In an era defined by rapid disruption and the convergence of law, capital, and innovation, few figures have emerged with the versatility and strategic acuity of James A. Wolff. With a career that spans high-stakes transactional law, venture formation, and next-generation policy development, Wolff has carved a distinctive path as both legal counsel and enterprise architect. His portfolio, marked by several emerging technology startups and hundreds of millions in guided capital, underscores his reputation as a trusted advisor to founders, investors, and governments navigating the digital frontier.
Currently serving as Counsel at Warshaw Burstein, LLP, Wolff has positioned himself at the intersection of legal precision and visionary dealmaking. He leads on everything from Series A raises and corporate governance overhauls to sovereign tech contracts and IP migrations. One of his recent milestones was co-founding a non-profit AI certification body with a principal AI architect at Microsoft and drafting an AI Declaration that was signed in a nationally televised ceremony at the U.S. National Archives, a clear signal of Wolff’s rising influence in tech policy.
Behind the scenes, Wolff is the architect of strategic liftoffs. He has built a dynamic legal infrastructure supporting a portfolio of several early-stage companies, collectively seeking upwards of a billion in aggregate capital. His work includes advising innovative companies on capital formation strategies, guiding cross-border entities through U.S. market entry, and restructuring early-stage ventures to optimize for investment-readiness, scalability, and long-term growth.
Prior to joining Warshaw Burstein, Wolff held senior roles at Sobel Pevzner, LLC and Sacco Fillas, LLP, where he managed legal operations for high-growth clients in fintech, real estate, and biotech. He routinely handled sensitive negotiations ranging from executive equity packages and international IP transfers to M&A transactions. For one Silicon Valley agency, he served as outside general counsel, managing everything from bylaws and board authorizations to litigation readiness and investor term sheets.
Wolff’s legal insights are informed by real-world exposure to complex corporate mechanics. His early work at Anderson & Anderson LLP, coupled with externships at Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP and Nomura Global Financial Products, provided critical experience in cross-border securities, structured finance, and institutional capital. His fluency in navigating between private equity, regulatory frameworks, and startup dynamics has made him an indispensable resource across sectors.
Yet Wolff’s impact extends beyond the transactional. He is a frequent lecturer and policy contributor, having spoken at major institutions such as the International Space Development Conference, LA Techweek, Mastercard’s Future of AI Summit, and Queens County Bar Association CLEs. His subject matter expertise spans AI governance, cryptocurrency, aerospace law, and private capital markets, topics on which he writes regularly for outlets like the New York Law Journal and the WBNY Emerging Tech Law Group.
His articles, “The Rise of AI Litigation,” “The New Rulebook: How Regulatory Clarity is Reshaping the Digital Asset Economy,” and “Data Privacy and AI Governance in the Digital Age,” reflect the increasingly blurred lines between law, innovation, and public interest. They also reinforce his role as a thought leader in an industry often criticized for lagging behind technology’s pace. Wolff is admitted to practice in New York, including the Southern and Eastern Districts. His educational credentials include a J.D. from New York Law School, where he was a Business & Financial Law Center Associate, and a B.A. from Johns Hopkins University. His accolades include the NASA Entrepreneur’s Challenge Award, multiple Super Lawyers Rising Stars recognitions, and the American Registry’s Most Honored Lawyers designation.
He also maintains active leadership roles with the New York City Bar Association UN Committee and the United Nations Association Executive Board, signaling his increasing engagement with global policy discourse. In a business landscape where legal counsel is often reactive, James A. Wolff brings something different: proactive strategy rooted in legal rigor, venture economics, and a deep understanding of what makes emerging companies thrive. He doesn’t just practice law, he helps shape the future of industries.
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