James Williams practices primarily in mergers and acquisitions and in lender/borrower law. He also acts as general counsel for several corporations and is involved in planning the transactions to satisfy the needs of the business without sacrificing the legal protection. He serves as attorney for the River Ridge Development Authority, formerly known as the Indiana Army Ammunition Plant Reuse Authority.

Mr. Williams has represented retail businesses, a drug store chain, a fast food franchisee, an oil and gas production company and manufacturing operations.

Specific transactions include:

Development of an Industrial Park at Indiana Army Ammunition Plant

Development of a Bio-Research Park and Incubator for the downtown Louisville Hospital and University of Louisville

The purchase of a cigarette plant in North Carolina

Development of a downtown waterfront restaurant and apartment complex in Jeffersonville, Indiana

Representation of a company in proceedings before the Federal Trade Commission

Financings with a lien on retail stores and restaurants

Zoning for unpopular uses

Sale of an oil and gas production company

Purchase and sale of gasoline stations

Sale of a government contractor

Creation of office condominiums

Purchase of fast food franchise companies

Sale of a company principally reliant on patents for its value

Purchase and handling of local re-zoning and tax abatement for a peak electric generating plant in Indiana

Purchase of a privately-held business television and telecommunications company

Mr. Williams also litigates in these areas. He has handled litigation over the terms of sale of a business, litigation between landlords and tenants, litigation over title in oil and gas wells, the dissolution of a 50/50 corporation and litigation of business tort and contract claims. In addition, Mr. Williams lectures and has testified as an expert witness in the area of corporate governance and the responsibilities of corporate officers and directors.

Mr. Williams is on the Board of the following civic organizations: Pro-Bono Legal Services Board for Southern Indiana, Haven House Services, Inc. (homeless shelter) and New Hope Services, Inc. (sheltered workshop and day care). He was appointed by Governor O’Bannon and served for seven years on the Indiana Ethics Commission (see www.state.in.us/ethics).

In the past he has served on numerous boards, including Leadership Louisville, Louisville Orchestra, Indiana Congress on Election, Southern Indiana Chamber of Commerce, Center of Education, Leaders of Indiana Congress on Education, Louisville Bar Association and Indiana University Southeast.