James Smith

James Smith is a seasoned attorney with a diverse background and a track record of delivering exceptional value to his clients. With extensive experience in law, finance, business, entrepreneurship, and sales, James is a strategic asset for individuals and organizations seeking legal representation in complex matters. Hailing from Cincinnati, Ohio, with deep-rooted connections to Alabama and Mississippi, tracing his heritage to Cameroon, he's a dedicated father to four children: Maya (23), James (22), Morgan (8), and Emmitt (7). In his diverse ideological spectrum, James identifies as a Pan Africanist, Humanist, Social Progressive, and Fiscal Realist. His passions encompass leadership, economic justice, law, policy, and the sport of boxing.

Education: James earned his Juris Doctorate degree from Harvard Law School in 2014, following the successful completion of a Masters in Accounting from Ohio State University in 2011. He began his academic journey at Howard University, where he graduated as Salutatorian with a Bachelor's degree in Finance in 1998.

Professional Expertise: James has twenty-five years of professional experience. His legal career spans over eight years, during which he has honed his skills and expertise. He has a deep understanding of tax law, planning, mergers and acquisitions, negotiations, and equity. His experience at Procter & Gamble, where he served as a tax attorney, included responsibilities such as preparing and reviewing corporate filings, providing strategic planning support, and analyzing financial data for dividends and legal entity reductions.

Business Acumen: What sets James apart is his keen business acumen, which he has developed through a career that includes roles in investments, corporate finance, sales, financial advisory, and entrepreneurship. He has a proven ability to add value to C-Suite executives and boards, thanks to his unique perspective gained from working across various sectors, including law, finance, and nonprofit organizations.

Exceptional Skills: James possesses exceptional organizational, writing, and communication skills. His ability to manage complex workloads with self-discipline and attention to detail has been a hallmark of his career. As an entrepreneur, he refined his organizational methods, enabling him to access records spanning decades. He has authored technical financial write-ups, legal documents, and business plans, showcasing his proficiency in various forms of written communication.

Research and Teaching Interests: James's interests extend beyond his professional life. He is deeply passionate about exploring the intersectionality of law, policy, economic theory, racism, and culture. His research and teaching interests revolve around legal, capital markets, and African Diasporic Governance perspectives, covering topics such as investment policy, global tax regimes, human rights, governance structures, and corporate purpose.

Community Involvement: Outside of his professional pursuits, James is an active participant in community initiatives. He has served on the board of Seven Hills Neighborhood Houses, a social services center in Cincinnati, led an Adopt a Class team, a nonprofit organization supporting economically challenged students. Currently, he supports The Heights Movement, a non-profit organization based in Lincoln Heights, Ohio, sits on the board of the Cincinnati Harvard Alumni Association, and is the President of the Cincinnati Harvard Black Alumni Association.

Admissions: James is admitted to the Ohio State Bar since 2015 and holds CPA eligibility in Ohio since 2011.

James Smith's unique combination of legal expertise, financial acumen, and business insight makes him an invaluable asset to his clients. His commitment to delivering value and his dedication to community involvement reflect his well-rounded approach to life and law.