JIM DUCAYET is a co-head of the firm’s Securities and Shareholder Litigation practice. He regularly advises public and private companies, corporate boards, investors, and directors and officers in high-stakes litigation, corporate governance and disclosure matters, as well as government and internal investigations.
Jim is a versatile and seasoned litigator with a particular focus on corporate and securities litigation, D&O and derivative litigation, complex bankruptcy, and financial litigation. He has tried numerous cases involving commercial disputes, regulatory, and bankruptcy matters, and has appeared in federal and state trial and appellate courts across the country. Jim has also handled a range of regulatory investigations, including investigations by the SEC and DOJ.
Jim’s work has earned him recognition from clients, peers, and in leading legal industry publications. Every year since 2019, Chambers USA has ranked Jim in Band 1 of the Litigation: Securities – Illinois category, saying he is described by clients as “a pragmatic, experienced and strategic litigator who is a pleasure to work with and incredibly responsive” (2024). The Legal 500 says clients describe Jim as an “all-round great litigator” who “ensures all pieces of a defense strategy fit together” (2014–2017). Jim has twice been named as a runner up as “Litigator of the Week” in the American Lawyer’s Litigation Daily.
Jim is an Adjunct Professor of Law at Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, where he teaches M&A and Shareholder Litigation. Jim is also actively involved in the firm’s pro bono activities.