With a career as an in-house attorney that spanned more than four decades, James "Jim" L. Drone counsels clients from a unique perspective. Prior to joining Baker Donelson, Jim served as Associate General Counsel and managed Global Litigation for more than ten years for one of the world's largest multi-national companies serving the exploration, drilling and production sectors of the oil and gas industry. He was an integral member in its litigation efforts and helped centralize the international arbitration process, as well as serving in many other capacities in the company's Corporate, M&A and Labor and Employment Sections.

Jim has worked in various legal counsel positions for two other industry leaders, and has vast experience drafting and negotiating a myriad of transactions, including domestic and international master service agreements, the purchase and sale of a wide range of assets, and real estate agreements.

Jim will focus on enhancing Baker Donelson's energy practice including litigation, labor & employment and commercial transactions.