Overview

James assists clients with the federal and state income tax aspects of a variety of business transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, incorporation/organization events, and Code Section 1202 qualification issues.

James also handles all aspects of tax transactions for public companies and closely held businesses, whether treated as a C corporation, S corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship for tax purposes. He also counsels businesses on new tax legislation and compliance and advises on corporate formation and governance matters.

Experience

Solutions in action

Before joining Michael Best, James practiced tax and corporate law with a Milwaukee business law firm. Previously, he served as a Judicial Intern to the Honorable J. Mac Davis, Jennifer R. Dorow, and Ralph M. Ramirez of the Waukesha County Circuit Court. James also completed an internship with the Honorable David T. Prosser, Jr. of the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

Credentials

  • Marquette University Law School, Juris Doctor (J.D.), Comment Editor, Marquette Law Review, 2015, cum laude
  • Ripon College, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), English, 2012, cum laude

  • Wisconsin
  • United States Tax Court

  • Best Lawyers®, Tax Law, 2025-present
  • Selected to Tax Rising Stars, Super Lawyers®, 2020-2022
  • CALI Awards: Trusts & Estates; Criminal Process; Advanced Legal Research: Taxation
  • Regional Semi-Finalist in the 2014 National Moot Court Competition

Engagement

  • Member, American Bar Association
  • Member, Milwaukee Bar Association

Insights

See Everything