@vinzani

June 30th, 2009

lawyer-m-jeffrey-vinzani-photo-451680 Jeff Vinzani

Commercial Real Estate and Finance Lawyer

Partner, Nexsen Pruet, LLC

Today we’re tweeting with @Vinzani, commercial real estate and finance lawyer from Charleston, SC

@Vinzani, thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @Vinzani?
A man of faith; husband to a beautiful wife, father of 3 great sons(12, 11 & 2); a purpose driven attorney;
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Tell us about your law practice.
Partner at Nexsen Pruet, Negotiating and structuring complex real estate and finance transactions; get the deal closed!
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What type of clients do you represent?
Developers (retail, resort, industrial, office, land); banks/lenders & special servicers; title cos. Nat’l homebuilders
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That’s a diverse group. What’s the single most important legal issue affecting those clients?
I’d say the major issue facing large scale development projects is the disappearance of securitized financing (CMBS loans)
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What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
Expect the unexpected! Let’s work upfront to structure the deal so we have a roadmap to get the deal closed efficiently.
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Am sure they appreciate it now more than ever! Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had.
I was lead attorney for clients who purchased the local hockey team, the SC Stingrays from Canadian investors; it was a complex….
transaction involving international tax issues; 4 investor groups & trips to Toronto; all for ice hockey in the hot South!
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That’s a great story. Why do your clients hire you?
You can’t teach experience. I am a zealous advocate for my client but also try to negotiate a win-win for both sides
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How are you and your firm responding to financial difficulties your clients may be experiencing?
We talk to our clients; understand their current situation; work on a budget and assist them in meeting their goals
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What’s the most active area of your practice at the current time? Is that typical?
Reworking and collecting numerous troubled credits; my experience in real estate and lending has proven invaluable. Y
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Congratulations on your recent Chambers recognition. Is this the first time you’ve been ranked by them?
Thanks Lance, I was recognized as Best in my Field by Chambers for 2008 & 2009; its an honor. http://bit.ly/16uWXH
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That’s great. What would you say will be the long-term effects of the financial crisis on the real estate industry?
My banker buddies tell me that there will be fewer “bankable” real estate developers – the small players will disappear.
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How do you market your practice?
Nothing beats face2face contact. I am also heavily involved in national, state and community organizations…..
I am currently serving as Chairman of the Real Estate Practices Section of the SC Bar and attend ICSC & ULI activities
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Why did you decide to become active on Twitter? Has it been a worthwhile endeavor?
Who cares “what I am doing?” Well 380 people so far; I have always loved cutting edge marketing and twitter is it. Yes worthwhile.
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Indeed. Besides Twitter, what other Web 2.0 tools do you use?
I have spent considerable time on Linkedin; I run an ICSC group that has over 3,500 members; Facebook somewhat
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What specific impact on referrals and/or client engagements have your Web 2.0 activities provided?
Decisions are being made out-of-state that affect me and Web 2.0 has helped me identify decisionmakers and establish ties.
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How much time do you spend each day developing / enhancing your brand?
Lunches, charitable events, personal contacts, leadership & committee meetings, THEN internet activities- 1-3 hours a day?
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What is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
Law firms have got to substantially change the way they charge for and deliver legal services..LPO outsourcing is coming.
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It certainly looks that way. What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
Law firms will do some outsourcing but will also market that local attorneys counseling clients is still important.
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What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
My family & I would become missionaries to China; my heart longs to make God known to those who have never heard.
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How do you want to be remembered?
He lived each day to its fullest, fought to accomplish his & family’s dreams; faithful husband/ loving father/ friend.
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What do you do when you’re not working?
Romance my wife, play sports and video games with my older boys, chase my 2-year old son Jack! Travel! Go to church. Read
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You lead a busy life…. Our last question: what advice do you have for people going to law school today?
Pursue a career before you go to law school; study several different subjects in undergrad; be green (LEED) & learn Chinese!