James A. Schmidt, Esq., practices in the areas of business, tax and real estate law, representing individuals, companies, lenders and investors in their transactional matters.
Before practicing law Mr. Schmidt worked as a Certified Public Accountant for eight years in both the audit and tax fields, and provided transaction services in public stock and debt offerings. Today, Mr. Schmidt’s practice caters to parties involved in sophisticated transactions that require transactional and tax advice and prefer to receive it from the same counsel.
Business Law
In his business law practice Mr. Schmidt serves as general counsel to clients on day to day legal matters, assuming primary responsibility for their transactional requirements and serving as a liaison with outside counsel when other needs arise. He frequently represents clients in their business negotiations and in the drafting of agreements for mergers and acquisitions, financing transactions, partnerships and joint ventures, asset purchases and sales, leasing, employment, and licensing. This practice also includes the representation of lenders and investors in their lending activities and loan documentation.
Tax Practice
Mr. Schmidt’s tax practice complements his business law practice and offers a valuable solution to parties seeking to gain a comprehensive understanding of the legal and tax consequences of their decisions. His representation includes voluntary disclosure matters, business planning for structuring tax free reorganizations, advising borrowers and lenders on transactions involving New Markets Tax Credits, rendering tax opinions, and providing a range of advice on federal and state income tax matters. In his compliance practice, he offers a full array of tax form preparation services. He represents clients before tax authorities in controversies, audits, compliance examinations, appeals and protests.
Mr. Schmidt is an active leader in many of the organizations which he belongs to. He is the co-chairman of the Small Firm Section and the Tax Section of the Hillsborough County Bar Association, is a co-director of the Tax Section of The Florida Bar, and serves on several committees of the Tax Section of the American Bar Association.
Real Estate Practice
In Mr. Schmidt’s real estate practice, he represents developers,
buyers and sellers in real property development, sales and leasing
matters, and well as lenders and borrowers in financing and loan
transactions. This practice encompasses commercial and residential
property and includes a full range of closing and title insurance
services so that his firm provides a comprehensive solution to any party
in need of real estate counsel.
He advises U.S. and non-U.S. individuals and entities in a wide range of matters which allow them to conduct their operations in the most efficient manner possible. His interdisciplinary background provides an advantage to parties desiring ensure compliance with the law while maintaining the highest fidelity to their business objectives.
James A. Schmidt
While Mr. Schmidt does not solicit litigation representation, he does act as a consultant to parties in disputes related to failed business transactions, formation, and tax matters, and offers written opinions in those engagements.
Organizations
Mr. Schmidt is an active leader in many of the organizations which he belongs to. He previously served as co-chairman of the Small Firm Section and the Tax Section of the Hillsborough County Bar Association, and continues to stay active with that section. He is currently a co-director of the Tax Section of The Florida Bar, and serves on several committees of the Tax Section of the American Bar Association.
He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Tampa Bay Chapter of NAIOP (National Association of Industrial and Office Properties) and previously served as a Director of its Florida organization and on its National Government Affairs Taxation and Finance Sub-Committee. A part of his pro-bono work, he serves as general counsel to Real Estate Lives, Inc., a non-profit entity serving the Tampa Bay area, and as a director to WEDU’s community advisory board.
In his free time Mr. Schmidt enjoys being outdoors, competing in triathlons, and traveling. He has travelled extensively abroad and during law school he studied at the University of Nairobi School of Law.
Focused on Excellence
Mr. Schmidt received his Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance from Drexel University’s Leboe College of Business and his Juris Doctor from the Widener University College of Law.
If you have a matter that you believe would benefit from Mr. Schmidt’s advice or services, he invites you to use the information provided below to contact him for an initial consultation.
James A. Schmidt, Esq.
Dedicated to Service. Engaged with Clients. Involved in the Community.
Call: (813) 250-3700
FAX: (813) 250-3701
Mail: jas@schmidtlawoffice.com