James P. Lagios
Senior Counsel
About Jim
Jim Lagios is Senior Counsel at Monaco Cooper Lamme & Carr, PLLC, bringing nearly 30 years of experience as a seasoned and strategic legal advisor. He represents clients in complex, high-stakes litigation and transactional matters, with a focus on professional liability, premises liability, commercial and debtor/creditor disputes, and property insurance (wind and flood) coverage issues. Known for his practical approach and sharp litigation skills, Jim tailors legal strategies to align with his clients’ business objectives – whether through early resolution or litigation.
In addition to his litigation work, Jim advises corporate clients on intricate commercial transactions, often involving significant regulatory considerations. He guides clients through asset purchases from negotiation to closing, including transactions arising in bankruptcy contexts. He also has extensive experience litigating disputes over failed deals, particularly those involving earn-out provisions and distressed assets.
Why Jim?
Jim’s unusually broad background of experiences allows him to bring the wisdom and perspective of a general practitioner to each of the areas in which he focuses. He is both an attorney and an old-fashioned counselor-of-law who sees the forest through the trees. His clients appreciate his ability to guide them through difficult situations by offering practical and direct advice. Jim’s counsel goes well beyond “making arguments” or merely providing lists of options; he guides his clients to solutions with empathy by telling them what he would do in the same situation, while always respecting the fact that the client retains the ultimate decision-making authority.
Qualifications
Education
- J.D., Albany Law School of Union University, magna cum laude
- B.S., State University of New York College at New Paltz, Accounting, summa cum laude
Admissions
- New York State
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of New York
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of New York
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of New York
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of New York
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit
Affiliations
- New York State Bar Association
- Capital District and Mid-Hudson Bankruptcy Bar Associations
- American Health Law Association
- Historical Society of the Courts of New York State
Recognition
- Albany Law Review, Executive Editor for Business
- Justinian Society
Noteworthy
- Defended a Chief Financial Officer in a multi-party federal action brought by an international investment holding company alleging fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and negligent misrepresentation. Jim used the procedures of the Hague Convention to obtain critical evidence located in Europe.
- Handled a variety of issues in bankruptcy and state court insolvency proceedings.
- Negotiated on behalf of a hospital system in a bankruptcy court stalking-horse bid for the assets of Article 28 hospital and several of its affiliates.
- Represented a financial receiver appointed in an involuntary state court liquidation proceeding commenced by the New York State Attorney General under Article 11 of the Not-For-Profit Corporation Law.
- Defended preference actions in bankruptcy proceedings, brought motions for relief from automatic stays, and defended against such motions.
- Commenced adversary proceedings against debtors to continue state court litigation in the bankruptcy setting.
Significant Professional Experience
- CDPHP, Vice President of Legal Affairs (2023-2025); Legal Counsel (2021-2023)
- Rivkin Radler LLP, Partner (2017-2021)
- Iseman, Cunningham, Riester & Hyde, LLP, Partner (2009-2017); Associate (2001-2008)
- New York Court of Appeals, Confidential Law Clerk to Judge Albert M. Rosenblatt, Ret. (1999-2001)
- Shearman & Sterling LLP, Associate (1996-1999)
Advocacy and Involvement
Community & Civic
- Boys and Girls Club of Albany, former member of the Board of Directors, holding positions on the executive, program, and finance committees
Leadership
Publications
- Lagios, J., Smith, J. & Wagner, M. J. – The cannabis industry is risking it all. Mealey’s Emerging Insurance Disputes, 25(19). (October 2020)
- Lagios, J., Iseman, R. & Gordon, S. – Tenn. hospital bankruptcy may be the first of many. Law360. (April 2020)
- Lagios, J. & Bernstein, D. – Court decisions on ACA’s 60-day repayment rule give providers valuable guidance. American Health Lawyers Association, In-House Counselor. (November 2015)
