antitrust law respectively. Only a single lawyer in each practice area and community is honored with a “Lawyer of the Year” award.
August 15, 2019
15 Lawyers From Kerr Russell Are Recognized In The Best Lawyers In America© 2020
A total of 15 lawyers from Kerr Russell are named to the prestigious 2020 Edition of the Best Lawyers in America©. The award is given annually in recognition of being named as part of the “top legal talent in the U.S.”
May 9, 2019
Kerr Russell Attorneys Advise Peterson in Sale to MiddleGround Capital
Kerr Russell is pleased to announce that it served as the exclusive legal adviser to Peterson American Corporation (PAC) in its sale to MiddleGround Capital (MiddleGround).
September 20, 2018
Kerr Russell recognizes our 2018 dbusiness Top Lawyers in Metro Detroit honorees
Kerr Russell recognizes this year’s dbusiness Top Lawyers in Metro Detroit honorees - 21 attorneys, many for multiple practice areas.
September 11, 2018
Sneak peek of Dbusiness Magazine Top Lawyers photo shoot with Kerr Russell
A little sneak peek of today’s DBusiness Magazine “Top Lawyers” photo shoot of Kerr Russell with the talented and gracious David Frechette. Thank you to Valerie Maness for her assistance.
September 7, 2018
15 Kerr Russell attorneys recognized as 2018 Super Lawyers
Congratulations to the following attorneys who have been designated "Super Lawyers" by Thomson Reuters:
September 6, 2018
Kerr Russell attorneys, friends attend second annual New Americans Appreciation Gala - September 6 at The Henry
It was a beautiful evening celebrating the remarkable accomplishments of immigrants in America.
Kerr Russell’s Brandy Mathie, Robert Anderson, James Cambridge and Mary Cambridge, Miroslava Orduno Rincon and KeVin Knox, and Roy Sexton attended the 2nd annual New Americans Appreciation Gala on September 6 at The Henry in Dearborn.
August 30, 2018
Kerr Russell team places first at Detroit Chinese Business Association golf outing
Kerr Russell was pleased to support the 23rd Annual Detroit Chinese Business Association (DCBA) International Golf Open on August 28. Our golfers - Jeffrey May, Ken Lombardo, Robert Anderson, and Rich Buslepp - placed first in the outing.
DCBA chair Brian Gao and Kerr Russell member / DCBA Advisory Board Member James Cambridge presented the foursome their hard-earned trophies (14 under par!).
August 15, 2018
15 lawyers from Kerr Russell were recognized in The Best Lawyers in America© 2019
A total of 15 lawyers from Kerr Russell have been named to the prestigious 2019 Edition of the Best Lawyers in America©. The award is given annually in recognition of being named as part of the “top legal talent in the U.S.”
April 23, 2018
Kerr Russell colleagues and family members spend Earth Day 2018 volunteering at Votrobeck Playground
In observance of Earth Day 2018, Kerr Russell colleagues returned to the garden at Votrobeck Playground in Detroit for spring planting and clean-up on Saturday, April 21. Thank you to Joanne Geha Swanson both for organizing the effort and for these beautiful photos - view the full album here.
April 5, 2018
Fred Herrmann honored at Michigan Lawyers Weekly's "Leaders in the Law" luncheon
On April 5, Kerr Russell member Fred Herrmann (antitrust, litigation, dispute resolution) was honored at a luncheon, held at the Detroit Marriott - Troy, alongside the rest of Michigan Lawyers Weekly's "Leaders in the Law" Class of 2018. Kerr Russell attendees included Jim Cambridge, Jason Bank, Dan Schulte, Dan Ferris, Jeff May, Anna Valk, Ashley Racette, and Roy Sexton. Fred's wife Mindy Herrmann was there as well. (Picture left. To the left, Fred receives his award from Opinion Editor Agenique Smiley.)
March 29, 2018
Detroit Public Television's PBSNewsHour and Nightly Business Report to be sponsored by Kerr Russell
Kerr Russell is pleased to support Detroit Public Television, and, beginning April 2, the following spot will air during PBS NewsHour (weekdays, 6-7 pm) and the Nightly Business Report (weekdays, 7-7:30 pm). View the spot here.
March 22, 2018
Kerr Russell congratulates Jack Richert of Special Tree Rehabilitation System, a deserving recipient of the Brain Injury Association of Michigan's Legacy Society Community Service and Leadership Award
Congratulations to Jack Richert of Special Tree Rehabilitation System, a deserving recipient of the Legacy Society Community Service and Leadership Award.
February 26, 2018
Kerr Russell's latest ad "Driven By Results" debuts in Crain's M&A, Biggest Deals issue this week
Kerr Russell's latest ad "Driven By Results" debuts in Crain's M&A, Biggest Deals issue this week. The ad emphasizes the firm's 143-year presence in Detroit as part of the larger business and legal community. "We understand the region. We know what moves Michigan. We are committed to the community."
February 14, 2018
Kerr Russell lunch and learn with Sterling Insurance Group
Kerr Russell hosted a lunch and learn on February 14 with Brandon Horrocks (certified risk architect), Joan Giffels, and team from Sterling Insurance Group. They facilitated a robust dialogue about assessing and mitigating client risk as well as rep and warranty issues.
January 26, 2018
Download Kerr Russell's updated firm brochure and overview of services
Kerr Russell is proud of Detroit. We are proud to have had a seat at the table here since 1874. Our exceptional attorneys understand the unique challenges facing business leaders. Our legal solutions are prompt, accurate, economical, and focused around your needs in every area. We know Michigan business like the back of our hands.
January 15, 2018
Influencing the Legal Landscape - new Kerr Russell ad to appear in dbusiness
Kerr Russell introduces the third ad in the new "Est. in Detroit 1874" series: "Influencing the legal landscape." The piece emphasizes the firm's 143-year presence in Detroit as part of the larger business and legal community. "We don't sit on the sidelines. We are active in industry groups and we're driving legislative change. We are leaders in the law."
January 3, 2018
Kerr Russell highlighted in Best Lawyers - Business, Winter 2017 issue
Look for Kerr Russell attorneys and advertising (pages 92-95) in the Best Lawyers - Business, Winter 2017 issue. Earlier in 2017, a number of Kerr Russell's attorneys and practice areas were honored with U.S. News and World Report Best Lawyers recognition.
December 18, 2017
Kerr Russell team makes holiday donations to Capuchin Soup Kitchen, Wigs 4 Kids, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Ann Arbor, and Children's Hospital of Michigan
One of our traditions here at Kerr Russell is to hold a holiday raffle to benefit three local charities as well as to conduct a toy drive for local children. This year's raffle (many of the beautiful and festive prizes picture here) raised a record total of $3,450 which will be divided equally among three organizations: Capuchin Soup Kitchen, Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan, Inc., and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Ann Arbor.
December 12, 2017
Kate McCarroll named one of Crain's Business Detroit's Notable Women Lawyers in Michigan - 2017
We at Kerr Russell are so proud to have two of our attorneys recognized by Crain's Detroit Business as Notable Women Lawyers in Michigan - 2017. Great work, Kate McCarroll, on your selection! From Crain's announcement...
December 12, 2017
Kate McCarroll named one of Crain's Business Detroit's Notable Women Lawyers in Michigan - 2017
We at Kerr Russell are so proud to have two of our attorneys recognized by Crain's Detroit Business as Notable Women Lawyers in Michigan - 2017.
Great work, Kate McCarroll, on your selection! From Crain's announcement...
December 7, 2017
William Blasses honored as Up & Coming Lawyer at Michigan Lawyers Weekly 2017 luncheon
William Blasses was recognized as one of Michigan Lawyers Weekly's "Up & Coming Lawyers" at their 2017 luncheon on December 7 at the Detroit Marriott in Troy.
November 30, 2017
Merry and bright ... Kerr Russell welcomes the holiday season
It's a time to celebrate, reflect and remember. However you mark the holidays, we hope your days are filled with warmth and thankfulness, good times, and endless cheer. As another year draws to a close, we at Kerr Russell are grateful to you. You give purpose to our work and add meaning to our relationships. Your trust is a cherished gift. Enjoy these images as we get our offices ready to celebrate the holiday season. Design by Mandy Lark of Lark Interior Design.
November 30, 2017
Kerr Russell, Boulevard Investment lunch and learn
Kerr Russell hosted Royal Oak's Boulevard Investment Banking at our Detroit office for a lunch-and-learn event on Thursday, November 30. From Boulevard's website: "Boulevard is a boutique, investment banking and private investment firm focused on working with owners, operators, and businesses active in the middle market.
November 17, 2017
Detroit Legal News covers Detroit Chinese Business Association recognition of Kerr Russell, and Jim Cambridge on ChinaDaily.com (Michigan trade group spurs China-US ties)
The Detroit Legal News covers Kerr Russell's recognition as "Sponsor of the Year" by the Detroit Chinese Business Association. Click here to read:
November 16, 2017
Culture of Connection - new Kerr Russell ad to appear in Michigan Lawyers Weekly and dbusiness
Kerr Russell introduces the second ad in the new "Est. in Detroit 1874" series: "A culture of connection." The piece emphasizes the firm's 143-year presence in Detroit as part of the larger business and legal community. "We are relationship focused. We know our people and our clients are the lifeblood of our firm."
November 11, 2017
Detroit Free Press features Detroit Chinese Business Association US/China Auto Expo, Kerr Russell
Great coverage from the Detroit Free Press of the Detroit Chinese Business Association US/China Auto Expo - excerpt from the article (which can be found in its entirety here) follows:
DCBA, meanwhile, had a busy week hosting the 2017 USA China Auto Expo & Forum in Dearborn with more than 20 major Chinese auto suppliers on hand.
November 3, 2017
Kerr Russell launches new advertising in upcoming issues of dbusiness and Crain's Detroit
With this month's issue of dbusiness, focused on Top Lawyers in Metro Detroit, Kerr Russell launches its new brand advertising with "A Track Record of Results." Working with Identity Public Relations and Marketing, Kerr Russell's marketing team developed the creative to emphasize the firm's longstanding place in Detroit's legal and business history.
November 3, 2017
Kerr Russell recognizes this year’s dbusiness Top Lawyers in Metro Detroit honorees
Kerr Russell recognizes this year’s dbusiness Top Lawyers in Metro Detroit honorees:
November 1, 2017
Kerr Russell ranked in the 2018 U.S. News - Best Lawyers® "Best Law Firms" list nationally in 1 practice area and regionally in 17 practice areas
U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers, for the eighth consecutive year, announce the "Best Law Firms" rankings.
September 27, 2017
business Magazine covers Kerr Russell's participation in Detroit Chinese Business Association International Golf Outing
Kerr Russell was well-represented at the Detroit Chinese Business Association (DCBA) International Golf Open.
September 19, 2017
Kerr Russell team places second and scores longest drive at Detroit Chinese Business Association golf outing
At the 22nd Annual Detroit Chinese Business Association (DCBA) International Golf Opening at Indianwood Golf and Country Club, our attorneys experienced a great afternoon of golfing and kinship, plus a wonderful dinner with opening remarks by Executive Office, Oakland County, Michigan's Deputy Executive Matthew Gibb.
September 12, 2017
16 Kerr Russell attorneys recognized as 2017 Super Lawyers
Congratulations to the following attorneys who have been designated "Super Lawyers" by Thomson Reuters.
August 21, 2017
17 lawyers from Kerr Russell were recognized in The Best Lawyers in America© 2018
A total of 17 lawyers from Kerr Russell have been named to the prestigious 2018 Edition of the Best Lawyers in America©. The award is given annually in recognition of being named as part of the “top legal talent in the U.S.”
August 10, 2017
A culture of giving
If you want to know how a firm can thrive for over 140 years in a city that has faced considerable challenges, walk through the door of Kerr Russell’s suite on the 25th floor of the Detroit Center and get a feel for the people.
November 7, 2016
Kerr Russell attorneys named 2017 Top Lawyers by dBusiness Magazine
Kerr Russell counts 11 attorneys among this year’s Top Lawyers as recognized by dBusiness magazine. The 2017 Top Lawyers were selected based on a peer review survey of 19,000 attorneys in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, and Livingston counties. Attorneys are asked to nominate lawyers among 48 legal specialties.
November 1, 2016
Kerr Russell Attorneys Named 2016 Super Lawyers
Kerr Russell attorneys have been named SuperLawyers for 2016, two have been named to the Michigan Top 100 and four have been named as Rising Stars.
November 15, 2013
James R. Cambridge and Chaoyi Ding publish article in the Michigan Bar Journal highlighting the Detroit Chinese Business Association
Relationships are important in business, and for the Chinese, close personal relationships are valued.
Representative Matters
Multiple acquisitions and sales of companies of various sizes, in various industries
Formed multiple joint ventures in US, China and Mexico
Advised several early-stage and late-stage start-ups during various rounds of funding and growth
Managed several complex litigation cases to successful conclusion
Structured various complex business transactions and contracts
Formed multiple US subsidiaries of various Chinese enterprises
Multiple acquisitions and dispositions of property
Successfully managed multi-million dollar property tax settlement
Successfully negotiated resolution of several shareholder disputes