Vedder is an international business-focused law firm serving sophisticated clients of all sizes and industries from offices across the U.S. and in the UK and Asia.

A Business Focused Law Firm With a Global Reach | Vedder

General

James Morrissey serves as outside general counsel to banks, thrifts and other financial services companies throughout the Midwest and nationally, providing practical advice on mergers and acquisitions, capital raising transactions, corporate governance and regulatory compliance matters.

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Jim has successfully represented both public and private banks in numerous bank acquisitions, asset sales and IPOs, including complex sale transactions involving nontraditional acquirers.

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With respect to corporate transactions, Jim focuses on identifying and negotiating key issues that enable clients to complete deals aligned with their strategic goals. In regulatory matters, he effectively interacts with clients and government agencies to achieve desired outcomes, often de-escalating tense regulatory discussions through practical collaboration.

Jim focuses on cost-effective game plans, including parallel paths when appropriate, to help his clients achieve their business goals. In regulatory matters, he negotiates efficiently with government agencies to achieve the desired result. His 15 years serving on the board of directors of a community bank has given him valuable insight into director responsibilities and perspectives on both corporate opportunities and regulatory compliance matters.

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Represented a publicly traded bank in numerous bank acquisitions that have positioned the client as a market leader in its primary banking markets.

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Represented a privately held nonbank financial services company in its acquisition of a bank and its resulting designation as a financial holding company engaged in both banking and nonbank financial services activities.

Represented a publicly traded bank in its strategic acquisition of a target institution, resulting in a significant expansion of the client's presence in a key market.

Represented a bank in a $53 million Initial Public Offering of common stock and conversion transaction.

Assisted a bank in negotiating and completing a complex asset sale to a nontraditional acquirer.

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Chicago

James W. Morrissey to Present at Midwest Bank Leaders Conference

46 Vedder Price Attorneys Recognized in 2024 Best Lawyers® in America

77 Vedder Price Attorneys Recognized in 2025 Best Lawyers® in America

James W. Morrissey

James W. Morrissey

Credentials

Education

Bar Admissions

Affiliations

Recognition

Insights & Events

76 Vedder Price Attorneys Recognized in 2026 Best Lawyers® in America

The GENIUS Act: Stablecoin Regulation Enters the Federal Framework

OCC Ends Use of Disparate Impact in Fair Lending Supervision

Shareholders James W. Morrissey and Mark C. Svalina Speak at the 2025 Illinois Bankers Association Annual Conference

James Morrissey and Nicholas Zlevor Author Article for Law360

An Offer You Can’t Refuse: The FTC’s New “Click-to-Cancel” Rule

Vedder Price Represents Bancorp Financial, Inc. in Merger with Old Second Bancorp, Inc.

An Offer You Can’t Refuse: The FTC’s New “Click-to-Cancel” Rule

James W. Morrissey

Credentials

Education

Bar Admissions

Affiliations

Recognition

Insights & Events

76 Vedder Price Attorneys Recognized in 2026 Best Lawyers® in America

The GENIUS Act: Stablecoin Regulation Enters the Federal Framework

OCC Ends Use of Disparate Impact in Fair Lending Supervision

Shareholders James W. Morrissey and Mark C. Svalina Speak at the 2025 Illinois Bankers Association Annual Conference

James Morrissey and Nicholas Zlevor Author Article for Law360

An Offer You Can’t Refuse: The FTC’s New “Click-to-Cancel” Rule

Vedder Price Represents Bancorp Financial, Inc. in Merger with Old Second Bancorp, Inc.

An Offer You Can’t Refuse: The FTC’s New “Click-to-Cancel” Rule

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