James Alterbaum, Of Counsel in the Corporate practice group, has over 35 years’ experience in corporate, securities, commercial and employment law. With a background in accounting and finance, Jim takes a business and entrepreneurial approach to the law, serving public and private clients in diversified fields, including the food, manufacturing, distribution, health care and technology industries.

Jim has counseled closely-held and family multi-generational firms in many cases as outside general counsel. The subject matters are across the board, including companies facing business and corporate governance challenges, including succession plans, shareholders’ agreements, bank financing, public/private offerings and the structuring of M&A transactions, both from the purchaser’s end and the seller’s end. The practice includes advising Boards of Directors concerning their responsibilities as well as not-for-profit companies.  Jim places heavy emphasis on the strategic decision-making surrounding these transactions and focuses particularly on the negotiation process, through all stages.

To create value added benefits to his clients, Jim works with many professionals in other disciplines such as investment bankers, commercial lenders, accountants, and valuation and wealth management professionals.  Jim’s approach to the law cuts across a variety of practice areas.

As noted in his Testimonials, Jim earns substantial praise from clients and industry leaders for his business acumen and no-nonsense approach towards solving complex issues.  For example, a client wrote: 

“There are many types of lawyers out there. But in my book, Jim Alterbaum is the total package. And he has a tremendous firm behind him. He is a lawyer that really helps to make a deal happen, but also has the strength of character to tell the client ‘no.’ He knows what's important and ignores the noise. He gives advice with the sensibility of a business person but with the hard earned experience of a seasoned lawyer. His integrity is unquestioned, his work ethic is tremendous and his willingness to help his friends and clients is unsurpassed. I recommend him.”

Jim is a well-regarded public speaker, who lectured regularly for the National Business Institute and for a variety of incubators for younger entrepreneurial companies.  A well-versed author and contributor, Jim has written numerous trade articles, has appeared on such programs as CNBC's Money Talk, Today's Business, WLIE and Sky Radio, and has been interviewed by The New York Times, Crain’s New York Business, Long Island Business News, and Entrepreneur magazine.

A recipient of Columbia University's "Mentor of the Year" award, Jim has been active on the Portfolio Advisory Board of the Eugene M. Lang Center for Entrepreneurship of Columbia University's School of Business, where he has lectured MBAs and executive MBAs. He has been a member of the Long Island chapter of The Institute of Management Accountants and is very active in a variety of virtual networking groups, both nationally and Long Island-based.

Through his professional career, Jim has supported numerous philanthropic causes.  He received the American Jewish Committee's Long Island Human Relations Award.   He has been active with the Maurer Foundation for Breast Health Education, the Epilepsy Foundation of Long Island, the Center against Domestic Violence and other worthy causes.

Jim has been selected as a "2013 Top Rated Lawyer in Labor & Employment" by American Lawyer Media and Martindale-Hubbell™ and is rated AV Preeminent® in his field by Martindale-Hubbell®, receiving honors as a NY Top Rated Lawyer.   He was selected as a finalist for the 2014 New York Smart ESQ Attorney of the Year Award sponsored by Smart CEO Magazine and honored as a Super Lawyer every year since 2014 in the Thomson Reuters Super Lawyers® ratings.

Mr. Alterbaum on the 'Law You Should Know' weekly radio show (WHPC 90.3 FM)

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