James F. Basque

When it comes to navigating large real estate transactions, Jim is a go-to attorney.

He has written hundreds of millions of dollars worth of title insurance policies in Florida, as well as in Vermont. Representing both lenders and developers, he also has assisted local and regional clients in land development, permitting and construction matters. Jim also handles homeowner association law issues and has appeared as an expert witness in real estate litigation.

In addition, Jim has expertise in securities law and corporate law, principally in equity offerings and new entity formation.

Jim was recently elected as Chairman of the Boards of Directors of both Sunshine High School – Metro Orlando, Inc. and Sunshine High School – Central Florida Campus, Inc., two non-profit corporations in the process of establishing charter high schools through the Orange County School District for young people who have already dropped out or are at risk of dropping out of traditional public high schools. In addition, Jim has for several years been a counselor with Troop 6, Central Florida Boy Scouts.

Jim approaches his legal practice and civic duties in a manner that can best be described as low-key and congenial but highly focused — a style that proves especially effective in working with hard-charging developers and the most diligent of permitting authorities.

He is a member of the Florida Bar, Vermont Bar Association and American Bar Association.

Admission
Admitted to bar, 1982, Wisconsin; 1986, Florida; 2003, Vermont; U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida; U.S. District Court, District of Vermont.

Education
University of Vermont (B.A., 1974); University of Wisconsin (M.S. in Urban and Regional Planning, 1978; J.D., 1982); Member, University of Wisconsin Law Review (1980-1981).

Member
The Florida Bar; Vermont Bar Association; American Bar Association.

Civic
Sunshine High School – Metro Orlando, Inc. (Chairman); Sunshine High School – Central Florida Campus, Inc. (Chairman); Central Florida Boy Scouts Troop 6.

Concentration
Real Estate; Corporate Law; Securities.