James Todd Mayer, Real Estate Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Chicago, IL
Trusted real estate attorney serving Chicago.
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Are you James Todd Mayer?
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Quick answer
James Todd Mayer is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on Real Estate.
- Based in
- Chicago, ILLINOIS
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Real Estate
- Handles Real Estate matters from Chicago, ILLINOIS.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law (2026).
About James Todd Mayer: James Todd Mayer is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on Real Estate.
Areas of practice
James's practice areas in Chicago
James concentrates on real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Real Estate cases in Chicago, Illinois
James takes real estate matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Biography
James Todd Mayer, real estate attorney serving Chicago
James Todd Mayer is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on Real Estate. James works from Chicago, Illinois and takes on real estate matters across the region.
James Mayer is a senior counsel in Nixon Peabody’s Real Estate group and focuses his practice on all aspects of real estate law, with extensive experience in retail, office, and industrial leasing.
My focusI focus my practice on commercial real estate law, including all aspects of real estate acquisition, development, leasing, operation, management, and disposition. My clients include real estate pension funds, investment advisory groups (for their own accounts and unrelated third parties), real estate investment trusts, national and international franchisors, financial institutions, commercial and residential developers, and office, retail, and industrial landlords and tenants. My work also includes acquisitions of hotels, sports facilities development, and real estate finance. I was one of the principal attorneys who represented Miami-Dade County in connection with the drafting and negotiating of the development, management, and operating agreements for the American Airlines Arena. I also represented McDonald’s Corporation as lead counsel in negotiating its lease and relocating its world headquarters from the Chicago suburbs to the City of Chicago. In addition, I represented the landlord in negotiating the lease to relocate the world headquarters of Caterpillar from Peoria to Deerfield, IL.
My practice also includes representation of clients on retail, office, industrial, and health care related leasing transactions, including the representation of the Teachers’ Retirement System of the State of Illinois in connection with joint ventures with Simon Property Group, Brookfield Properties, and CBL in various retail leasing matters, including anchor tenant leasing. I am regularly asked to speak on real estate related topics, in particular retail-related topics, at various conferences and events, including workshops and seminars for ICSC. I am also a member of the planning committee for ICSC.James's approach to real estate cases
James Mayer is a senior counsel in Nixon Peabody’s Real Estate group and focuses his practice on all aspects of real estate law, with extensive experience in retail, office, and industrial leasing. My focus I focus my practice on commercial real estate law, including all aspects of real estate acquisition, development, leasing, operation, management, and disposition. My clients include real…
The kind of cases James takes
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for real estate matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Credentials — where James studied and practices
Emory University
J.D.
Emory University
M.B.A.
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
Illinois, Illinois S
ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in Emory University and M.B.A. in Emory University.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in Emory University and M.B.A. in Emory University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
James's legal honors and published work
James has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law (2026).
Locations
James Todd Mayer's office in Chicago
James's primary office is at 70 West Madison Street, Suite 5200, Chicago, Illinois, 60602-4378. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of James Todd Mayer
James has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire James Todd Mayer — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new real estate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with James usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
James charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; James will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a real estate attorney in Chicago, Illinois
A short list to run through before you commit: How many real estate matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for James
James discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in real estate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every real estate matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. James confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
James's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many real estate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about James Todd Mayer
How much does it cost to hire James for a real estate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. James walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does James offer a free consultation?
James charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office. Some real estate attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do real estate cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple real estate matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. James gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can James take my case if I'm outside Chicago?
James is licensed in Illinois. Matters governed by Illinois law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — James will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with James?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. James will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is James accepting new real estate clients right now?
James's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Real Estate attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois
James handles real estate matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified real estate attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated real estate attorneys in Illinois
If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these real estate attorneys in Chicago handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
