Jim has practiced law for over 40 years, including 35 years in the Walt Disney World Legal Department, with more than 20 years as general counsel for Disney Cruise Line. His extensive experience spans maritime law, international shipping regulations, and corporate governance, with a focus on the unique legal complexities of the cruise industry.
During his tenure at Disney, Jim had extensive experience working with shipbuilding contracts, tonnage tax compliance, cruise-related regulatory matters, environmental and safety regulations, trademark and copyright issues, advertising and fair trade practices, labor and employment law, and port operations. His expertise also includes handling high-stakes negotiations, complex contract structuring, and regulatory compliance within a highly scrutinized and global business environment.
Jim has successfully managed a broad range of sophisticated legal matters, including:
- Negotiating and drafting multiple shipbuilding contracts.
- Overseeing the purchase of a partially completed cruise ship from a German insolvency administrator.
- Restructuring shipbuilding contract terms, delivery timelines, and associated performance guarantees.
- Coordinating service agreements for critical shipboard equipment, including engines and azipods.
- Navigating compliance with Bahamas Maritime Authority regulations and CDC No-Sail Orders.
- Developing Heads of Agreements with the Government of the Bahamas to support port development projects.
- Managing environmental compliance, safety regulatory matters, and complex port operating contracts.
Jim earned his B.A. from Emory University, his J.D. from Wake Forest University School of Law, and his LL.M. in Taxation from Emory University School of Law. He is licensed to practice law in North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida (currently inactive in North Carolina and Georgia).