James P. Gerkis is a partner in the Corporate Department with extensive experience in sophisticated U.S. and global corporate transactions, including mergers & acquisitions, restructuring transactions, capital markets, venture capital, media and real estate. He has represented a wide variety of financial institutions, Fortune 500 companies and growth companies. James focuses on matters for clients in various industries, including technology, media, health care and real estate.
Among other clients, James has represented Morgan Stanley, Redfin Corporation, BlackRock, Health Catalyst Capital, KKR Credit Advisors, AB Private Credit, the Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico, Central Park Group, Professional Triathlete Organisation, Beach Point Capital, iHeartMedia, Preferred Apartment Communities, Financial Guaranty Insurance Company, Oxford Analytica and Olshan Properties.
James received his law degree from Columbia University School of Law in 1983, where he was a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar and a Teaching Fellow. He did his undergraduate work at Columbia College, where (having been admitted without finishing high school) he received a BA degree in Political Science in 1980.
James has made presentations at numerous industry and bar association conferences and has authored many articles on different legal topics.
James is the President of the Columbia University Club of New York and is active in other Columbia University alumni affairs. James previously received the Columbia University Alumni Medal for Distinguished Service.
James also is on the Board of Directors of HABA-Hellenic American Association for Professionals in Finance. James previously received the Attorney of the Year Award from The Hellenic Lawyers Association.
Education
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Columbia Law School, J.D.
Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar
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Columbia University, B.A.
Admissions & Qualifications
- New York
Memberships
American Bar Association
Section on Administrative Law and Regulatory Practice: Council Member; Co-Chair of Securities, Commodities and Exchange Committee; Vice-Chair of Homeland Security Committee
Past Liaison Member of the ABA Task Force on Financial Markets Regulatory Reform
Columbia University Club of New York (President)
Columbia College Fund Development Council (Member and former Co-Chair)
Columbia College Alumni Association (Board of Directors and former member of Executive Committee)
Awards & Recognition
New York Super Lawyers 2015-2020
Hellenic Lawyers Association Attorney of the Year 2017