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James J. "Jim"
Rabaut

  • Partner
jrabaut@wnj.com
Grand Rapids
T 616.752.2178
M 616.460.9324
F 616.752.2500

My admin

We are seeing dramatic shifts in the ways that people use space. Whether they are economic, cultural, contractual or all of the above, I continuously scan the horizon for changes that may impact my clients’ real estate holdings. As the time for decision-making will only continue to constrict, I advise my clients to – and help them to – remain nimble and flexible, make incremental adjustments and revisit their options regularly.

Jim Rabaut understands the practical and aesthetic use of space, as a seasoned lawyer who practices in all areas of real estate law. He has broad experience in commercial construction projects, business condominiums, commercial lease negotiations, easements, economic incentives, and both personal and commercial real estate sales and acquisitions. He also helps manage real estate purchase and lease agreements, as well as site location, zoning and permitting – including those issues associated with wind and solar energy facilities, biofuel producers and other forms of clean energy development.

industries

practices

  • Representation of a Michigan company in acquisition and development projects for manufacturing and warehouses.
  • Representation of a public university in the acquisition and development of real estate for a new business school center.
  • Representation of a developer in the assembling and developing of real estate for a large medical office and retail complex.
  • Representation of a large religious organization on all real estate matters, including all construction documentation, all acquisitions and dispositions of real estate and the development of a large office and retail complex.
  • Representation of a developer of a seven-tier parking structure with respect to the acquisition of project property, construction documentation, con
  • Representation of a Michigan company in acquisition and development projects for manufacturing and warehouses.
  • Representation of a public university in the acquisition and development of real estate for a new business school center.
  • Representation of a developer in the assembling and developing of real estate for a large medical office and retail complex.
  • Representation of a large religious organization on all real estate matters, including all construction documentation, all acquisitions and dispositions of real estate and the development of a large office and retail complex.
  • Representation of a developer of a seven-tier parking structure with respect to the acquisition of project property, construction documentation, construction issues, financing and zoning issues.
  • All acquisition, development, construction documentation, financing and lease work associated with a major retail development project.
  • Representation of a major regional retail entity in store leasing and licensing agreements, bank and ATM licenses and subleases.
  • Representation of a major Grand Rapids real estate developer in acquisition, zoning and leasing activity.
  • Creation of a complex business condominium with multiple owners in a single existing building.
  • All legal work associated with the creation of a private burial ground in Michigan.
  • Detailed review and analysis of all real estate holdings of several bank holding companies associated with acquisition by a client bank.
  • Negotiation of complex easement transaction with municipality involving joint use of adjacent facilities.
  • Negotiation of sophisticated development agreement with municipality for a complex mixed-use project.
  • Preparation and negotiation of a complicated lease agreement between a professional hockey team and a separately-owned municipal arena authority.
  • Representation of a developer in the acquisition and development of properties used for a golf course and associated residential project.
  • Representation of a major Michigan telecommunications provider in its acquisition, financing and leasing activity.
  • Presenter: Michigan Society of Professional Surveyors; “Land Division Act” (2014)
  • Presenter: Grand Rapids Bar Association Real Property Section; “Land Division Act” (2014)
  • ICLE Presentations
    • Title To Michigan Real Property
    • Handling the Residential Real Estate Closing
    • Anticipating and Avoiding Closing Problems
  • Presenter: “Michigan Construction Liens: Laws and Documentation” (2009)
  • Synergy Conference (2006, 2007, 2008)
  • Lecturer: PES-Michigan T
  • Presenter: Michigan Society of Professional Surveyors; “Land Division Act” (2014)
  • Presenter: Grand Rapids Bar Association Real Property Section; “Land Division Act” (2014)
  • ICLE Presentations
    • Title To Michigan Real Property
    • Handling the Residential Real Estate Closing
    • Anticipating and Avoiding Closing Problems
  • Presenter: “Michigan Construction Liens: Laws and Documentation” (2009)
  • Synergy Conference (2006, 2007, 2008)
  • Lecturer: PES-Michigan Title Insurance (1995)
    • Issues to Consider When Starting a Construction Project, Grand Rapids Business Journal, 8/2/2013
    • “Lien Law Gives Brokers Ability to Collect Earned Commissions,” Grand Rapids Business Journal, 2/7/2011
    • “Division and Redivision:  New Options Under the Land Division Act,” MiBiz, 2007
    • “Please Sign on the Dotted Line,” Michigan’s New Notary Act, 2004
    • “Top Court Clarifies Land Divisi
    • Issues to Consider When Starting a Construction Project, Grand Rapids Business Journal, 8/2/2013
    • “Lien Law Gives Brokers Ability to Collect Earned Commissions,” Grand Rapids Business Journal, 2/7/2011
    • “Division and Redivision:  New Options Under the Land Division Act,” MiBiz, 2007
    • “Please Sign on the Dotted Line,” Michigan’s New Notary Act, 2004
    • “Top Court Clarifies Land Division Issue,” The Commercial Real Estate Quarterly, 2004
    • “How to Keep a Roof Over Your Head Without Losing Your Shirt,” Next Course, 2003
    • “Real Property Reassessment–Know the Rules,” The Commercial Real Estate Quarterly, 2002
    • Real Estate Alert, Grand Rapids Bar Association, 1999
    • “Annual Survey of Michigan Real Estate Law,” Wayne State Law Review (co-author with John G. Cameron, Jr.), Winter 1994
    Image for James J. “Jim” Rabaut

    James J. "Jim"
    Rabaut

    • Partner
    jrabaut@wnj.com
    Grand Rapids
    T 616.752.2178
    M 616.460.9324
    F 616.752.2500

    My admin

    Biography|
    Credentials

    We are seeing dramatic shifts in the ways that people use space. Whether they are economic, cultural, contractual or all of the above, I continuously scan the horizon for changes that may impact my clients’ real estate holdings. As the time for decision-making will only continue to constrict, I advise my clients to – and help them to – remain nimble and flexible, make incremental adjustments and revisit their options regularly.

    Jim Rabaut understands the practical and aesthetic use of space, as a seasoned lawyer who practices in all areas of real estate law. He has broad experience in commercial construction projects, business condominiums, commercial lease negotiations, easements, economic incentives, and both personal and commercial real estate sales and acquisitions. He also helps manage real estate purchase and lease agreements, as well as site location, zoning and permitting – including those issues associated with wind and solar energy facilities, biofuel producers and other forms of clean energy development.

    industries

    practices

    • Presenter: Michigan Society of Professional Surveyors; “Land Division Act” (2014)
    • Presenter: Grand Rapids Bar Association Real Property Section; “Land Division Act” (2014)
    • ICLE Presentations
      • Title To Michigan Real Property
      • Handling the Residential Real Estate Closing
      • Anticipating and Avoiding Closing Problems
    • Presenter: “Michigan Construction Liens: Laws and Documentation” (2009)
    • Synergy Conference (2006, 2007, 2008)
    • Lecturer: PES-Michigan T
    • Presenter: Michigan Society of Professional Surveyors; “Land Division Act” (2014)
    • Presenter: Grand Rapids Bar Association Real Property Section; “Land Division Act” (2014)
    • ICLE Presentations
      • Title To Michigan Real Property
      • Handling the Residential Real Estate Closing
      • Anticipating and Avoiding Closing Problems
    • Presenter: “Michigan Construction Liens: Laws and Documentation” (2009)
    • Synergy Conference (2006, 2007, 2008)
    • Lecturer: PES-Michigan Title Insurance (1995)
      • Issues to Consider When Starting a Construction Project, Grand Rapids Business Journal, 8/2/2013
      • “Lien Law Gives Brokers Ability to Collect Earned Commissions,” Grand Rapids Business Journal, 2/7/2011
      • “Division and Redivision:  New Options Under the Land Division Act,” MiBiz, 2007
      • “Please Sign on the Dotted Line,” Michigan’s New Notary Act, 2004
      • “Top Court Clarifies Land Divisi
      • Issues to Consider When Starting a Construction Project, Grand Rapids Business Journal, 8/2/2013
      • “Lien Law Gives Brokers Ability to Collect Earned Commissions,” Grand Rapids Business Journal, 2/7/2011
      • “Division and Redivision:  New Options Under the Land Division Act,” MiBiz, 2007
      • “Please Sign on the Dotted Line,” Michigan’s New Notary Act, 2004
      • “Top Court Clarifies Land Division Issue,” The Commercial Real Estate Quarterly, 2004
      • “How to Keep a Roof Over Your Head Without Losing Your Shirt,” Next Course, 2003
      • “Real Property Reassessment–Know the Rules,” The Commercial Real Estate Quarterly, 2002
      • Real Estate Alert, Grand Rapids Bar Association, 1999
      • “Annual Survey of Michigan Real Estate Law,” Wayne State Law Review (co-author with John G. Cameron, Jr.), Winter 1994