James F. Harker
- Wilmington
- jharker@cohenseglias.com
- 302.462.3601
- Legal opinions regarding Delaware entities, bankruptcy remoteness and substantive consolidation involving multi-million dollar property acquisitions in New York City and elsewhere.
- Assisting in a multi-state purchase and financing involving 65 properties throughout the United States.
- Represents four international companies in the defense of asbestos-related injury claims filed in Delaware.
- Represented numerous owners and subcontractors concerning the filing and defense of mechanics’ liens.
- Successful defense of title insurance claims filed involving multiple residential properties.
- Assisted a large developer in acquiring, developing and constructing several large office buildings now occupied by national banking institutions.
- Assisted in the incorporation or establishment of Delaware corporations and limited liability companies.
- Handled the acquisition of several Wilmington city blocks for historic preservation and adoptive reuse, including use of historic preservation and new market tax credits.
- Prosecuted and defended bankruptcy avoidance and adversary proceeding in USBC, District of Delaware.
- Argued before the Delaware Supreme Court in two first impression cases on Delaware law.
Recognized as a problem solver and deal maker who overcomes obstacles on behalf of his clients, Jim resolves issues that arise for the benefit of both parties involved in a dispute. He develops long-term relationships with his clients and finds unique solutions tailored to their problems.
Jim’s practice focuses on transactional commercial real estate, the preparation of financing legal opinions involving Delaware entities for properties throughout the United States, and the resolution of real estate title, claims, and land use issues. He also helps clients resolve day-to-day business and contract issues. Jim has litigation experience in all Delaware courts and has represented several international companies in the defense of asbestos tort liability for decades.
Jim’s clients include Chevron U.S.A. Inc., Texaco Inc., Christiana Care Health Services, Inc., Fidelity National Title Insurance Company, Pettinaro Enterprises LLC, and Harvey Hanna and Associates, Inc. He has also served as director of several national corporations incorporated within the State of Delaware. For 30 years, Jim has represented The Salvation Army in real estate and business related matters. He also sits on its regional advisory board which meets monthly to discuss program planning, providing social services to people in need, and adult drug and alcohol rehabilitation.
Jim is a frequent speaker and gives seminars in Delaware on property, title, and land use issues, including speaking at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture, Division of City and Regional Planning and Community Development of Temple University. Jim served as a Lieutenant in the United States Naval Reserve on active duty from 1968 to 1971.
- Pennsylvania State Dickinson School of Law, J.D.
- University of Pennsylvania, B.A.
- Delaware
- U.S. District Court, District of Delaware
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit
- Delaware State Bar Association (DSBA) – Real and Personal Property Committee
- Frank E. Schoonover Fund, Inc. – Board of Directors
- The Salvation Army – Regional Advisory Board