James A. Yarosh

Shareholder | jimyarosh@siegelbrill.com | 612-337-6112

"Unlike many lawyers today, I litigate and assist clients with transactions. The diversity in my practice gives me a unique perspective to benefit clients."

Jim represents individuals and businesses to help them with their real estate issues, ranging from buying and selling property to obtaining just compensation after their property has been taken by a governmental entity.

He understands that results matter...and he has obtained them. In one eminent domain case, his persistence, willingness to litigate and understanding of the nuances of the applicable law assisted his client in obtaining an unprecedented, multi-million dollar, "going-concern" settlement for the taking of a business. In a property tax appeal, he successfully reduced the assessed value of his client's medical office property by millions — saving the client thousands of dollars in property taxes.

Jim works with clients to determine their goal before taking action. This approach leads to the efficient handling of a matter and setting proper expectations for the process and potential outcomes. To help clients understand the process, he emphasizes open and frequent communication.

During 10 years of public service, Jim has used his professional skills to benefit community needs. Being a policymaker has also helped him understand how certain municipal or governmental bodies may respond to business and legal requests. This experience is invaluable when representing clients before governmental bodies.

Whether he is helping clients buy and sell property, obtain just compensation or keep property taxes in check, Jim adds value to Siegel Brill's services in Real Estate, Eminent Domain and Property Tax and Litigation and Dispute Resolution. Contact Jim to discuss your goals for real estate development and investments.

Some of Jim's representative cases/matters include:

  • Obtaining a multi-million dollar "going-concern" settlement for the taking of a business in an eminent domain case.
  • Helping client obtain a special use permit for residentially zoned property by counseling on proper communication with neighbors and the permitting process.
  • Successfully reducing the assessed value of a client's medical office property by millions, saving the client thousands of dollars in property taxes.
  • Obtaining more than 100 percent over the state's last written offer in an eminent domain partial taking of real property. This magnitude of the increase in just compensation allowed for the mandatory recovery of the client's attorney fees and litigation costs.
  • Settling a property tax appeal on a multi-tenant commercial office building, which saved the client several hundred thousand dollars in taxes and reduced the assessed value by as much as $4 million in one year.
  • Assisting a client through all stages of a business transaction, from the letter of intent to financing and purchase of property for a restaurant establishment in Minneapolis.

EDUCATION

University of Minnesota, J.D., cum laude, 1993
Washington University, B.A., 1989

ACHIEVEMENTS / INVOLVEMENT

  • Elected Board Member, four terms, St. Louis Park Board of Education, 2002-2017
  • Chair, St. Louis Park Board of Education 2006, 2007, 2012, 2017
  • Vice-Chair, St. Louis Park Board of Education, 2005, 2011, 2016
  • Rated as "AV" lawyer by Martindale Hubbell peer rating for legal ability and ethical standards — the highest possible distinction
  • Board Member, Association of Metropolitan School Districts

INTERESTS

Playing basketball and running
Coaching youth basketball
Spending time with family

MEMBERSHIPS / LICENSES

Minnesota State Bar Association
Minnesota Eminent Domain Institute
Hennepin County Bar Association
United States Circuit Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
United States District Court, District of Minnesota
Minnesota Supreme Court
Minnesota Court of Appeals