Spencer Fane LLP is pleased to announce James A. Ullman joined the firm’s Phoenix office as an of counsel attorney in the Corporate and Business Transactions practice group.
Jim draws on more than 35 years of industry experience to counsel franchisors and franchisees in a wide variety of transactions and franchise-specific processes. His diverse clientele comprises everything from startups to national and multinational corporations to major financial institutions, including private equity and venture capital groups. He boasts extensive experience serving as in-house counsel to an international transportation company and special counsel to multiple law firms, in which he navigated all federal and state franchise laws and franchise-related mergers and acquisitions.
“Jim brings one of the most comprehensive and wide-ranging portfolios of experience in franchise law to our firm,” said David Funkhouser, Office Managing Partner for Spencer Fane in Phoenix. “He has banked decades of unique industry insight which will undoubtedly support this sector of our Corporate and Business Transactions team as well as many useful legal tools for broader applications. We are thrilled to welcome him in Phoenix.”
Jim complements his comprehensive franchise practice with intellectual property legal services. He aids in the branding and protection of products and services, including trademark clearance and prosecution at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, maintenance and policing of trademarks, and other brand protection activities. He also guides clients through copyright protection and frequently reviews operational manuals to ensure an accurate reflection of licensed businesses.
After earning his bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, Jim earned his Juris Doctor at the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law. Heavily involved in numerous legal, educational, and community-oriented initiatives, Jim has been recognized by several publications and boards for achieving exceptional legal outcomes as well as effective client and community service.
