James W. Theobald - Attorney

James W. Theobald - Attorney

 

Jim Theobald is a developer's lawyer. He has assisted some of the nation's largest developers and retailers in making their projects a reality for nearly three decades with Hirschler Fleischer. From contract negotiations through rezoning, licensing and permitting, entity structuring, financing and leasing, Jim brings creative, aggressive advocacy to bear in finding a way to make a deal work. His ability to forge a consensus among groups of disparate interests has earned him a reputation as one of the area's top land use attorneys.

Relevant Experience:

  • Negotiated and documented the acquisition, sale and financing of the historic Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, Virginia in a $37,000,000 transaction involving a New York syndicator, Manufacturer's Hanover Bank and Prudential Bache Securities.
  • Represented one of the nation's largest discount appliance chains in acquiring sites throughout the country. Also structured sale/lease back transactions, including those with foreign investors, and other financing related to the acquisition and development of store locations.
  • Participated in the assembly, contract negotiations, rezoning, acquisition and financing for numerous mixed-use developments for a large Virginia based developer. Also participated in the preparation of the owner's association/golf membership documents.
  • Has represented numerous national "big box" retailers in the acquisition, rezoning and approval process in various portions of Virginia.
  • Represents a large grocery store chain as real estate counsel for the acquisition, zoning and leasing of store sites.
  • Has provided representation with regard to the formation of planned communities, including condominium documentation.

Education:

  • Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, J.D.
  • College of William & Mary, B.A.

Published Works/Speaking Engagements:

  • Richmond Real Estate Group, speaker on local land use issues (October 2006)
  • Urban Land Institute/Richmond, speaker on local land use issues (May, 2006)
  • Virginia Law Foundation Continuing Legal Education, speaker on land use issues to Construction Law Section of State Bar (November, 2004)
  • American College of Real Estate Lawyers, speaker and panelist on Smart Growth and Land Use Diligence (March, 2004)
  • Virginia Law Foundation Continuing Legal Education, moderator and speaker for statewide Virginia Land Use Law seminar (December, 2000; also speaker for 1990, 1996, 2002 and 2003 sessions)
  • Smart Growth - New Clothes for the Emperor, ACREL Papers (Spring 2004)
  • Land Use Due Diligence Considerations for Transactional Attorneys, ACREL Papers (Spring 2004)
  • Smart Growth Put in Perspective, Newsletter, Urban Land Institute/Richmond District Council (Summer 2001)

Pro Bono/Community Service:

  • Richmond Goodwill Industries (Board of Directors)
  • Yoga Instructor at Veterans Administration Hospital in PTSD Program

Recognition:

  • Virginia Commonwealth University's Circle of Excellence
  • Virginia Super Lawyers, 2009 and 2010
  • Virginia Business Magazine's Legal Elite, 2003-2004, 2006-2009
  • Best Lawyers in America publication, since 1993
  • Super Lawyers Publication - ranked as one of top 10 lawyers in Virginia overall and in land use
  • American College of Real Estate Lawyers
  • "AV" Rated by Martindale-Hubbell

Memberships:

  • Richmond Bar Association
  • American Bar Association (Member, Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section)
  • Virginia State Bar (Real Property Section)
  • Home Building Association of Richmond (PAC)
  • Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce (Board of Directors)
  • Venture Richmond (Board of Directors)

Firm Involvement:

  • Chairman of the Firm
  • Immediate past President of the Firm
  • Former head of the Real Estate section
  • Founder of Weinberg Land Use Forum

Bar Admission:

  • Ohio, 1977
  • Virginia, 1978