James Barnes concentrates his practice on corporate and securities law, capital markets, corporate governance, and mergers and acquisitions. He also serves as the strategic development partner for Blank Rome’s Pittsburgh office and co-chairs the Firm’s Family Office practice group.

Mr. Barnes has a wide range of experience in corporate and securities law matters, including 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 SEC periodic reports. He represents companies, funds, and investors in mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and other complex corporate transactions, and serves as outside general counsel to family offices. Mr. Barnes also has experience with corporate governance matters and regularly advises boards with respect to compliance and best practices.

A significant portion of Mr. Barnes’ practice focuses on structuring equity-based compensation arrangements, incentive compensation plans, and executive employment agreements. His executive compensation practice includes advising clients on matters involving Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the development and implementation of Section 16 and “insider trading” compliance programs.

During law school, Mr. Barnes served as the managing editor of the Howard Law Journal.