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Real Estate Project Manager

Location:
Los Angeles, CA, 90036
Posted:
December 07, 2010

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Resume:

JAMES C. SCHWARTZ, ESQ.

**** *. *** ****** - #***

Los Angeles, CA 90036

646-***-****

**************@*****.***

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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