Jim Ens has worked in commercial real estate law for 37 years and is an integral part of the real estate practice group.

Mr. Ens has a niche in real estate development including economic structuring and financing. He’s represented commercial and industrial developers, condominium developers, lenders and borrowers, and architects and other real estate service providers.  He has been the developer’s lead attorney on many high-profile projects in the downtown Grand Rapids area.

Mr. Ens has significant experience in:

• property acquisitions and dispositions including 1031 tax-deferred exchanges
• leasing
• financing including construction and permanent
• multi-use development
• construction contract negotiation
• land use approvals and permits

Mr. Ens is a creative problem solver and understands what it takes ─ and how to work with people ─  to get transactions done successfully for his clients.

Professional Affiliations and Activities

Mr. Ens is a member of the Real Property Sections of both the State Bar of Michigan and the Grand Rapids Bar Association.  He is a past president of the Real Property Section of the Grand Rapids Bar Association.  Earlier in his career, he was a frequent presenter on real estate topics and in the past was a contributor at the Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE).

Mr. Ens is listed in “The Best Lawyers in America®” for Real Estate.  Mr. Ens has also been recognized by Best Lawyers® as the Grand Rapids “Lawyer of the Year” for Real Estate Law.

Mr. Ens serves as chair of the firm’s Business Section.

Community Activities

Mr. Ens has been active with the Inner City Christian Federation including serving as past president of the board.  He served on the Advisory Council for A.M.D.G. Architects, Inc.  For many years, he was a coach for youth sports including football and basketball.

Education

Mr. Ens is a graduate of Wayne State University Law School where he earned his J.D. and Western Michigan University where he received a B.B.A. degree.  He is admitted to practice in Michigan.