Jim Martin represents clients in all aspects of their business matters. He works hand-in-hand with business owners, banking and financial institutions, and members and shareholders, among other clients, to learn their business needs, and helps address legal issues that arise throughout the lifetime of their business. Ultimately, Jim’s goal is to help clients develop legal strategies that are a best fit for their unique business needs, including litigation when necessary.
Jim concentrates his practice in the area of bankruptcy and financial restructuring, with an emphasis on business divorces and financial and fiduciary matters, including:
- Business divorces and related shareholder/member disputes and derivative claims
- Contract disputes and business torts
- Officer/director liability
- Uniform Commercial Code litigation
- Advising in-house counsel and corporate management
- Trial and appellate work
Jim’s background is notable for his proficiency in speaking German, as well as his diverse educational pursuits which have included studies at the Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg in Heidelberg, Germany.
Education
- University of Iowa (J.D., 1998)
- with distinction; Iowa Law Review, Note and Comment Editor
- Buena Vista College (B.A., summa cum laude, 1995)
- Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
Bar Admission
- Missouri, 1998
- Illinois, 1999
Court Admissions
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit, 2014
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Missouri, 1998
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Illinois, 2006
- U.S. District Court, Central District of Illinois, 2002
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Indiana, 2004
Professional Affiliations
- The Missouri Bar
- Illinois State Bar Association
- Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis
- German American Heritage Society of Saint Louis
- President
- German School Association of Greater St. Louis, Missouri
- President
- Buena Vista University, President’s Advisory Council, 2016 – 2019
- Missouri Organization of Defense Lawyers
- Board of Directors
- St. Louis Blues Australian Rules Football Club
- President, 2001-2011
- United States Australian Football League
- Hall of Fame, 2022
- Life Member, 2012, recognizing excellent service to Australian Rules Football in the United States.
- Vice President – Central Region, 2001-2011
- Washington University Wrestling Club
- Volunteer Coach, 2013-15
- Tiger Training Center Wrestling Club
- Freestyle and Greco-Roman Volunteer Coach
- St. Francis Xavier (College) Church
- Parishioner
Recognition
- Friedrich Hecker Freedom Award, presented by the German American Heritage Society of Saint Louis, (GAHS), 2024
- Selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers in America® for Commercial Litigation, 2020-2026
- Selected for inclusion in Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers, 2013-2019
- Selected for inclusion in Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers, Rising Stars, 2012
- Former Attorney, Board of Zoning Adjustment, City of Kirkwood, Missouri
- Stemmler-Hecker Founder Award, presented by the German American Heritage Society of Saint Louis (GAHS), 2013
- Listed on the “Non-exhaustive list of German-speaking lawyers in the Midwest” by the German Consulate General Chicago
