James focuses his practice on corporate transactions and has extensive experience providing counsel for complex commercial transactions, mergers and acquisitions, securities, executive compensation, entertainment and advertising law, telecommunications, and risk management/insurance policies.
Prior to joining Husch Blackwell in 2011, James served as a Partner at a private practice in the St. Louis area.
James also served as Associate General Counsel for Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc., where he led several acquisitions, served as lead attorney for the negotiation of entertainment and advertising matters, and advised senior management on various complex commercial matters, including multi-billion dollar packaging supply agreements. While at Anheuser-Busch, James was part of the legal team that structured the $52 billion acquisition of Anheuser-Busch by InBev.
Awards & Recognitions
· Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers, Rising Star, Mergers & Acquisitions, 2008
Professional Associations & Memberships
· Association of Corporate Counsel
· The Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis
· The Missouri Bar
Experience
· Prepared numerous multi-million and multi-billion dollar aluminum can supply agreements and agreements to sell recycled aluminum to aluminum producers
· Devised the governance agreement for a purchasing consortium designed to deliver millions of dollars in cost savings to its Fortune 500 members
· Developed a form of distribution agreement to manage product distribution through a nationwide system of over 700 independent wholesalers
· Negotiated the acquisition of a multi-million dollar equity interest in a European bottled water producer and structured the associated import and distribution relationship
· Managed the legal aspects of relationships with advertising agencies and media buyers for an advertising budget over $1 billion and developed forms to be used by media buyers for on-line advertising purchases
· Oversaw all legal aspects of the start-up of an entertainment-on-demand website, including procuring all programming and talent
News & Publications
News
2.3.11, James Mathis Joins Husch Blackwell
Events
1.23.12, Maximizing the Value of the Brand/Agency Relationship Through Effective Negotiation of Contract Terms
New York, NY
Speaking Engagement