James (Jim) Cruger
- Chicago
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Jim represents private equity funds and public companies in various corporate transactional matters.
Companies rely on Jim Cruger’s more than three decades of experience in mergers, acquisitions, formation of private investment vehicles, joint ventures, and other transactions.
Jim has represented funds including 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. His public company clients include Deutsche Post DHL, Leggett & Platt, Voyager Learning Company, and Strategic Hotel Capital (NYSE).
Jim is the head of the Chicago Private Equity Group.
Areas of focus
Education & Credentials
Education
- Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, J.D., cum laude, 1986
- Loras College, B.A., cum laude, 1983
Bar and Court Admissions
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Illinois
Professional Recognition
Listed in Thomson Reuters “Stand-out Lawyers,” 2024
Ranked by Chambers USA as "America's Leading Lawyer" for Private Equity: Buyouts, 2011-2024
Listed in Best Lawyers in America: Venture Capital Law, 2008-2025
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.
Impact
Professional Leadership
- Chicago Bar Association
- American Bar Association