James Bernstein

When navigating complex real estate transactions, clients rely on James's meticulous attention to detail, practical judgment, and determination to achieve successful outcomes.

James represents institutional purchasers, developers, sellers, and lenders in a broad range of commercial real estate transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, and lending transactions involving retail, industrial, office, and multifamily properties.

James approaches each matter with diligence and a focus on practical solutions. He understands that successful transactions often depend on identifying and resolving seemingly small issues before they become significant problems. Clients value his thoroughness, responsiveness, and determination to find a path forward when transactions become complicated.

Before joining SWTW, James handled claims litigation at Zurich, gaining firsthand experience evaluating disputes, assessing risk, and understanding litigation from an insurer's perspective. He then spent time as a project manager at Vedder Price, where he worked across legal, business, technology, and compliance functions, leading process improvement and technology initiatives, assessing risk, and helping ensure compliance with data privacy, regulatory, contractual, and security requirements. This experience gave James a well-rounded perspective on both the practice of law and the business realities his clients face—and allows him to approach legal matters with an understanding of how decisions affect risk, operations, and broader business objectives.

James's work ethic, attention to detail, and perseverance have been consistent throughout his career. Whether navigating the complexities of a real estate transaction or working through an unexpected challenge, he is willing to dig into the details, do the necessary work, and stay with a problem until it is resolved.