JAMES M. MULCAHY

jmulcahy@mulcahyreeves.com
949.252.9377

• Founder and Partner, MulcahyReeves LLP
• Nationally recognized authority on franchise and distribution law and litigation
• Former General Counsel of American Suzuki Motor Corporation

With more than 20 years of experience, Jim Mulcahy is one of the leading authorities in California on franchise and distribution law. Jim is widely recognized for his ability to assist corporations in structuring solid franchise and distribution business solutions and in identifying potential conflicts before they arise. His experience includes litigating, trying, and arbitrating hundreds of matters involving disputes between franchisors/suppliers and franchisees/dealers, franchise disclosure and relationship statutes, claims of securities fraud, antitrust and trade regulation, unfair competition issues, dealer and distribution programs, vertical marketing issues, claims of trademark and copyright infringement, allegations of tortious business conduct, and a myriad of contractual and other business disputes.

Jim has taken over 40 cases to trial, and he brings the seasoned perspective of a former general counsel, having served in that capacity for American Suzuki Motor Corporation for over four years. He began his legal career at Chicago-based Wildman Harrold, Allen & Dixon, where he was a partner for nine years before joining American Suzuki.

Professional highlights:

• Member, Franchise Law Consulting Group, and Franchise & Distribution Law Advisory Commission, State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. He is one of seven attorneys charged with writing the exam and establishing the necessary qualifications for attorneys to become certified specialists in franchise and distribution law — a new certified specialty practice in California.
• Jim is a contributing author to the recent publication of the ABA Section of Antitrust Law, Antitrust Law and Economics of Product Distribution (2006).
• In 2005–2006, Jim served as Co-Chair of the Franchise Law Committee of the California State Bar.
• Jim is a contributing author to the soon-to-be published State Bar of California book, California Franchise and Distribution Law and Practice Handbook. Jim’s chapters are on:
• California State Antitrust Law Issues
• How to Handle Enforcement Actions with the California Department of Corporations
• Jim’s recent speaking engagements include:
• 2007 California State Bar Educational Institute: Federal and State Laws on Franchising
• 2006 International Franchise Association Legal Symposium
• 2006 presentation on New Franchise Legislation for the California State Bar Annual Meeting
• Jim has served as a faculty member at the National Institute for Trial Advocacy and for the College of Trial Advocacy

Jim is an active member of the National Panel of Arbitrators, the National Futures Association, the National Association of Securities Dealers, and the American Bar Association (Franchise Forum, Antitrust, Intellectual Property, Litigation, and Business law sections).

A graduate of University of Arizona (Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, Phi Beta Kappa), Jim received his law degree in 1978 from the University of Arizona College of Law where he served as Chairman of the Fegtley Moot Court Program.

Admitted: 1979, Illinois; 2001, California; U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois, including Trial Bar; U.S. District Court, Central, Southern, and Eastern Districts of California; U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth, Seventh, and Ninth Circuits; U.S. Supreme Court.