James B. Donovan was an American lawyer and businessman, best known for his role as the defense attorney for Gary Powers, the U-2 pilot shot down over the Soviet Union during the Cold War. He gained further prominence for negotiating the exchange of Powers for Rudolf Abel, a Soviet spy, in 1962. Donovan also served as the president of the New York City Bar Association and was involved in various legal and humanitarian efforts throughout his career. His work in international law and diplomacy earned him respect and recognition in both legal and political circles.