James Breaux is a transactional attorney with a practice focused in the areas of commercial real estate, oil and gas, land use and zoning, governmental relations and general business matters. He is also a Louisiana licensed title insurance agent.
James represents developers, builders, lenders, oil and gas operators, telecommunication companies, and hospitals in the acquisition, leasing, financing and development of commercial and industrial real estate. His deep commercial real estate experience in examining titles to property, analyzing complex title issues, resolving title defects, and issuing title insurance policies and opinions has enhanced his attention to detail and ability to deliver a quality final work product. James builds on this experience in handling commercial real estate and loan closings, negotiating leases and drafting purchase agreements, handling road and pipeline right-of-way acquisitions, and representing clients before planning and zoning boards. He draws on his experience in participating in community planning activities such as Jeff 2000, St. Tammany Directions 2025, and Plan Baton Rouge in guiding developers through the planning and zoning process. James also handles the sale and formation of businesses, counsels businesses with regard to a variety of contracts, and assists businesses in navigating the process for various permits and licenses.
Some of his noteworthy transactional projects included providing legal services in connection with the following:
- $36 million acquisition of a sewer and water facility
- $40 million redevelopment of a public housing development
- $80 million credit tenant lease transaction
- $60 million hotel construction financing
- $110 million loan closing with industrial property collateral in multiple states
He has also handled the assemblage of acreage for commercial and industrial development and leases and right-of-way agreements for telecommunications facilities.
Experience owning and operating his own private law firm before joining Liskow & Lewis enables him to better appreciate how client projects interact with the broader legal and business landscape. His prior experience as a lobbyist, managing political campaigns and serving in various staff positions for the Louisiana Legislature has instilled in him the importance of listening to and understanding the needs of his clients.