Blank Rome LLP announced that James J. Barnes has joined the Firm as a Partner in the Corporate, M&A, and Securities group and has been appointed Partner of Strategic Development for the Pittsburgh office and co-chair of the Firm’s Family Office practice. Mr. Barnes joins Blank Rome from Pepper Hamilton LLP where his practice was concentrated on corporate and securities law, capital markets, corporate governance, and mergers and acquisitions.
“We’re excited to welcome James to the Pittsburgh office,” said Alan J. Hoffman, Chairman and Managing Partner. “His vast experience in transactional law, which includes everything from counseling public companies to guiding family businesses, is a tremendous asset to our team. Additionally, James is skilled at managing and growing regional law firm offices, having previously served as managing partner of a Pittsburgh office for another firm. George Medved, Administrative Partner for our Pittsburgh office, and I look forward to the fresh ideas he’ll bring to maintain the momentum and growth of our Pittsburgh office.”
With a focus on corporate and securities law matters, Mr. Barnes’ experience includes working with companies to raise capital in public and private offerings of debt and equity securities. He regularly assists public companies with the preparation and review of their Securities Exchange Commission periodic reports. Mr. Barnes also represents companies in mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and other complex corporate transactions.
Mr. Barnes has experience on corporate governance matters and regularly advises boards with respect to compliance and best practices. Beyond that, a significant portion of his practice focuses on structuring equity-based compensation arrangements, incentive compensation plans, and executive employment agreements.
In addition to his corporate and securities work, Mr. Barnes has a growing family office practice. In this capacity, he counsels clients on structuring and evaluating investment opportunities, and guides them through governance matters related to family office.
“We’ve been eager to grow our family office practice and James’ experience will be invaluable to our clients who are planning for their financial future,” said Louis M. Rappaport, Co-Chair, Corporate, M&A, and Securities group. “Working in tandem with our finance, trusts and estates, matrimonial and family law attorneys, and others across the Firm, we’re confident that James’ vision for the practice will help us elevate our capabilities in this area.”
“I am thrilled to be joining Blank Rome,” said Mr. Barnes. “I am energized by the ongoing growth of the Firm, and its commitment to expanding in Pittsburgh. I’m particularly looking forward to having the opportunity to help further develop Blank Rome’s capabilities as it relates to counseling family offices, and collaborating closely with George Medved to enhance our presence in Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania.”
Outside of his legal practice, Mr. Barnes is on the board of the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh and previously served as the chairman for four years. He also serves on the board of the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh.
Mr. Barnes earned his J.D. from the Howard University School of Law where he was managing editor of the Howard Law Journal, and his B.A. from Dartmouth College.
Mr. Barnes joins Blank Rome just weeks following the addition of Amy L. Barrette and Jeremy A. Mercer in Pittsburgh as partners in the Energy, Environment, and Mass Torts practice group. Blank Rome opened its Pittsburgh office in 2015 to meet the growing demand for services from its clients with significant interests in Western Pennsylvania. The office has experienced steady growth, and recently moved into new space in the Union Trust Building.