James W. Theobald
Hirschler Fleischer
Richmond
Title: Chairman
Other legal specialties: Zoning and land use
Birthplace: Ravenna, Ohio
Education: Bachelor’s degree, College of William & Mary; law degree, Cleveland-Marshall College of Law
Current professional activities: American College of Real Estate Lawyers; VCU Real Estate Circle of Excellence; Richmond Real Estate Group; board of directors, Venture Richmond; board of directors, Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce; board of directors, Richmond Goodwill Industries
Family: Wife, Mary; daughter, Margaret, 26; son, John, 24
Hobbies: Yoga instructor, Glenmore Yoga & Wellness Center; bass player, Usual Suspects (rock band)
Previous employer: Lawyers Title Insurance Co.
Fan of: His children
Favorite vacation spot: Tuscany
Recently read: “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini
Mentor: Jay Weinberg
What types of clients do you represent?
“I represent developers. I provide services ranging from rezoning, permitting, regulatory actions, acquisition, financing and leasing. My strength is in forging consensus and finding creative ways to make things work.”
Are you seeing signs of recovery in the commercial real estate market?“While there are still deals being done, I fear commercial real estate is subject to further cleansing in the near term.”
Has the weak economy made real estate transactions more difficult?
“The weak economy has frozen lenders and caused many decision makers to act out of fear rather than confidence in the future. Governmental entities at all levels are challenged, and those challenges are being passed down. Recent state regulations regarding transportation and stormwater represent serious impediments to economic development.”
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