History

The James Firm opened its doors with vision of serving entrepreneurs with great skill and expertise. Since then, we've facilitated the success of businesses, large and small, from start-up companies to established enterprises such as The Paper Factory Hotel. The firm focuses on corporate law, real estate, and New York State business licensing, mainly alcoholic beverage licensing.

Our Approach

We believe that “one size fits one.” Our approach begins with understanding your desired goal. It is from that perspective that we counsel, advise, and structure courses of action. We embrace difficulties and find pride in connecting solutions to the most complex issues. We are in the legal service business, so we place as much emphasis on delivering exceptional service to our clients as we do our legal aptitude.

Attorney

Michael James

PRINCIPAL

mj@jamesfrm.com

(212) 845-9909

Michael concentrates his practice in the hospitality industries including hotels, restaurants, nightclubs and catering establishments. In addition to helping clients acquire alcoholic beverage licenses and resolving issues with state and local licensing authorities, Michael represents owners and investors in the hospitality sector in commercial real estate and corporate transactions.

BIO

Representative matters in which Michael has been involved include advising:

• Passantino Enterprises, LLC in its $1.2 million asset sale to Harp's Food Stores, Inc.;

• Palace Diner Inc. obtaining its on-premises liquor license during its $2.7 million acquisition of the assets and real property of T and P Land Corp.;

• Bonjour Crepes & Wine, LLC, in its obtaining of an on-premises beer and wine license;

• CCR Hospitality Group, Inc. in its $75,000 acquisition of the assets of Ilardi Foods, Inc. and transfer of the on-premises liquor license;

• Transatlantic Power Holdings, LLC in it $5 million Regulation D private placement;

• Web Picture Identification, Inc., a Canadian based company, in its U.S. corporation formation and cross-border corporate governence;

PUBLICATIONS & News 

Super Lawyers Rising Star 2019 Honoree
Intro to Alcoholic Beverage Licensing in New York - Lawline CLE (2018)
Super Lawyers Rising Star 2018 Honoree
Advising The Cannabis Start-Up - Lawline CLE (2017)
Cover of Sports Launch Magazine Thirty Under 30 Issue (2014) 
Lawyers of Color Inaugural Hotlist (2013) 

Education

Penn State Law
Juris Doctor
Washington Adventist University
B.S., Finance

Activities & Affiliations

• New York State Restaurant Association  
• National Association of Alcoholic Beverage Licensing
• New York City Bar Association
• New York State Bar Association

Bar Admissions

•New York
•New Jersey
•U.S. District Southern District of New York