Biography

Jim works with firm leadership to manage all aspects of the firm’s operations, with the goal of achieving operational excellence, enhancing client service, and supporting professional staff development and engagement. Jim plays a critical role in leading the implementation of the firm’s strategic plan and overseeing the senior leadership team.

Jim has significant experience as a member of the C-Suite at several prominent international law firms over the past two decades. In these roles, he primarily has focused on client service, client relationships, and business development, all crucial elements of driving success at Verrill today.

Jim was Founder and President of The Law Firm Development Group, Inc., where he provided over 100 law firms with strategic planning advice, and training in the areas of leadership, client service and client development. Most importantly, perhaps, Jim has conducted over 250 in-person client interviews to determine client satisfaction and perceived value.

Prior to his career in law firm management, Jim was a practicing lawyer, VP of Marketing and General Counsel of Senior Tour Players, Inc., and Senior VP of Sponsorship and Affiliate Relations at Major League Baseball Advanced Media.

Jim is the author of several books, including The Essential Little Book of Service Excellence, The Law Firm Marketer’s Guide to Survival, and The Essential Little Book of Great Lawyering. He is also the co-editor and contributing author to The Lawyer’s Guide to Marketing Your Practice (published by the American Bar Association). Jim has been a frequent speaker at both national and international conferences on a wide range of topics, including the importance of innovation for law firms – particularly innovation that improves the client experience. Jim also has completed Advanced Leadership Programs at The Harvard Law School and the Kellogg School of Management.

Education

  • Emory University School of Law  (J.D.)
  • Harvard College  (B.A., cum laude)

Honors

  • Hall of Fame, Legal Marketing Association
  • Fellow, College of Law Practice Management

Firm Highlights

Publication/Podcast

U.S. Tax Considerations When Buying Property Abroad with Ruth Mattson

Verrill partner Ruth Mattson was recently featured on The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel 's podcast series Trust and Estate Talk . In this podcast, U.S. Tax Considerations When Buying Property Abroad...

Matter

Advised Fortune 500 Company on Group Health and Welfare Benefit Plans

We were engaged by a Fortune 500 manufacturing company to provide legal and compliance services regarding its group health and welfare benefit plans. During the course of our representation, we have advised the company...

Blog

New Options for Retirement Plan Distributions Under SECURE 2.0

This post summarizes the new distribution options, including penalty-free withdrawals, applicable to defined contribution plans under the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 (“SECURE 2.0”) and provides a timeline of their effective dates. The new...

Event

Virtual Lunch & Learn: Human Resources in Small Business/Startups

Verrill associate Emily Waddell will be presenting at PROPEL 's Virtual Lunch & Learn: Human Resources in Small Business/Startups. In addition to presenters sharing their expertise, this session covers various Human Resource topics including...

Blog

GLORY, GLORY, HALLELUJAH!

Remember that old parody of the Battle Hymn of the Republic we used to sing before there was an Internet? There are apparently many versions, but they all generally involve children inflicting various types...

Matter

Elections and Constitutional Law: Successfully Challenged Certification of Initiative Petition

In a victory for consumers and the ride-hailing public, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court recently barred the Secretary of State from placing on the November ballot initiative petitions proposed by companies such as Uber...

News

Verrill Welcomes Partner Andrew M. Walsh to Firm’s Business Law Group

Blog

Tesla’s Cybertruck Raffle

On May 11, 2023, @BabyTesla3 sent out a Tweet: NEW: Tesla has revamped the Referral program and introduced a new loyalty program! Here’s what you need to know • S/X: 3,500 credits (referrer) &bull...

News

Jim Cohen Discusses “No Blank Checks” Citizen Initiative Before Maine Legislative Committee

Verrill Partner Jim Cohen was recently quoted in a Spectrum News article " Maine Ballot Initiative To Require Voter Approval For $1B Borrowing Gets Broad Support.” Maine LD 1772 is a citizen-initiated ballot question...

Publication/Podcast

State Trademark Registration

The United States has two levels of trademark registration: state and federal. A state trademark registration is issued by a state office and protects a trademark only in that state, whereas a federal trademark...

Contact Verrill at (855) 307 0700