Jim Chester

I am a technology and business attorney who solves legal challenges for innovation-based entrepreneurs and dynamic companies.

At my core, I’m an entrepreneur. I just happen to fulfill my entrepreneurialism as an attorney who loves working with businesses, especially innovative technology companies.

These companies create amazing products and services. However, the owners may lack the experience or dedicated resources to adequately resolve legal issues. Crucially, they may not realize how strategic legal structure, advice and risk comprehension will eliminate future issues and accelerate growth.

I’m a partner with a business-infused legal mind who likes to solve problems. Who thrives amid the “chaotic awesomeness” of a growing company. Who provides rational confidence to the business owner so informed decisions can be made to allow the business to boldly move forward.

My experience spans more than twenty years of business law (business formation, governance, business & technology transactions), intellectual property (IP) registration and enforcement, licensing agreements, ecommerce, international business transactions, import/export regulatory compliance and trade agreements.

I am also a recognized authority in assisting client who are buying and selling technology businesses, global technology transactions, and providing strategic legal counsel for innovators and industry disruptors.

Since 2001, I have served as an adjunct professor of law at Baylor Law School Law, the University of Dallas, and Texas A&M – Commerce. Starting in 2019, I began teaching Entrepreneurial Law at SMU’s Cox School of Business. I have also published one legal textbook: “Chester’s Guide to International Business Law” and am author or co-author of numerous articles and chapters published in several industry books.

Like my clients, I am also an entrepreneur. I am founder or co-founder of multiple companies, including current ventures: ENGAGE (a co-working space for attorneys), CASES, LLC (providing registered agent services), and OWL Suites (online office space platform similar to Air BnB). I also invented a grilling spice blend sold online (www.penderys.com) and at retail stores, and a salsa recipe that garnered 3rdPlace in the State of Texas.

PRACTICE AREAS

• Internet and eCommerce
• Software and Copyrights
• Corporate & Commercial
• Trademarks
• Technology & Data
• International Business

Education

• J.D. South Texas College of Law Houston (1994 — 1997)
• B.S. (High Honors) Texas A&M University-Commerce (1990 — 1994)
• High School (College Prep Track) Sulphur Springs High (1986 — 1990)

Companies

• Founder VENTAC (2020)
• Adjunct Professor | Entrepreneurial Law & Business Law SMU Cox School of Business (2019)
• Partner | Global Business and Technology Lawyer Klemchuk LLP (2018)
• Adjunct Law Professor | Business Law, International Trade Law, International Business Transactions Baylor University (2001 — 2021)
• Founder/CEO | Law Office Workspace Sharing Platform OWL Suites (2017 — 2020)
• Founder/Managing Attorney | Corporate Lawyer, Business Law, International Law, Software Attorney Chester PLLC (2003 — 2018)
• Law Associate | International Law, Import-Export Compliance, Trade Regulations Braumiller & Rodriguez, LLC (1998 — 2003)

HONORS

• Alumni Ambassador, College of Business, Texas A&M University – Commerce (2018)
• “Attorney of the Month”, ATTORNEY AT LAW MAGAZINE, August 2015
• Fellow, Dallas Bar Foundation, 2010 – Present
• “Best Lawyers in Dallas,” D Magazine, 2014
• “Rising Stars Under 40,” by Law & Politics Magazine published in Texas Monthly and Texas Rising Stars Magazines, a Thomson Reuters service, 2008, 2009, 2011
• “Super Lawyer,” by Law & Politics Magazine published in Texas Monthly and Texas Super Lawyers Magazines, a Thomson Reuters service, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
• Featured, “2013 Top Rated Lawyer in International Law and Trade,” THE ASIAN LAWYER and FOCUS EUROPE magazines, Summer 2013
• “AV® Preeminent” Peer Review Rating by Martindale Hubbell®
• Perfect 10.0 Rating on Avvo
• Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation, 2009 – Present
• Featured, “2013 Top Rated Lawyers in Intellectual Property,” in the March 2013 issues of The American Lawyer, Corporate Counsel, and The National Law Journal
• Member, Texas Bar College, 2008 – Present