Practice areas: Business Litigation, Appellate, Alternative Dispute Resolution; view more
Licensed in New York since: 1985
Education: St. John's University School of Law
James W. Kennedy, a notable partner at Mintz & Gold in New York, brings a remarkable 40-year journey as a trial lawyer, appellate advocate and legal strategist. His career is a tapestry of intricate commercial litigation, weaving through a variety of legal landscapes such as contracts, fiduciary responsibilities, business conflicts, fraud, intellectual property, and the realms of real estate and construction law.
Mr. Kennedy's commanding presence in courtrooms and arbitration venues nationwide has resulted in remarkable legal triumphs, amassing trial verdicts exceeding $200 million while successfully defending claims of equal weight and negotiating settlements in the multimillion-dollar range. His advocacy spans a vibrant array of clients, encompassing thriving businesses, emerging startups and individuals, including those summoned as witnesses in legal investigations.
A graduate of St. John's University School of Law, where he earned his degree cum laude in 1978, Mr. Kennedy was admitted to the New York State Bar Association in 1985 after completing his undergraduate studies at Rider University. His legal prowess is recognized on the national stage, with admissions to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States, the United States District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York, the United States Courts of Appeal for the 2nd, 3rd, 5th and 9th Circuits, and the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
Prior to joining Mintz & Gold, Mr. Kennedy honed his skills at prestigious "Big Law" firms, spending over a decade as a partner in a renowned multinational law firm and about 20 years leading boutique litigation firms he established. His early career was marked by a prestigious role as law secretary to the Honorable Bernard S. Meyer of the New York Court of Appeals.
Beyond his legal practice, Mr. Kennedy dedicates his time to nurturing the community. He serves pro bono as General Counsel to Gina Gibney, Inc., a nonprofit organization in Manhattan that combines dance with community service, and where he also contributed a decade of service as a board member. Moreover, he is a regular guest lecturer on intellectual property issues at Columbia University.
With a balanced approach that is both aggressive and pragmatic, Mr. Kennedy remains steadfast in his commitment to achieving his clients' business objectives, making him a trusted advisor and formidable advocate in the legal community.
Practice areas
Business Litigation, Appellate, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Construction Litigation: Business, Intellectual Property Litigation, Real Estate: BusinessFocus areas
Appeals, Arbitration, Condominiums & Cooperatives, Construction Defects, Landlord/Tenant, Mediation, Mortgage & Refinance, Non-Compete Agreements, Short Sale, Trade Secret
- 40% Business Litigation
- 20% Appellate
- 10% Alternative Dispute Resolution
- 10% Construction Litigation: Business
- 10% Intellectual Property Litigation
- 10% Real Estate: Business
First Admitted: 1985, New York
Professional Webpage: https://mintzandgold.com/attorney/james-w-kennedy/
Bar / Professional Activity
- New York State
- U.S. Court of Appeals, District of Columbia Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit
- U.S. District Court, for the Eastern District of New York
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York
- U.S. Supreme Court
Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)
- Directed Verdict (worth nearly $100 million), following a jury trial held in a California state court, on behalf of a minority investor in a Philippine power plant, 2007
- Together with his then law partner, successfully pierced the corporate veil, following a Bench trial held in the New York Supreme Court, of a closely held corporation who owed a substantial seven-figure debt to a lender, 2022
Transactions
- Negotiated, pro bono, 20-year lease of 35,000 square feet for Gina Gibney Dance, Inc., 2013
Pro bono / Community Service
- Member, Board of Directors of Gina Gibney Dance, Inc. Currently, First Vice Chair, and General Counsel (Pro Bono). Gibney Dance is a not-for-profit organization that promotes dance and cultural arts, while also helping survivors of domestic violence and at-risk youth, 2000
Educational Background
- Rider University, 1984
Scholarly Lectures / Writings
- Intellectual Property Overview, given before candidates for a Masters Degree in Science, at Columbia University, Guest Lecturer, Entrepreneurs, Technology Companies, Consumer Products, Manufacturers, 1902
Industry Groups
- Commercial Landlords
- Commercial Real Estate Developers
- Commercial Tenants
- Consumer Products
- Entrepreneurs
- Individuals
- Large And Small Businesses
- Manufacturers
- Technology Companies
Office location for James W. Kennedy
600 Third Avenue
25th Floor
New York, NY 10016
Phone: 646-859-6176
Selections
- Super Lawyers: 2014 - 2026