As a senior paralegal, Jim Govert delivers deep real estate knowledge and applies a highly analytical approach to support all types of the commercial transactions handled by Starr Finley. His wealth of experience and ability to find clarity in complex situations makes him an exceptional asset to the team.
Jim is particularly expert in joint ventures, such as drafting limited liability company agreements, partnership agreements, or other strategic alliances agreements. Jim is extremely thorough in his due diligence reviews and skilled at resolving complex title matters. Jim is also adept at lease review of all types and understands real property financing issues for borrowers and lenders.
Jim attended Princeton University for his undergraduate studies before earning his JD/MA from the University of California – Berkeley. His professional legal career began at law firms in Pennsylvania and Michigan, where he concentrated in commercial real estate and finance.
In California, Jim has worked at in-house legal departments for an apartment REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) and for a solar project developer. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation, an affordable housing and neighborhood development organization in Oakland.
During his time away from the office, Jim enjoys sailing on the San Francisco Bay, wine tasting with his wife, Rachel, appreciating music with his audio technician adult daughter and watching his own “home team” play sports – his twin teenage daughters compete in basketball and sailing.
Bar Admissions + Associations
- State Bar of Michigan
- Not admitted to the State Bar of California
Education
- University of California – Berkeley, JD/MA
- Princeton University, BA, Politics
