Education

LL.M., International Economic Law, University of Houston School of Law, 2000

J.D., South Texas College of Law, 1997

B.S. Economics/Political Science, Texas A&M University- Commerce, 1994

Practice Areas

• Internet and eCommerce

• Software and Copyrights

• Corporate & Commercial

• Trademarks

• Technology & Data

• International Business

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 am an attorney 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 3rd Place in the State of Texas.

• Founder/Chairman, DFW-STCL Alumni Network, 2008-Present

• Director, STCL Alumni Association, 2010-2012

• Chair, International Committee, State Bar of Texas Intellectual Property Section, 2013-2015

• Member, Pro Bono College of the State Bar of Texas, 2000-2004

• Member, State Bar of Texas

• State Bar of Texas, 1997

• District of Columbia Bar, 2004 (inactive)

• S. District Court, Northern District of Texas, 1998

• S. Court of International Trade, 1998

• 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, 2013-2018, 2021, and 2022

• 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

• “Legal Issues for SAVaGEs: Software, App & Video Game Law”, Texas Savages, Oct 2016

• “Success & Happiness,” Texas Independent Lawyer Alliance, August 2016

• “Export Controls on Technology,” State Bar of Texas Advanced IP Course, March 2014

• “Most Bang for your Legal Bucks: Top ROI for Entrepreneurs”, East Dallas Chamber of Commerce, May 2014

• “Protecting IP in International Transactions,” State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting, June 2014

• “IP Due Diligence in Investments and Acquisitions,” Dallas Assoc. of Young Lawyers, Feb. 2013

• “Protecting IP in International Business,” State Bar of Texas, Paralegal Division, Virtual (online) Presentation, Jan. 2013

• “Who is my Client?,” Dallas Assoc. of Young Lawyers, August 2012

• “Going Global: An Overview of the Legal and Regulatory Implications of International Business” co-presenter, NTEC, June 2012

• “The Intersection of Trade & IP: Can Gray Market Goods Still be Imported?”. ABA IP Roundtable (Dallas), 2011

• “Financing Int’l Trade,” International Small Business Development Center, Ft. Worth, 2010

• “Implementing an Effective FCPA Compliance Program,” Texas Minority Counsel Program Annual Conference, 2010

• “Combating Counterfeits,” 47th Ann. IP Law Conf., Cntr. for Amer. & Int’l Law, 2009

• “Protecting IP in International Trade, Texas Bar Assn Annual Mtg., 2009

• “Basic of Intellectual Property Protection,” Collin County Bar Assn (Plano), 2009

• “Domestic vs. Int’l Contracts,” Inst. Supply Chain Mgmt. (San Antonio), 2009

• “Keys to Int’l Trade Compliance,” Inst. Supply Chain Mgmt. (Waco), 2008

• “Export Controls and Technology,” DBA Computer Law Section, 2008

• “Legal Aspect of Int’l Trade,” Ft. Worth Int’l. Center, 2008

• “Financing Int’l Trade,” Ft. Worth Int’l. Center, 2008

• “Keys to Int’l Trade Compliance” Inst. Supply Chain Mgmt. (Wichita, KS), 2008

• “Overview of IP Law,” Professionals Roundtable of Dallas, 2007

• “Overlap between IP and Trade Law,” DBA Computer Law Section, 2006

• Editor-In-Chief, “SAVaGE Select” Software, App & Video Game Legal News, 2016-Present

• “Going Global: A Primer for Technology Companies,” (w/ Sophilia Hsu) Currents: International Trade Law Journal, Winter 2013

• “Protecting IP in International Markets,” Texas Bar Journal Vol 75, No, 7, July 2012

• “IP Due Diligence in Mergers & Acquisitions,” (w/ Roxana Sullivan & Sita Desai) Dallas Bar Assoc. Headnotes, November 2010

• Inside the Minds: Protecting IP Rights in International Business Transactions. 2011 ed. (West, Aspatore Books), 2011

• “Don’t Trip Up Over TRIPS,” The Oath Magazine, September 2011

• Co-author, “Proactive Approaches to the IP Licensing Process”, Intellectual Property Licensing Strategies, 2011 ed.: Leading Lawyers on Educating Clients, Drafting Licensing Agreements, and Resolving Disputes (Inside the Minds). (West, Aspatore Books), 2010

• “The Hits Keep Coming: Survey of the Major CBP’s IP-Related Enforcement Actions in 2010” (CITBA Winter Journal), 2010

• “Protecting Intellectual Property” eSide Supply Management, July/Aug 2009

• “Protecting IP in International Trade,” Headnotes, July 2009

• “PRO-IP to Target Counterfeiters,” Texas Lawyer, Feb 2, 2009

• “Chester’s Practical Guide to Int’l Trade Regulation” Baylor Univ Law 2014 – 3rd Edition

• “Comparing Int’l & Domestic Contracts,” eSide Supply Management, Fall 2008

• “Convergence of IP and International Trade Law,” Natl. Law Jrnl., 2005

• “Case Study: Potential Trademark Infringements” Jrnl. of Bus. & Econ. Res., 2005

• “In the Zone: Creating Profits Thru Savings Using FTZs,” Texas Lawyer, July 4, 2005

• “Transferring Intangibles: Selling Technology & IP-Based Businesses” DBA Science & Technology Section, August 2019

• “International Tariffs” Panelist, Richardson Chamber of Commerce, August 2019

• “Buying and Selling Technology Companies” Online CLE, CLE Companion, July 2019