A veteran attorney with more than 30 years of experience, Jim advises both lenders and borrowers across the country on real estate finance transactions valued between $1 million and more than $200 million. He also serves as Co-Chair of the firm's Food & Beverage Practice Group.

Formerly a real estate finance banker, Jim is skilled with construction and permanent lending, agency and securitized loans, Section 1031 exchanges, ground lease financing and vineyard and winery loans. Over the years, he has handled the acquisition, financing, sale and leasing of office, retail, multifamily, hotel, agricultural and other unique properties.

Jim strives to understand the needs and sensitivities of his clients, many of whom he has represented for decades. Focused on achieving their business goals, he always takes a practical approach to negotiations and documentation. He works to avoid, not create, future disputes.

Jim’s experience extends to representing lenders and borrowers, sellers and buyers, and landlords and tenants, in both up and down markets. He also advises clients on easement and title issues and on the workout of problem loans, foreclosures, deeds in lieu of foreclosure and receiverships.

Jim has helped clients navigate several unique real estate projects over the years, including:

• Ground lease financing at Fort Mason and the Presidio of San Francisco
• Construction financing for the SFJAZZ Center
• Unique property and ground lease swaps for the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, which allowed for a major expansion and the construction of a sculpture garden
• The negotiation and documentation of a $100 million line of credit to finance supportive housing for disadvantaged and unhoused populations in San Francisco
• Major gifts of developed real estate to public universities

In addition to real estate, Jim negotiates loans secured by diverse collateral, including power plants, windmills, winning lottery tickets and sports sponsorship contracts. He advises nonprofit lenders who provide financing for the construction of low-income housing, mixed-use and community facilities.

Over the years, Jim has developed strong relationships with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac multifamily housing lenders, as well as their nationwide counsel. He also regularly participates in the Fannie Mae Legal Issues Forum.