James M. Sander

Biography

Jim Sander wears many hats for his clients, including counselor, dealmaker, business advisor, representative, and defender. As a former senior executive, chief legal officer and corporate secretary at three publicly traded companies, Jim understands the business side of the law firm/client relationship, which influences his approach to client service. Jim’s practice, built on a broad foundation of experience developed as inside and outside counsel, is client focused to provide businesses practical legal advice and help clients further their business strategies and goals, while minimizing risk. Clients rely on Jim to “get things done,” ranging from corporate transactions and governance; commercial transactions such as product innovation and development, manufacturing, distribution, supply, franchise and licensing agreements; to navigating regulatory compliance, dealing with state attorneys general or federal agencies, including the FDA. Jim has worked extensively in the area of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, including the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) as well as compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs), and participates in the Natural Foods and Dietary Supplement Industry associations, including the Supplement Safety Compliance Initiative (SSCI). Clients facing a business dispute or potential litigation have the benefit of a skilled lawyer with a business background who will develop creative and cost-effective strategies, all with an eye toward helping his clients protect and grow their business interests. At the core of Jim’s practice is his belief that people and relationships matter, and there is no greater joy for him than helping his clients develop strategies, use their business leverage and navigate to a successful business deal, better terms, or through difficult situations.

Representative Experience

  • Led two companies through IPOs as well as various corporate and commercial transactions and financing with public and private debt
  • Former senior executive, chief legal officer and corporate secretary at three publicly-traded companies
  • Developed corporate governance, regulatory and ongoing compliance programs, attended and advised on board and committee matters, prepared audit, nomination and governance and compensation committee charters and procedures and assisted with board and committee formation, membership, and onboarding
  • Prepared employment and D&O indemnification agreements, handled board and executive compensation, and stock based incentive compensation plans and administration, including Section 16 transaction reporting
  • Handled annual disclosure process, D&O questionnaires, disclosure committee, proxy statement, and was member of the Executive and Strategic Planning Committees

Licensed In

  • Pennsylvania

Education

  • J.D. Duquesne University Kline School of Law
  • B.A. Grove City College

Memberships

  • Pennsylvania Bar Association
  • Ombudsman with Pennsylvania re: Long Term Care Residents

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