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James R. Cambridge

Member

T 313-961-0200 F 313-961-0388

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overview

James R. Cambridge has more than 30 years of experience in the areas of business law, finance, and real estate.

Practice Areas

Automotive

Business and Corporate Law

China - US Business 中美业务

Closely Held Business

Commercial Transactions

Estate and Trust Planning and Administration

Finance

International Business

Mergers and Acquisitions

Non-Profit and Charitable Organizations

Real Estate

Securities Law

Shareholder / Member Disputes

Bio

Jim has considerable experience in business law, finance, and real estate. Businesses of all kinds rely on his experience, judgment, diligence, and ability to resolve the many challenges they often face.

His clients have included private and public companies in the manufacturing, finance, real estate, retail, service, technology and transportation industries. Jim’s 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 is also listed among the top twenty “Go To Business Lawyers” in Michigan by Michigan Lawyers Weekly. He 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.

Jim leads the firm’s US-China practice and he is also a member of the firm’s Executive Committee.

credentials

Affiliations

  • State Bar of Michigan
    • Business Law Section – Past Chairperson
    • International Law Section
    • Real Property Law Section
  • Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association
  • American Bar Association
    • Business Law Section
    • International Law Section
  • Michigan State Bar Foundation, Fellow
  • Detroit Chinese Business Association, Advisory Board

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

January 15, 2021

Second Round of PPP Money Now Available

The SBA announced that it will re-open the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan portal to all eligible lenders this coming Tuesday, January 19, 2021, for a second round PPP loan applications.

November 16, 2020

22 Kerr Russell Attorneys Recognized as DBusiness 2021 Top Lawyers

A total of 22 lawyers from Kerr Russell are named as DBusiness Magazine 2021 Top Lawyers. The attorneys are selected through a peer review process.  DBusiness polled more than 18,000 attorneys across Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, and Livingston Counties. 

October 6, 2020

“Now What?”: Supreme Court’s COVID-19 Executive Order Decision

Kerr Russell, as of the date of this publication, is informing clients and friends of the firm that they are legally obligated to continue to comply with applicable COVID-19 workplace safety standards and valid state and local public health department orders, notwithstanding the Michigan Supreme Court’s opinion of October 2, 2020 invalidating the Governor’s COVID-19 Executive Orders. 

September 18, 2020

Kerr Russell Attorneys Named 2020 Michigan Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

Super Lawyers named 11 Kerr Russell members to the list of 2020 Michigan Super Lawyers and included four Kerr Russell attorneys on the list of 2020 Michigan Rising Stars.

August 20, 2020

Kerr Russell Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers in America© 2021 and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch

Seventeen Kerr Russell members were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2021. Notably, twelve of the named attorneys have been listed in The Best Lawyers in America for more than five years.

August 6, 2020

FAQs on PPP Loan Forgiveness: Key Takeaways

On August 4, 2020, the Small Business Administration, in consultation with the Department of Treasury, released “Frequently Asked Questions (“FAQs”) on PPP Loan Forgiveness.”

July 14, 2020

15 Lawyers From Kerr Russell Recognized as Leading Lawyers 2020

A total of 15 lawyers from Kerr Russell are named to the 2020 list of Leading Lawyers in Michigan. Only those lawyers who are most often recommended qualify for this honor.

May 18, 2020

SBA Releases Loan Forgiveness Application and Instructions

On Friday, May 15, 2020, the SBA released the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Application (the “Application”) and related instructions providing much needed guidance on several open issues. 

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 US subsidiaries of various Chinese enterprises

Formed multiple joint ventures in US, China and Mexico

Multiple acquisitions and dispositions of property

Advised several early-stage and late-stage start-ups during various rounds of funding and growth

Successfully managed multi-million dollar property tax settlement

Managed several complex litigation cases to successful conclusion

Successfully negotiated resolution of several shareholder disputes

Structured various complex business transactions and contracts

founded in detroitALWAYS IN DETROIT

Detroit

313.961.0200

TROY

248.740.9820

CHINA

+86 18918170338

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