Real Estate Project Manager
Resume:
JAMES C. SCHWARTZ, ESQ.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
**************@*****.***
SUMMARY OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS
A highly accomplished, meticulously organized and detailed attorney with
demonstrated experience planning, developing and implementing strategies to
achieve business and legal objectives. Keen legal judgment and a
charismatic style in accomplishing goals, securing a variety of $MM deals,
and settling complex legal issues. Experienced and efficient personnel and
project manager who knows how to get the job done.
Trials and Appeals
. Represented defendants in State and Federal Courts on a full range of
charges, including white collar crime, real estate and mortgage fraud,
tax and securities fraud, money laundering, RICO/racketeering and
otherwise handled every legal aspect of the issues.
. Tried high-profile media case involving $MM auction house and
executive administration.
. Prosecuted an action involving a $MM embezzlement from a natural
resource partnership.
. Obtained a $1.3 M verdict against Verizon Communications, Inc. in a
breach of contract case.
Case and Project Management
. Function as a "clearing house" for legal issues while assisting in the
determination of which matters are to be handled internally and those
which need to be turned over to outside counsel.
. Monitor progress of work being done by outside counsel including
review of all litigation and transactions.
. Coordinate and supervised services of outside counsel for all
litigation as well as matters requiring expertise, e.g. real estate,
tax, corporate, copyright and other issues resulting in cost
reduction.
. Streamlined the procedures for revocation of NYC TLC licensees and
medallion owners for those who failed drug tests and financial
disclosure and reduced the number of procedural dismissals.
. Full and complete knowledge of e-discovery management software
(Relativity, iConect and Concordance)
Strategic and Tactical Planning/Negotiations
. Initiated and developed procedures that lowered the number of TLC
administrative hearings.
. Obtained a $3.7M judgment against a high-end jewelry and accessory
manufacturer regarding breach of contract and copyright infringement.
. Secured a high media visibility $5M negligence case against The City
of New York.
. Coordinated with NYPD on various TLC joint and "sting" operations.
. Through networking and effective presentation, brought over four $MM
business opportunities within 12 months to multiple employers.
. Took critical role in the $300 M negotiated outcome of a long standing
real estate matter involving privately held assets.
Relationship Management
. Counseled clients on issues relating to commercial and criminal
litigation, real estate, and trusts/estates. Prepared comprehensive
and thorough briefings for senior partners and clients on complex
business and legal issues to streamline procedures for litigation
and/or settlement.
. Represented family member of a legendary $B New York estate.
. Cultivated and crafted relationships with judges, law clerks and other
court personnel that enabled each firm to operate efficiently and
without undue delay.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
General Counsel
Sotheby's International Realty - The Radcliffe Group, Pacific Palisades,
CA, 2010 - Present
Coordinated and administered the management of legal affairs including
various contracts, real property, and intellectual property issues (conduct
research, draft legal documents and assist in negotiations as directed).
Point person for legal issues while assisting in the determination of which
matters are to be handled internally and those which need to be turned over
to outside counsel. Monitor progress of work being done by outside counsel
including review of all litigation and transactions. Communicate legal
issues with internal staff and outside counsel. Conduct legal research as
needed and provide written analysis of results. Anticipate and be
proactive regarding legal issues in the Group's operations. Personally
handle general legal issues and contracts. Coordinate and supervise
services of outside counsel for all litigation as well as matters requiring
expertise, e.g. real estate, tax, corporate, copyright, intellectual
property protection and exploitation.
Partner
Strike Team LLC, New York, NY, 2008 - 2010
Advise and represent corporate clients and individuals in business and
corporate transactions, civil/criminal litigation, appellate practice,
arbitration and other commercial and non-commercial matters. Represented
owners and tenants in various real estate proceedings.
Senior Associate
Greenfield Stein & Senior LLP, New York, NY, 2007-2008
Counseled clients on issues relating to commercial litigation, real estate,
and trusts/estates. Prepared comprehensive and thorough briefings for
senior partners and clients on complex business and legal issues.
Extensive experience negotiating settlements and conducting trials,
arbitrations and mediations.
Associate
Castro & Karten LLP, New York, NY, 2001-2007
Represented private financiers and real estate developers in a variety of
business and legal matters. Strategically advised and handled cases from
inception through disposition. Conducted substantial contract and
settlement negotiations on issues ranging from intellectual property to
joint ventures, partnerships and construction/purchase/sale/lease
agreements. Lead attorney or second-chair on trials.
Assistant General Counsel
The New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission, New York, NY, 1999-2001
Served as deputy liaison to the New York City Corporation Counsel.
Conducted and adjudicated administrative hearings for licensees.
Researched and drafted legal memoranda and opinions on Commission rules for
all NYC agencies. Supervised five legal assistants and support staff.
EDUCATION
Juris Doctor, Fordham University School of Law, New York, NY, 1999
. Admitted in New York, the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York,
the Second Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme
Court.
. Candidate - State Bar of California, February, 2011
Bachelor of Arts, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 1995
. Magna cum laude with honors in Humanities and General University
Honors
Affiliations
AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION NEW YORK
COUNTY LAWYERS ASSOCIATION
LOS ANGELES COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION NEW
YORK CITY BAR ASSOCIATION
ASSOCIATION OF CORPORATE COUNSEL THE
INNOCENCE PROJECT - PRO BONO VOLUNTEER
ASSOCIATION OF SMALL CLAIMS ARBITRATORS
VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA - PRO BONO COUNSEL
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