The trick to moving from one type of legal practice to another, says Charles James, is making the transition look smooth even when it isn't. In his three decades of practicing law, James moved from government service to a law firm to the top legal job at a public company—notching major accomplishments at each stop. "One of the best things that's happened to me is that people have given me the opportunity to stretch out," says James, 59.
After a five-year stint at the Federal Trade Commission, the Newark native moved to Jones Day's antitrust department in 1985. James made partner in 1989 and became head of the practice in 1993. Jones Day partner Joe Sims, who hired James, says his former colleague's success is due to persistence. "It's easy to argue a point," Sims says. "It's harder to stick to a point in the face of resistance."
This content has been archived. It is available through our partners, LexisNexis® and Bloomberg Law.
To view this content, please continue to their sites.
Not a Lexis Subscriber?
Subscribe Now
Not a Bloomberg Law Subscriber?
Subscribe Now
LexisNexis® and Bloomberg Law are third party online distributors of the broad collection of current and archived versions of ALM's legal news publications. LexisNexis® and Bloomberg Law customers are able to access and use ALM's content, including content from the National Law Journal, The American Lawyer, Legaltech News, The New York Law Journal, and Corporate Counsel, as well as other sources of legal information.
For questions call 1-877-256-2472 or contact us at [email protected]
