Withers Worldwide

• Education: Cornell University, A.B. • Stanford University Graduate School, M.A. • University of Connecticut School of Law, J.D.
• Admitted: State of CT, 1989 • Registered Foreign Lawyer in the UK, 2006 • Washington D.C., 2007 • State of NY, 2008
• Languages spoken: Italian
• Year joined: 2006
• Year became partner: 2006

Overview

Jim maintains a multi-faceted practice serving clients in the areas of real estate, higher education and the nonprofit arena.  He leads the firm's US Real Estate practice which handles both residential and commercial transactions, particularly for the nonprofit, luxury and art sectors. 

Jim combines his experience from his previous role as the Associate General Counsel for Yale University to service clients in the world of higher education by providing advice on business issues ranging from real estate, investments to commercial engagements of many kinds. 

In addition, Jim is fluent in Italian and works closely with our commercial team in the US and Milan to assist with cross-border commercial and real estate transactions.

Highlights

• Associate General Counsel, Yale University (1993-2006).
• Drafting retail, office and ground leases for US and foreign art galleries, museums, luxury fashion and other tenants.
• Structuring and closing luxury residential transactions, including one of the largest sales recorded in US history.
• Counseling US and foreign organizations on the formation and operation of "friends of" and dual qualified structures with particular focus on Italy.
• Agreements between charities and affiliate organizations regarding land use, financial support, economic development, etc.

Publications and speaking engagements

• Yale University, Yale Law School - Co-taught in Housing & Community Development Clinic Fall 1995-Spring 1997; guest lecturer in subsequent years.
• Yale University, School of Forestry and Environmental Sciences - Co-taught graduate course, "Strategies for Land Conservation: Law, Finance and Management" at Yale Spring 2003-04; Guest lecturer in subsequent years.
• Columbia University - Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation; guest lecturer - Affordable Housing Development 2002-Present.
• Yale Business Managers Institute-- Taught two hour training session on legal issues in procurement for Yale executives several times each year.  
• "College and University Investments," National Association of College and University Attorneys Annual Meeting, New York, NY June 25, 2008.
• "Compliance by Affiliated Foundations and Other Related Entities," National Association of College and University Attorneys Semi-Annual Meeting, Boston, MA, April 20, 2007.
• "Life as a University Lawyer," University of Connecticut School of Law, October 25, 2006.
• "You Want to Do What, Where?: Start-ups On and Around Campus," National Association of College and University Attorneys Semi-Annual Meeting, Washington D.C., November 1, 2002.
• "The Use of Affiliated Entities by Private Universities: Challenges and Opportunities in Governance, Conflicts of Interest, and Liability Limitation," National Association of College and University Attorneys Annual Meeting, Washington D.C., June 2000.

Memberships

• Friends of FAI-The Foundation for the Italian Environment Foundation, Inc; 2008-Present  
• Board Member, St. Raphael Foundation, 2008-2009 
• Board Member, Center for American Studies Society
• Honorary Trustee of the St. Thomas More Corporation
• National Association of College and University Attorneys
• Fellow, Timothy Dwight College, Yale University
• Co-Founding member of Higher Education Real Estate Lawyers Group - Organized and hosted annual meeting at Yale, October 2005
• Former member of the Woodbridge Board of Education

On a personal note

Jim enjoys reading, swimming and cooking in his free time.