Atty. James D. "Jim" Gradel

Atty. James D. "Jim" Gradel

James Gradel, a partner in the firm's Commercial Finance and Real Estate Finance practices, has more than 25 years of experience representing institutional and private lenders and borrowers in secured and unsecured debt financing transactions. He focuses his practice on senior and mezzanine financing of leveraged buyouts, construction and permanent real estate loans, multilender loan syndications and participations, intercreditor transactions, high yield note offerings, credit enhanced bond financing, and securitization of trade receivables, consumer loans and other assets.

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Profile Summary

About James D. "Jim" Gradel at a glance

James D. "Jim" Gradel is a business attorney based in Seattle, Washington, practicing at Perkins Coie LLP. Admitted to practice in Washington, Washington State Bar Association. Educated at The Ohio State University (J.D., 1978) and University of Cincinnati (—). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Banking and Finance Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Finance Law (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus: (2026). Serands clients in Seattle, WA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • James Gradel, a partner in the firm's Commercial Finance and Real Estate Finance practices, has more than 25 years of experience representing institutional and private lenders and borrowers in secured and unsecured debt financing transactions
  • He focuses his practice on senior and mezzanine financing of leveraged buyouts, construction and permanent real estate loans, multilender loan syndications and participations, intercreditor transactions, high yield note offerings, credit enhanced bond financing, and securitization of trade receivables, consumer loans and other assets
  • Jim represents clients in a wide range of industries, including energy, telecommunications, cable television, radio and television broadcasting, hospitality, manufacturing, timber, assisted living, retail and technology
  • His representative clients include Outerwall Inc. and U.S
  • Bank

Practice Areas Explained

James D. "Jim" Gradel's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases James D. "Jim" Gradel handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Business & Corporate Law

Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.

James D. "Jim" Gradel is one of 501,317 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Washington →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Washington

Practicing law in Washington. Legal matters in Washington are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Seattle are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Washington state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Washington brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Washington courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Washington attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Seattle or all attorneys in Washington.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about James D. "Jim" Gradel

Where is James D. "Jim" Gradel's law office located?
James D. "Jim" Gradel's law practice is located in Seattle, Washington. The firm is Perkins Coie LLP. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does James D. "Jim" Gradel handle?
James D. "Jim" Gradel focuses on business. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Washington.
Where did James D. "Jim" Gradel go to law school?
James D. "Jim" Gradel earned their education at (J.D., 1978); (—).
How can I contact James D. "Jim" Gradel for a consultation?
You can contact James D. "Jim" Gradel directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has James D. "Jim" Gradel received?
James D. "Jim" Gradel's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Banking and Finance Law; Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Finance Law; Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:; Best Lawyers in America — Acquisition Finance; Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Finance.

Education

J.D.
The Ohio State University
- 1978
University of Cincinnati
- In Progress

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Banking and Finance Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Finance Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Acquisition Finance
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Finance
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Loan Documentation
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Peer Review Rated AV in Martindale-Hubbell
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Listed in Washington Law & Politics, "Washington's Super Lawyers," 2007 - Present
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Ranked by Chambers USA, as "America's Leading Real Estate Lawyers," 2012 - 2013
- 2026

Bar Admissions

Washington, Washington State Bar Association

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