Experience
I clear the pathway to resolving business-to-business or partner conflicts through a fair and balanced legal perspective. Because of my vast international experience and love of language and culture, I have navigated the legal aspects of many international agreements for companies and corporations. I bring my experience with multi-million and billion dollar companies both in the U.S. and abroad to entrepreneurs seeking a trusted advisor and legal counselor to realize their business goals.
An experienced legal counselor with a strong entrepreneurial orientation and Fortune 500 Company experience, I am adept and innovative at facilitating the development of commercial endeavors of all sizes, from start-ups and small businesses to large corporations. I am, in essence, a problem solver for businesses.
I was formerly a partner in two major U.S. law firms and General Counsel to Rio Tinto America and Kennecott Utah Copper Corporation. My legal responsibilities have included commercial transactions of all types in the U.S. and in Europe, North America, South America, and Asia for: cooperation agreements in technology and product development; procurement and sales agreements, environmental permitting and compliance, safety and hygiene regulation, tax litigation oversight, employee benefits, employment regulation, corporate governance and compliance, and dispute resolution through litigation and arbitration.
Seasoned and experienced in business matter, I have planned, supervised, and conducted numerous risk assessments in industrial and commercial settings. I have established successful and sustainable programs for cost recapture under warranties and performance guarantees.
Business Relationships
Strategic Alliances
Managed the acquisition through privatization valued in
excess of $150M.
Transition
Worked closely with management to transition from a small domestic
TV cable operator to a significant international presence.
Growth
Worked closely with management to establish a company to pursue growth and sustainability opportunities.
Strategic Guidance
Provided strategy guidance against a foreign competitor for price-fixing scheme netting a multi-million dollar recovery.
Conflict Resolution
Developed and implemented strategy to resolve a commercial conflict with
an international manufacturer.
Employment Law
Advised on ADA, FMLA, and Title VII, and managed associated employment litigation.
Working with James
Reliability
He managed
and entire small city in Peru.
Responsiveness
James speaks five languages which help him bridge the gap between many
cultural differences in resolving issues.
Confidence
He is confident in his negotiations for creating lasting agreements and
for resolving business disputes.
Experience
He has experience managing commercial arrangements, establishing company
strategies, and solving business disputes.
Engagement
James engages all parties to help everyone come to the same understanding.
Credentials
James is a seasoned lawyer and he is listed as a Distinguished Neutral on the Commercial Roster of the American Arbitration Association.
Client Testimonials
“”
Since 2009, James Elegante has served as our corporate legal counsel to help us navigate through difficult and complex issues. As a company, we rely heavily on quick turnaround advice, guidance, and legal counsel – James provides just that. He understands the complexities we face in a services environment that often spans the globe. He has professionally interfaced with our internal executives as well as client legal representatives and has always encouraged a position of ethics, honesty, and proactivity. He is business savvy and a strong contributor to our success.
– Brad Douglas
“”
James is a very brilliant lawyer that puts his deep knowledge of the law at the service of his partners, always aiming to obtain the desired business result. Great personality and culture. A great friend.
– Mr. Luca Buonerba
Milan, Italy