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  • Location 400 W Market St #1800, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
  • Phone +1 502-681-0444

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About Williamson James R

For decades, the economic and physical landscape of Louisville, Kentucky, has been shaped by visionary leaders and skilled professionals. In the legal realm, few attorneys have left as indelible a mark on the city's development as James R. Williamson. While he has recently passed, his extensive contributions to commercial real estate, corporate finance, and significant urban development projects continue to benefit the community. This article serves as an overview of his remarkable career, designed to help Kentuckians understand the profound impact of his work and the specialized legal services he provided at Stites & Harbison PLLC, a legacy that continues to inform and inspire legal practice in the region.

James R. Williamson was a highly respected Member of Stites & Harbison PLLC, a leading law firm with a strong presence throughout the Commonwealth. Admitted to practice in Kentucky in 1974, he became a partner at the firm's predecessor, Stites, McElwain and Fowler, in 1980. His practice primarily focused on the intricate areas of commercial real estate development and financing, fields where he demonstrated exceptional foresight and legal acumen.

Mr. Williamson was not just a lawyer; he was a pivotal strategist behind some of Louisville's most transformative infrastructure and public space initiatives. His most recognized professional achievement was serving as the principal attorney for the Waterfront Development Corporation. In this role, his tenacity and vision were instrumental in securing the riverfront land that would ultimately become Louisville's cherished Waterfront Park—a testament to his ability to navigate complex legal and public policy landscapes to achieve monumental community benefits. He was also the critical strategist in securing the city's rights to the abandoned railroad bridge, which has since been transformed into the iconic Big Four Pedestrian Bridge, connecting communities across the Ohio River.

Beyond these landmark projects, James R. Williamson was deeply involved in general corporate and finance law, bringing a practical and solution-oriented approach to his clients' business needs. His commitment extended beyond legal technicalities, embracing a holistic view of how legal counsel could contribute to economic growth and community well-being. For Kentuckians, his career exemplifies the profound impact that dedicated legal professionals can have on their local environment and economy.

Location and Accessibility

James R. Williamson practiced at the prestigious law firm of Stites & Harbison PLLC, located in the heart of downtown Louisville, Kentucky. The office address is 400 W Market St #1800, Louisville, KY 40202, USA. This prominent location is situated within a major commercial and legal hub of the city, ensuring easy access for clients from across Louisville and the wider Kentucky region.

The central placement of the office provides several advantages for clients. It is easily reachable via various transportation methods, with multiple parking facilities available in the vicinity. This accessibility makes it convenient for businesses and individuals to attend meetings and consultations without significant logistical hurdles. The professional environment of the firm's offices further reflects the high standards of legal service, providing a comfortable and confidential setting for addressing complex legal and business matters. The location’s proximity to other key business and government institutions in downtown Louisville also contributes to the efficiency and convenience for clients.

Services Offered

James R. Williamson's legal expertise was primarily concentrated on commercial real estate development, finance, and general corporate law. His services were integral to facilitating large-scale projects and advising businesses on critical financial and transactional matters. Key areas of his practice included:

  • Commercial Real Estate Development: Advising on all legal aspects of large-scale commercial real estate projects, from acquisition and zoning to construction and leasing. This included his pivotal work in securing land for Louisville's Waterfront Park.
  • Real Estate Financing: Structuring and negotiating complex financial arrangements for real estate developments, including loans, equity investments, and other funding mechanisms.
  • Corporate Law: Providing comprehensive legal counsel to corporations on matters such as formation, governance, compliance, and general business operations.
  • Corporate Finance: Assisting businesses with various financial transactions, including securing capital, managing debt, and other financial strategies.
  • Eminent Domain & Condemnation: Handling legal issues related to the government's right to take private property for public use, including his work on the Big Four Pedestrian Bridge. This involved representing entities in condemnation actions.
  • Public-Private Partnerships: Facilitating legal frameworks for collaboration between public entities (like the Waterfront Development Corporation) and private sector interests to achieve community development goals.
  • Construction Law: Providing legal support related to construction contracts, disputes, and regulatory compliance for development projects.
  • Business Transactions: Advising on the legal aspects of business mergers, acquisitions, sales, and other significant transactions.
  • Zoning and Land Use: Guiding clients through zoning regulations and land use planning to ensure compliance and facilitate development projects.

Features / Highlights

James R. Williamson's career was marked by significant achievements and contributions that stand as testament to his legal prowess and dedication:

  • Architect of Louisville's Waterfront Park: His proudest professional achievement was serving as the principal attorney for the Waterfront Development Corporation, where his legal tenacity and vision were instrumental in securing the land that became Louisville's iconic Waterfront Park.
  • Key Strategist for Big Four Pedestrian Bridge: He was the critical strategist in securing the city’s rights to the abandoned railroad bridge, which transformed into the Big Four Pedestrian Bridge, a vital public space connecting communities.
  • Award-Winning Service: The Waterfront Development Board awarded him the Anchor Award for distinguished service, a recognition proudly displayed in the lobby of Stites & Harbison.
  • Decades of Experience: Having joined Stites & Harbison's predecessor in 1974 and becoming a partner in 1980, Mr. Williamson brought a wealth of experience, spanning over four decades, to complex real estate and corporate finance matters.
  • Impactful Contributions to Infrastructure: He played a pivotal role in transforming Louisville's infrastructure, including significant contributions to the airport expansion in the late 1980s.
  • Deep Community Involvement: Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jim was deeply committed to community service. He served on the Board of Directors for the Louisville YMCA (including past chair of the Camp Piomingo Board of Managers), the University of Louisville Depression Center, the Southern Indiana Economic Development Council, the Louisville Bach Society, and the Louisville Area Chamber of Commerce Transportation Committee, among others.
  • Client-Focused Approach: Known for his strategic and solution-oriented approach, he effectively balanced legal requirements with clients' business objectives and financial resources.

Promotions or Special Offers

In the professional legal services field, particularly for a highly experienced attorney specializing in complex areas like commercial real estate development and corporate finance, the concept of "promotions" or "special offers" in the retail sense does not typically apply. Legal fees are based on the complexity, duration, and resources required for the specific legal matter. However, the value proposition offered by James R. Williamson during his career, and continued by the firm of Stites & Harbison PLLC, can be understood through the following:

  • Strategic Vision and Value Creation: Mr. Williamson's work was characterized by a forward-thinking approach that aimed not just to solve legal problems but to create long-term value for his clients and the community. His involvement in landmark projects like Waterfront Park exemplifies how expert legal counsel can lead to significant economic and public benefits, effectively providing an invaluable "return on investment" for his clients.
  • Efficiency Through Expertise: His deep expertise in commercial real estate and finance allowed for efficient navigation of complex regulations and transactions. This efficiency could translate into significant cost savings for clients by mitigating risks, preventing future disputes, and streamlining project timelines.
  • Comprehensive Firm Resources: As a Member of Stites & Harbison PLLC, clients benefited from the robust support system of a large, full-service law firm. This includes access to specialized attorneys across various practice areas, advanced legal research tools, and a collaborative environment, all of which contribute to a more comprehensive and effective legal service.

For those seeking legal services from Stites & Harbison PLLC, it is always recommended to contact their office directly to discuss your specific needs. Their professional staff can provide information regarding their services and how they approach client engagements.

Contact Information

James R. Williamson practiced at Stites & Harbison PLLC in Louisville, Kentucky. For those seeking legal services in the areas of commercial real estate, corporate finance, or related fields that align with the firm's expertise, the contact information is as follows:

  • Address: 400 W Market St #1800, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
  • Phone: (502) 681-0444
  • Mobile Phone: +1 502-681-0444

While James R. Williamson has passed, contacting Stites & Harbison PLLC via the provided phone numbers will connect you with a professional team who can direct you to other attorneys within the firm who continue to practice in similar areas and uphold the same high standards of legal service. They can assist with inquiries about relevant legal expertise and how the firm can best support your needs.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Kentuckians, particularly those involved in commercial ventures, real estate development, or corporate finance, the legacy of James R. Williamson and the continued excellence of Stites & Harbison PLLC represent an exceptional and highly suitable legal resource in Louisville. His impactful career highlights why the firm remains a go-to choice for local businesses and developers.

First and foremost, Mr. Williamson’s profound expertise in commercial real estate development and financing directly contributed to landmark projects that have reshaped Louisville. For local developers and businesses, this means working with a firm whose attorneys understand the intricacies of Kentucky’s regulatory landscape and possess a demonstrated ability to navigate complex, large-scale projects from conception to completion. The successful realization of initiatives like Waterfront Park and the Big Four Bridge serves as tangible evidence of the firm's capacity to deliver on ambitious visions, a significant advantage for any local entity embarking on major development.

Secondly, his deep commitment to community service, reflected in his roles with the YMCA, the University of Louisville Depression Center, and various economic development councils, underscores a client-centric philosophy that extends beyond billable hours. This community involvement suggests a genuine understanding of the local environment and a dedication to the well-being of Kentucky, making the firm a more relatable and trusted partner for local clients.

Finally, the firm’s central location in downtown Louisville offers unmatched accessibility. This means Kentuckians can readily access top-tier legal advice without the inconvenience of traveling far, ensuring that local businesses and individuals have direct access to legal counsel with a proven track record of contributing to the state's economic and urban development. While James R. Williamson may no longer be with us, the foundation he helped build at Stites & Harbison ensures that his spirit of innovative legal service for Kentucky’s growth continues to thrive, making it an excellent choice for local legal needs.

Williamson James R Location

400 W Market St #1800, Louisville, KY 40202, USA

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