James C. MacGillis is a business attorney focusing on the corporate, employment and litigation needs of entrepreneurs and growing businesses. Jim’s transactional background, coupled with his understanding of and experience in pursuing litigation when necessary, is particularly well-suited to small and medium-sized businesses that need their legal concerns addressed promptly, efficiently, and effectively. Jim prides himself on exceeding his clients’ expectations. His responsiveness, creativity and ability to efficiently evaluate, advise and advocate for his clients has earned him the respect of this peers, as Jim was named a 2006 Rising Star by Minnesota Law & Politics magazine.
Jim graduated from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1997, where he was a managing editor for the Minnesota Law Review. In addition, he earned a Masters in Public Affairs from the University of Minnesota's Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs in 1998. After graduating from the University of Minnesota, Jim joined the 400-attorney Hinshaw & Culbertson law firm in its Minneapolis office, practicing primarily in business and corporate law. Jim is a founding partner of Trepanier & MacGillis P.A.
Jim was born in Milwaukee, but has lived in Cleveland, Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and abroad. In 2001 and 2002, he served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Honduras as a small business development volunteer. Jim is fluent in Spanish, and currently represents clients from Mexico, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Honduras and El Salvador.
Jim has spoken before classes at the University of St. Thomas New Venture MBA Program. He is an active member of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Minnesota, and currently sits on the Board of Directors of Americoach, a Twin Cities-based nonprofit. Jim regularly volunteers with the Hennepin County Self-Help Expungement Clinic, and assists low income clients through the Volunteer Lawyers Network.
Outside of the law, Jim officiates high school and college lacrosse, as well as high school basketball.