Jim Grayson

Jim is the Co-Chair of the Real Estate Department and he advises clients in the areas of real estate acquisitions and sales, project entitlement, and real estate financing transactions, as well as workouts and restructurings. Jim regularly drafts and negotiates purchase and sale agreements, complex ground leases, easements, licenses, and property exchange agreements.  Jim has extensive experience representing public agencies in connection with bond financings and the acquisition, disposition, development, and financing of commercial, industrial, and residential real estate and negotiating complex development agreements.  Jim has represented both domestic and foreign banks and other financial institutions in all aspects of real estate and municipal finance.

Work for Clients

Following years of representing redevelopment agencies, with an emphasis on acquisition, disposition and development of property, Jim now advises cities and successor agencies regarding the implications of the Redevelopment Dissolution Law.  Jim’s advice regarding compliance with the Redevelopment Dissolution Law has included dissolution of former redevelopment agencies; establishment of redevelopment successor agencies and oversight boards; reinstatement and repayment of city loans and agreements; preparation of long-range property management plans and the California State Controller asset transfer reviews; disposition of properties; the expenditure of bond proceeds; and monitoring of dissolution-related statewide litigation and legislation. 

Professional Experience

Prior to joining Richards, Watson and Gershon in 2000, Jim was associated with O'Melveny & Myers, a partner in Kutak Rock, a partner and of counsel with Morrison & Foerster, and of counsel with Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe.