James M. Carolan

Jim's commercial experience across the United States is vast, and he has handled over $1 billion in luxury residential transactions both in and outside the United States. He advises on the real estate aspects of M&A and healthcare transactions.  He also advises high net worth individuals on intergenerational real estate ownership challenges, threats of partition, and uncooperative partners. His clientele includes major corporations, investors and investment funds, developers, art galleries, luxury retailers, restauranteurs, universities, and other tax-exempt organizations and their endowments.

Jim's professional background includes leading the US real estate group of two international law firms for over 15 years. Prior to that, he served as associate general counsel to Yale University for 14 years, advising on real estate investment and development for its endowment and facilities offices, and general business matters.

Beyond his commercial practice, Jim has lectured on real estate law and practice at Yale Law School, the Yale School of the Environment, NYU, Columbia, and Cornell, as well as at bar and professional events. He has handled pro bono matters throughout his career, addressing commercial real estate and affordable housing issues and advising on the formation and governance of nonprofit organizations.

Fluent in Italian, Jim regularly advises Italian-speaking clients on their US dealings and assists foreign investors dealing with Italy. In his spare time, he serves as the President of the US affiliate of the Fondo Ambiente Italiano (FAI) which protects and enhances Italy’s natural and cultural assets for public enjoyment.