James A. Martone

James A. Martone is a member of Dickinson Wright, where he counsels and advises businesses, ranging from Fortune 500 to nascent start-ups, across various industries, including without limitation automotive, cannabis, real estate, freight/logistics, e-bicycles, construction, medical, entertainment and more regarding day-to-day business and operational needs as well as resolution for complex legal challenges.

Corporate Counsel

Having real-world business background and experience, James counsels his business clients on the full panoply of legal, business, and other matters that businesses, large or small, encounter. Whether it is “bet-the-business” legal challenges or more routine business and operational needs, James is able to provide practical, and efficient legal representation. James has significant experience serving as outside general counsel, and routinely advises on and provides services for a wide range of matters typically faced by businesses, such as employment matters; corporate formation and governance; contract drafting and negotiation; business sales and acquisitions; real estate issues; regulatory compliance; intellectual property management, protection, and licensing; and liability deterrence.

Commercial Litigation

For over a decade James has been an integral part of the firm’s commercial litigation group. James’ practice focuses on a broad range of commercial litigation services and he has been annually recognized for the quality of that practice as a Michigan Top Lawyer as well as a Michigan Super Lawyers “Rising Star.” James has successfully represented business and individuals alike in trade secret and IP and trade-secret litigation, cannabis litigation, business tort disputes, commercial and residential foreclosures, shareholder and closed corporate disputes, landlord/tenant matters, education law litigation, domestic and international arbitrations, commercial and residential construction disputes and municipal/governmental litigation. James routinely handles both trial and appellate matters, requiring him to appear in courts throughout the entire state of Michigan, at both the State and Federal level.

General Background

Before joining Dickinson Wright, James graduated summa cum laude from Wayne State University Law School and was a Dean’s Scholar and member of the Order of the Coif. While in law school, James participated in the school’s dual degree program by attending Wayne State University’s Business School. Additionally, James was an associate editor of the Wayne Law Review, earned numerous awards for his academic merit, and was selected for publication for his Note in the Wayne Law Review.  During his second year of law school, James clerked for the United States Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Michigan in the General Crimes Unit.

As an undergraduate at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, University of Michigan, James studied public policy with a concentration in economic stimulus programs for urban revitalization. James was also a four-time varsity lettermen on the University’s Swim and Dive Team and earned All-Big Ten and All-American honors for his academic and athletic success. James was invited to compete in the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials and was named team Captain in 2009 where he led the University’s team to its 34th Big Ten Championship title.