Jim Montes concentrates his practice in public and project finance. He has been involved in public offerings, Rule 144A offerings, and private placements. His practice focuses on the financing of general infrastructure, professional sports facilities, electric utilities and water utilities. He has served as bond counsel and underwriter’s counsel in connection with tax-exempt and taxable bond financings including the financing, development and operation of numerous stadiums for professional sports teams.
Recent transactions include financings aggregating over $2 billion for the NFL’s New York Giants, New York Jets (Project Finance magazine’s North American 2007 Leisure Deal of the Year) and New England Patriots and MLB's New York Yankees (Bond Buyer’s 2006 Deal of the Year). Mr. Montes has also participated in numerous transactions involving the Suffolk County Water Authority and the Long Island Power Authority. In addition, Mr. Montes participates in many bond transactions handled by Nixon Peabody for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and its authorities, including as bond counsel for a recent $1 billion transaction for the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority. Additional representations include the Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority, Children’s Trust Tobacco Settlement Asset Backed Bonds and the Puerto Rico Public Finance Corporation. He also served as underwriter’s counsel for the Puerto Rico Housing Finance Agency’s Capital Fund Modernization Program Subordinate Bonds, Series 2008 (Bond Buyer’s 2008 Deal of the Year).
Prior to beginning his career in law, Mr. Montes spent twenty years in the banking industry, where he successfully managed over $500 million in loan commitments. His experience includes thirteen years as a commercial lender where his last position, prior to entering the legal field, was vice president for Banco Popular North America, with responsibilities for all corporate lending in Nassau and Suffolk counties.
In addition to the practice of law at Nixon Peabody, Jim is a member of the firm’s Pro-Bono Committee and the New York City Recruiting Committee, and the chairman of the firm’s Hispanic Affinity Network.