James Michael Mulcahy

James Mulcahy, a Certified Specialist in Franchise and Distribution Law for the State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization, and named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyers magazine (through a peer-selection process), represents clients in a wide variety of counseling and litigation settings.

Accomplishments

·    Nationally recognized authority on franchise and  distribution law and antitrust and trade regulation litigation

·    Former General Counsel of American Suzuki Motor Corporation

·     AV® Preeminent™ 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell Lawyer Directory 

With more than 30 years of experience, Jim Mulcahy, founder and managing partner of Mulcahy LLP, is one of the leading authorities in California on franchise and distribution law. Jim is widely recognized for his ability to assist corporations in structuring solid franchise and distribution business solutions and in identifying potential conflicts before they arise. His experience includes litigating, trying, and arbitrating hundreds of matters involving disputes between franchisors/suppliers and franchisees/dealers, franchise disclosure and relationship statutes, antitrust and trade regulation, unfair competition issues, dealer and distribution programs, vertical marketing issues, claims of trademark and copyright infringement, allegations of tortious business conduct, and a myriad of contractual and other business disputes.

Jim has taken over 60 cases to trial, and he brings the seasoned perspective of a former general counsel, having served in that capacity for American Suzuki Motor Corporation for over four years. He began his legal career at Chicago-based Wildman Harrold, Allen & Dixon, where he was a partner for nine years before joining American Suzuki. Jim has served as a faculty member at the National Institute for Trial Advocacy and for the College of Trial Advocacy.

Professional highlights:

·    Member (2005–2007), the Franchise Law Consulting Group and the Franchise & Distribution Law Advisory Commission, State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. Jim was one of seven attorneys charged with writing the exam and establishing the necessary qualifications for attorneys to become certified specialists in franchise and distribution law – a new certified specialty practice in California.

·    Co-Chair of the Franchise Law Committee of the California State Bar (2005-2006).

·    President of Los Angeles and Orange County chapter of the International Network of Boutique Law Firms (2009-present). The INBLF is an organization of the most highly credentialed and preeminent single-discipline law firms throughout the United States and some of the world’s most prominent full-service law firms in foreign nations.

·    Graduate of University of Arizona (Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, Juris Doctorate, Phi Beta Kappa). Jim received his law degree in 1978 from the University of Arizona College of Law where he served as Chairman of the Fegtley Moot Court Program.

·    Bar and Court Admissions: Illinois (1979), Northern District of Illinois; California (2001), U.S. District Court, Central, Southern, and Eastern Districts; U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth, Seventh, and Ninth Circuits; U.S. Supreme Court.

·    Frequent author and speaker on franchise, distribution, and competition issues for, among others, the California State Bar, the International Franchise Association, and the American Bar Association Antitrust Section.

·    Memberships:  American Bar Association (Forum on Franchising; Section of Antitrust Law (Antitrust Law Committees: Distribution & Franchising, Economics, Intellectual Property, Pricing Conduct); Section of Intellectual Property Law; Section of Litigation); California State Bar Association (Section of Antitrust and Unfair Competition); Los Angeles County Bar Association (Section of Antitrust and Unfair Business Practices); Orange County Bar Association (Section of Business Litigation); Federal Bar Association (Orange County Chapter); National Panel of Arbitrators; the National Futures Association; the National Association of Securities Dealers; Association of Business Trial Lawyers (Orange County Chapter); International Trademark Association.