Christine Adams has been a commercial real estate attorney with Rogers Towers for eight years. She recently was named managing partner of their new office in Ponte Vedra Beach.
WHAT do you DO?
She handles lender and developer representation. “As far as the developers, we handle acquisition and developments for a lot of different kinds of commercial development. We also handle all types of commercial loan closings.”
NEW OFFICE LOCATION?
The law firm just recently opened a location in Ponte Vedra Beach.
COLLEGE?
She has a bachelor’s degree in business management from Jacksonville University and a law degree from University of Florida Law School.
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE?
Before attending law school, Adams worked in banking for four years. “I was a commercial loan officer for Barnett Bank.”
HOW HAS YOUR PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE HELPED YOU IN LAW?
“It has been excellent because right from the start I understood the terminology and what the banks and loan officers were looking for as far as write-ups and in their files. It’s been very helpful.”
WHAT MADE you WANT TO BECOME AN ATTORNEY?
“Actually, the banking experience is what prompted me to go to law school. After I finished my undergraduate degree, I knew I wanted to go back and get a master’s degree, but I wanted to get out in the work world. Barnett was a great environment because they really encourage advancement. In my interactions with the closing attorneys I realized that is what I wanted to do.” The law firm in Ponte Vedra Beach also does residential closings as well. The focus of the branch office is mainly in real estate, family law and estates and trusts.
WHAT TYPE OF REAL ESTATE CLIENTS Do you HAVE?
Banks, community banks and developers.
ISSUES COMMERCIAL AGENTS ARE FACING?
“With the escalation of prices, the thing that we are seeing is that sellers are much more reluctant to give extensions on inspection periods and closing dates. They have the idea that if they get out of the contract they are in, they can possibly enter into another contract at a higher price or they may have back-up buyers in line. We are definitely getting more resistance. That is something the brokers we are dealing with right now are noticing. It’s creating a little more tension in the commercial deals.”
WHAT IS REWARDING ABOUT BEING A REAL ESTATE ATTORNEY?
“It’s great to see deals come together and it is exciting to watch the projects and the work that you do develop.”
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS?
Commercial Real Estate Women of Jacksonville, Jacksonville Bar Association.
WHY ATTEND CREW?
“It’s a great place to meet folks in our industry and it’s a great group of people who are very encouraging and want to work with each other.”
ADVICE FOR NEW REAL ESTATE ATTORNEYs?
“I would advise them to attend groups like CREW. It’s a great way to get out and meet others in the industry and to build your practice.”
LESSONS LEARNED?
Adams said it is very important to be conscientious with your work and to work hard.
ADVICE FOR REALTORS WHO DEAL WITH ATTORNEYS?
“Give as much information relating to the deal as possible as early as possible in the transaction so it avoids problems later.”
FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR JOB?
“It’s fast-paced and exciting. Every deal is different and I learn something new everyday.”
CHURCH?
First Christian Church of the Beaches.
RESIDES?
Atlantic Beach.
PERSONAL SIDE?
When she is not working, Adams enjoys spending time with her family. She has been married to Scott, a corporate pilot, for 15 years. They have two children, Thomas, 8 and Susie, 3. Her favorite place to visit is the Florida Keys. A movie she saw recently and would recommend was “The Dukes of Hazzard.” “It was very funny.” A book she read recently and recommend was “Uncommon Wisdom” by Fritjof Capra. When relaxing at home, her favorite television show is “The Amazing Race.” When dining out, she enjoys Joseph’s, an Italian restaurant that recently opened in Atlantic Beach.
-by Michele Newbern Gillis