James F. Freeman III
Attorney
Email: jfreeman@swansonbernard.com
Phone: (816) 886-4810
Alternate: (816) 410-4600
A proven problem-solver.
Experience
Successfully prosecuted and resolved thousands of mechanics’ liens and construction claims for subcontractors, contractors, architects, and owners in multiple states and internationally ranging in value from $5,000 to $300 million.
Represented the developer of a 30-plus-story high rise office to multi-family conversion in acquisition, design, construction, and operations.
Represented sellers of large tract commercial properties in the sale and development of the properties.
Represented an international just-in-time parts supplier in the multi-national negotiation and recovery of manufacturing tooling and finished goods from a distressed manufacturer to avoid millions of dollars in daily damages exposure.
Successfully represented foreign manufacturer in the recovery of a multi-million dollar specialty industrial equipment from bankrupt domestic fertilizer plant.
Successfully recovered $30 million LNG plant from a distressed EPC contractor. Then negotiated the sale and delivery of the plant to a pipeline project in Peru.
Successfully represented an architect in a multi-million dollar fee recovery against design claims by a high-profile hotel, commercial, retail, and entertainment multi-use developer.
Represented a non-profit in the successful recovery of a more than 500-acre lake retreat, a university campus, a nursing home, and a $100 million-plus foundation.
Summary
James is a problem-solver. He practices law to help people find solutions by examining and recommending structural changes to address and resolve the underlying issues and working to prevent them from re-occurring. He works with developers, owners, and subcontractors in all aspects of construction, real estate, commercial litigation, bankruptcy claims, non-profit, and probate litigation.
He has successfully represented clients through the purchase, design, development, and litigation of a variety of projects, including industrial, institutional, international, high-rise multi-family conversions, commercial, and retail. His unique background serving on the Lee’s Summit, Mo., city council and as the city’s mayor pro tempore allows him to bring an expert perspective to construction and real estate law.
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Missouri
Kansas
U.S. Supreme Court
U.S. Court of Appeals – 8th Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals – 10th Circuit
U.S. District Court of Western Missouri
U.S. District Court of Eastern Missouri
U.S. District Court of Kansas
U.S. Bankruptcy Court of Western Missouri
U.S. Bankruptcy Court of Eastern Missouri
U.S. Bankruptcy Court of Kansas
U.S. Court of Federal Claims
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Martindale-Hubbell – “AV” rating
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Missouri/Kansas Super Lawyer
Robert C. Welsh Volunteer Attorney of the Year, Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association
Heart of America Council’s Silver Beaver Award, Boy Scouts of America
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J.D., University of Missouri – Kansas City, 1989
B.S., University of Missouri – Kansas City, 1986