James Garfield Dodrill II

Strategic Legal Counsel for Entrepreneurs, Startups & Growth-Stage Companies | Corporate & Securities Attorney | Former Startup Founder

I help entrepreneurs and businesses ranging from startup through $100M+ annual revenue navigate the legal and strategic complexities of raising capital, mergers and acquisitions, and general corporate matters. With more than three decades of experience and a unique perspective as both a successful corporate attorney and entrepreneur, I provide practical, business-minded legal advice designed to help founders scale with confidence and clarity.

A Lawyer Who Speaks Entrepreneur

Unlike many corporate lawyers, I’ve sat on your side of the table. In 1996, I co-founded a golf equipment and apparel company, where I served as President and General Counsel. I led multiple rounds of private financing, built a national distribution footprint, and ultimately took the company public through an underwritten IPO. That experience reshaped how I approach legal counsel: I understand firsthand the challenges early-stage and growth companies face, especially during high-stakes fundraising and M&A events.
After the IPO, I stepped away from the company in early 2000 to launch my own law practice—focused on helping founders, executives, and investors get deals done efficiently and intelligently. Whether you're negotiating your first term sheet, selling your company, preparing for a growth round or going public, I provide experienced, highly responsive legal support grounded in real-world business experience.

Experience That Delivers Results

• Practicing since 1993 in corporate and securities law
• Named one of only three Corporate and Finance Super Lawyers in the State of Florida (2025)
• Former attorney at Latham & Watkins, where I worked on public offerings, private placements, and major corporate transactions
• Advised companies and investors on hundreds of capital raises, M&A transactions, and public offerings
• Clients across the U.S. and in 15+ countries, from early-stage startups to publicly traded companies
• In 2008, my firm ranked #8 nationally for the number of PIPE (Private Investment in Public Equity) transactions closed as investor counsel

Education & Early Career

I graduated from Brown University in 1988 with a B.A. in Psychology and additional coursework in business management. While at Brown, I was a varsity track athlete and co-founded a co-ed fraternity, which remains active today.

Following Brown, I worked in the Mergers & Acquisitions group at Davis Polk & Wardwell in New York as a corporate legal assistant. That formative experience led me to law school at the University of Miami, where I graduated magna cum laude in 1993, ranked #8 out of 341 in my class. I was an Articles and Comments Editor of the University of Miami Law Review, and was honored as a Dean’s Honor Scholar, Order of the Coif member, and recipient of multiple American Jurisprudence Awards.

Outside the Office

I’ve been married to my wife, Meredith, since 2000, and we’re proud parents to two children, born in 2001 and 2004. I’m actively involved in my community, having coached youth basketball and baseball and volunteered consistently with charitable organizations and at my children's schools.

A lifelong athlete, I’m an avid golfer and traveler, and a passionate wine collector. Whether on the course, in the boardroom, or across the negotiation table, I bring the same focus, discipline, and competitive edge to every client relationship.

If you're an entrepreneur, investor, or business leader looking for a trusted legal advisor who understands both the legal and business sides of the deal, contact me today! Let’s talk about how I can help you build, grow, or exit your business.