Fontichiaro, James S.

Jim joined Barris, Sott, Denn & Driker in 1983 and became a member in 1991. His broad-based real estate practice covers all the aspects of real estate including financing, development, real estate related bankruptcy, work-outs, environmental law, land planning and assembly, complex zoning, leasing and foreclosures. Jim combines a broad knowledge of real estate law with the practical sense of the ultimate goal of making complex real estate transactions work so his clients may achieve their objectives. In 2002 and each year subsequent, Jim has been honored by his selection as one of The Best Lawyers in America pursuant to an exhaustive and exclusive nomination and peer-review process. Jim was also named as a "Michigan Super Lawyer" (real estate) as well as a "Best of the U.S." lawyer.

Representative Cases/Transactions
Counsel to numerous real estate lenders in transactions totaling over one-half billion dollars in value.

Represented developers in several multi-property portfolio acquisitions with single transaction values in excess of One Hundred Fifty Million Dollars.

Assisted national lenders and national store chains in sophisticated multi-state sale and leaseback transactions as well as in synthetic lease transactions.

Successfully foreclosed numerous real estate projects on behalf of lenders resulting in the complete recovery of all amounts due lenders.

Assisted developers in providing suitable zoning for proposed projects in the face of opposition from local municipal bodies.

Counsel to developers in significant residential, retail and research/industrial condominium projects.

Education
B.S. Human Medicine - Michigan State University - With High Honors. 1979

JD - Wayne State University. Cum Laude. Order of the Coif. 1983

Professional Affiliations
Admitted: State Bar of Michigan; United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan

Michigan Bar Association

American Bar Association - Real Estate Section

Armenian American Bar Association

Federalist Society

Adjunct Law Professor - Ave Maria School of Law, Ann Arbor, Michigan (real estate course)

Member - Best Lawyers in America, Michigan Super Lawyer, Best of the U.S.

Civic Organizations
West Point Parents Club of Michigan - Officer and Board Member

Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Dearborn, Michigan - Stewardship Commission

Youth Hockey - Level Four (Advanced) USA Hockey Coach

Catholic Youth Organization - Girls Softball Coach. Girls Travel Softball Coach

Golfcrest Country Club Civic Association - Architectural Review Committee Member