John practices in the areas of real estate and business litigation. His experience in these dual fields provides his clients with a rare perspective in dealing with complex real estate and business matters. Understanding the dynamics of litigation, and how it impacts his clients' business strategies, gives John the ability to draft transactional documents with an eye towards avoiding problems before they arise.
Real Estate
In his real estate practice, John represents landowners and developers in the acquisition, improvement and financing of properties in Delaware, including hotels, assisted living facilities, shopping centers and malls, restaurants, residential developments, schools, condominiums, warehouses and other industrial sites. John drafted one of the first sets of condominium documents under the new Delaware Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act for a large development in New Castle County. He also assists clients with the review and negotiation of leases.
Litigation
John's litigation practice involves a wide range of business, contract, commercial, and real property disputes. His experience includes cases dealing with land purchase and sale agreements, construction defects, leases, adverse possession of real property, zoning and deed restrictions, mortgage foreclosures, breach of fiduciary duties, non-compete agreements, employment and tenure disputes, and estate litigation. He is frequently called upon to assist clients of other members in the firm when they become involved in complex disputes involving their real estate or other commercial transactions. John also handles mechanic's lien actions. His experience as a certified mediator of the Delaware Superior Court gives John the additional insight to resolve his clients' disputes before they turn into costly litigation.
In the community, John takes an active role in the congregation of his church. He served on the Board of Trustees of St. Philip's for seven years, and chaired the Board during the last three years.
Activities and Affiliations
· Delaware State Bar Association, Real Estate Section, Member
· Delaware State Bar Association, Ethics Committee, Past Member
· Richard S. Rodney Inn of Court, Master of the Bench
· American Bar Association, Real Property, Trust and Estate Law Sections, Member
· Delaware Board of Bar Examiners, Past Member
· Commercial - Industrial Realty Council of New Castle County, Member
· Committee of 100, Member
· Downtown Newark Partnership, Executive Board, Past Member
· Downtown Newark Partnership, Volunteer of the Year Award
· St. Philip's Lutheran Church, Past Board Member and Chairman
Publications
Winter 1997
Is It a Corporate Opportunity?: The Director's Duty to Inform the Board
Network -- ABA Section of Business Law Newsletter