James J. Barnes has joined Blank Rome as a partner in the Corporate, M&A, and Securities group and has been appointed partner of Strategic Development for the Pittsburgh office.

Barnes joins from Pepper Hamilton, where his practice was concentrated on corporate and securities law, capital markets, corporate governance and mergers and acquisitions.

“We’re excited to welcome James to the Pittsburgh office,” said Alan J. Hoffman, chairman and managing partner. “His vast experience in transactional law, which includes everything from counseling public companies to guiding family businesses, is a tremendous asset to our team.”

With a focus on corporate and securities law matters, Barnes’ experience includes working with companies to raise capital in public and private offerings of debt and equity securities. He regularly assists public companies with the preparation and review of their Securities Exchange Commission periodic reports. He also represents companies in mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and other complex corporate transactions.

Barnes joins Blank Rome just weeks following the addition of Amy L. Barrette and Jeremy A. Mercer in Pittsburgh as partners in the Energy, Environment and Mass Torts practice group.