Biography
James E. Abbott is a partner and the Co-Head of the Mergers & Acquisitions practice at Seward & Kissel.
Jim has practiced law since 1984. He joined Seward & Kissel as a partner in 2007.
Jim represents public and private companies, private investment funds, investment management firms, financial institutions, business owners and managers in connection with a variety of business transactions, financings and general corporate matters. Representative transactions include mergers and acquisitions, private equity, debt and venture capital transactions, seed capital arrangements, joint ventures, strategic alliances, PIPEs and other public and private securities offerings.
In 2019, The M&A Advisor recognized Jim with its 2019 Leadership Award and inducted him into its Hall of Fame. In 2018, The National Law Journal recognized Jim as an M&A Trailblazer, among only 27 attorneys nationally who it determined were “movers and shakers in the legal industry who have made an impact in their sector through new types of strategies or innovative matters.” In ranking Seward & Kissel’s Mergers & Acquisitions practice as Highly Regarded for Corporate/M&A, Chambers USA ranked Jim Abbott a Leading Individual and reported that “clients are full of praise” for Jim, “saying that he always puts client satisfaction as a primary objective, brings a lot of experience to deals, and can explain legal items in everyday business terms.” In recommending the Seward & Kissel Mergers & Acquisitions practice among the firms ranked in the middle market M&A category, The Legal 500 ranked Jim in its “Hall of Fame” category and reported that “Co-business transactions group leader Jim Abbott is very helpful with the overall strategic advice and guidance he provides. Jim gets actively engaged in the entire process, providing superior service, and not only is he personable and affable, but he can subtly drive a very hard bargain.” Jim is among the corporate lawyers recognized by New York Super Lawyers and is ranked AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 by Martindale-Hubbell. Jim is also ranked as a Notable Practitioner by IFLR1000.
Capabilities
Areas of Focus
Credentials
Education
New York University School of Law
- J.D., 1984
Colgate University
- B.A., 1981
- magna cum laude
Bar Admissions
- New York
Recognitions
- Recognized by Chambers USA: Corporate / M&A
- Highly Ranked by The Legal 500 U.S.: M&A/corporate and commercial middle-market
Areas of Focus
Credentials
Education
New York University School of Law
- J.D., 1984
Colgate University
- B.A., 1981
- magna cum laude
Bar Admissions
- New York
Recognitions
- Recognized by Chambers USA: Corporate / M&A
- Highly Ranked by The Legal 500 U.S.: M&A/corporate and commercial middle-market
