James G. Willard is a partner in the Orlando office of Shutts & Bowen LLP where he is a member of the Real Estate Practice Group.

A Martindale-Hubbell AV® rated attorney, Jim's been listed among the Best Lawyers in America® in real estate since 2009. He's helped build the firm’s reputation in the Orlando real estate market and uses his more than 30 years of experience to represent clients throughout Central Florida.

Jim represents developers and property owners in real estate development, land use and growth management issues. He understands the legal challenges affecting large projects, including developments of regional impact, and has often served as lead counsel for national clients in their purchase, sales, and development of real property. He's represented Universal Studios and Orlando’s Millenia DRI project, Forbes Properties, Simon Property Group, North American Properties, Schrimsher Properties, Belz Enterprises and Bass Pro.

His transactional work includes lending agreements, conveyancing of income and vacant property, commercial leasing, subdivision development, and condemnation. He handles land use and zoning issues for his clients and is experienced in dealing with all government bodies, having sought and gained approvals at the local, state and federal levels.

Credentials

Education

  • Duke University School of Law, J.D., 1978
  • University of Notre Dame, B.B.A., Finance, magna cum laude, 1975

Bar Admissions

  • Florida

News & Insights

News & Speaking Engagements

Practice Areas

Industry Focus

Accolades

  • Martindale-Hubbell AV® Rated
  • Best Lawyers in America®, Real Estate, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
    • Lawyer of the Year, Real Estate, 2020, 2024
  • Orlando Magazine, “The Best Lawyers in Orlando: Lawyer of the Year,” 2020

  • Florida Super Lawyers, Real Estate, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

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Shutts & Bowen, established in 1910, is a full-service business law firm with approximately 270 lawyers located in eight offices across Florida.

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