Jim regularly acted as bond counsel on virtually all varieties of financing transactions for local government capital projects. His experience is extensive and includes financings for detention center, waste water treatment, public safety, water works, golf course and park improvements, and economic development projects. He advised on revenue bonds, lease transactions and general obligation bond issues.
In the area of government and government services counseling, Jim advised on public contracting and bidding, property tax regulation and regulatory compliance. With more than three decades of experience, Jim has also assisted in formulating and drafting statutes regarding public conflict-of-interest, purchasing and construction.
Prior to joining the firm, Jim worked for the Indiana State Board of Accounts as a field auditor from 1974 to 1981, as a deputy state examiner from 1981 to 1985, and as a state examiner from 1985 to 1989. Jim’s hands-on experience working for the state board provided him with a multidimensional understanding of local government.
In addition, Jim’s experience with various community and government commissions and committees is extensive. He served on the Commuter Rail Transportation Study Commission, Calumet Township Management Committee, Calumet Township Poor Relief Control Board, County Road and Bridge Law Revision Study Commission, Indiana Board for Depositories, Indiana Interstate Cooperation Commission, and the Government Efficiency Commission.
Notably, Jim is a certified public accountant (CPA).
Professional and Community Involvement
Member, National Association of Bond Lawyers
Member, Indiana Municipal Lawyers’ Association
Member, Indiana CPA Society Government Relations Committee
Former vice chairman, American Bar Association Government Practice Section Long Range Planning Committee
Former chairman, Indiana State Bar Association Government Practice Section
Former board member, Indiana Municipal Lawyers Association
Former member and chairman, Indiana CPA Society Utilities Committee
Former member, Indiana State Bar Association Budget Committee
Former member, Indiana State Bar Association Audit Committee
Former member, United Way Allocations Panels
Former board member, Child Advocates
Former member, Indiana Youth Links Development Committee, Indiana Sports Corporation
Board member, Benjamin Harrison YMCA Center Advisory Board
Board member, Bozeman Museum of Art National Advisory Council, Bozeman, Montana
Board member, American Overseas Memorial Day Association
Advisory board member, Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art
