Professional Biography
Image of James Cruger

James (Jim) Cruger Partner

  • Chicago

    D +1.312.324.8657

    F +1.312.346.2067

    Chicago

    110 North Wacker Drive, 34th Floor

    Chicago, IL 60606

    +1.312.324.8657

    JCruger@perkinscoie.com

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Overview

Ranked by Chambers USA as a "Leading Corporate M&A: Private Equity Lawyer," Jim Cruger, head of the Chicago Private Equity Group, concentrates his practice in the areas of mergers, acquisitions, formation of private investment vehicles and joint ventures. Jim has represented numerous private equity funds and public companies in transactions during his 30-year career. Fund representation has included Blue Point Capital Partners, Brentwood Associates, Code Hennessy & Simmons, Explore Holdings, High Street Capital, Hilco Equity Partners, Huron Capital Partners, LaSalle Capital, Main Post Partners, Prospect Partners, Riverlake Equity Partners, SPO Partners and Wynnchurch Capital. Public company representation has included Deutsche Post DHL, Leggett & Platt, Voyager Learning Company and Strategic Hotel Capital (NYSE).

Ranked by Chambers USA 13 Years in a Row

Corporate M&A: Private Equity 

Professional Recognition

  • Listed in Thomson Reuters “Stand-out Lawyers,” 2024
  • Ranked by Chambers USA as "America's Leading Lawyer" for Corporate M&A: Private Equity, 2011 – 2023
  • Listed in Best Lawyers in America: Venture Capital Law, 2008 – 2023
  • Listed in Illinois "Leading Lawyers"
  • Listed in Illinois Law & Politics, "Super Lawyers", 2006, 2010 – 2011

*The Supreme Court of Illinois does not recognize certifications of specialties in the practice of law and no certificate, award or recognition is a requirement to practice law in Illinois.

Professional Leadership

  • Chicago Bar Association
  • American Bar Association

Experience

News

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RELATED INFORMATION

Bar and Court Admissions

  • Illinois

Education

  • Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, J.D., cum laude, 1986
  • Loras College, B.A., cum laude, 1983