Jim’s legal practice has been as extensive as it has been varied since he became an attorney in 1976. Jim practices civil law covering wills, estates, elder law/guardianship, probate, real property (closings, title searches and title insurance), banking and the formation of closely held corporations and limited liability companies. He also practices municipal law which includes zoning and planning, condemnation, real estate taxes, construction contracts, and public utilities regulation.
Jim’s experience in Real Estate Law includes representing clients as varied as banking institutions throughout New England as well as the young couple who are becoming first home buyers. Jim has been an agent for First American Title Insurance Company since the early 1980s and a member of American Land Title Association.
Jim’s present association with a financial management firm allows him to interact with our clients during his lectures on estate planning, the probate process and elder law.
Jim’s experience in municipal law includes representing and advising N.H. towns and cities, school boards, airport authorities and water districts. Jim was involved in the creation of the Winnipesaukee River Basin Project, a State and Local Multi-Community Sewer Treatment and Collection Project. He has been involved in rate setting for the construction of water treatment plants. He has also been involved in condemnation projects for municipal landfills and airport expansions. Jim has extensive experience in contract administration and litigation, as well as municipal zoning and planning. He has appeared before New Hampshire trial courts, the New Hampshire Supreme Court, numerous State agencies, such as the Public Utilities Commission, and the Board of Land and Tax Appeals. Jim has also helped settle many disputes through his roll as mediator. In addition he has appeared before federal agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration and, the Environmental Protection Agency. His appearances before local Planning Boards and Boards of Adjustment on behalf of our clients have been too many to count.
Jim was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and grew up in Amherst, New Hampshire, graduating from the Milford Area High School in 1969. He worked in Washington D.C. as a congressional aid to Representative James Cleveland (N.H.) prior to practicing law. Jim is actively interested in sailing hiking, fly fishing, fly tying and he enjoys all things outdoors. He has maintained his interest in public service, having served as a Selectman for Laconia, N. H., a member of the N.H. Judicial Counsel by appointment of the Governor, and he was awarded the President’s Award for Outstanding Pro Bono Service in 1986, and again in 1987. Jim has lectured on municipal issues and co-authored a paper on Conflicts of Interest for Public Officials. He is the past state president of the National Institute of Municipal Law Officers. Jim has served on the Board of Trustees for the Peabody Home in Franklin N.H. and is a Corporator of Franklin Savings Bank.
