Buying or selling a house is a major endeavor – financially, logistically and emotionally. Jim provides personal attention to buyers and sellers to prepare them for the closing process and ensure that each transaction proceeds as smoothly and efficiently as possible. He will draft and review purchase and sale agreements and addenda, advise clients on how to minimize costs, mitigate risks and navigate contingencies, and he will help borrowers understand, in plain English, the loan documents they are signing. Jim represents banks and private lenders in closing mortgage and construction loans, as well as refinance transactions for residential properties. He also has experience in dealing with residential leases and landlord/tenant issues.

From formation to dissolution, Jim provides legal advice and counseling to best fit his clients’ business needs. He will help clients select the type of entity and structure that aligns with their profit, liability and tax expectations. Jim will also help set businesses up for growth by drafting and customizing bylaws, operating and partnership agreements. Jim has worked on business acquisitions, asset sales, franchising and business restructurings transactions. He also handles day-to-day operational issues, including corporate governance, document analysis, negotiating and drafting contracts, and managing compliance issues.

Jim is proud to help non-profit organizations navigate New York State’s complex and ever-changing laws. His legal knowledge of the non-profit sector is complimented by hands-on, practical experience from serving on the boards of several not-for-profit entities. From small start-ups to established non-profits, Jim can help with formation, achieving exempt status, drafting internal governance documents and close transactions.

Jim’s interest in property rights and how people use land led him to practice real estate law. He advises landowners and developers on land use and title issues, and Jim is skilled in resolving property disputes. He has extensive experience researching property, tax, permit and title information to understand his clients’ situations and help them address the most important issues. In connection with this work, Jim reviews and analyzes abstracts, title commitments and policies, surveys, environmental reports, and appraisals. He also counsels clients on enforcement and compliance with local laws, zoning and permitting.