James A. Borchers

Principal

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Phone 314.889.7166

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Bio

Jim Borchers spends much of his time advising small businesses and their owners on acquisitions, commercial lending, franchising, real estate, and estate planning. He is also well-versed in national and local trade associations and in municipal law.

Business Law. Whether launching a new business or growing an existing one, Jim creates and advances business plans, helping owners capture value in new opportunities, solve problems, and manage risk.

Commercial and SBA 504 Loans. Trained in SBA 504 closings and commercial loan transactions, Jim is uniquely qualified to work with lenders and borrowers, alike.

Estate Planning. Planning for the future is an important process that goes hand-in-hand with business advice. Many families trust Jim to guide them in the proper planning necessary to protect their assets and provide piece of mind.

Franchise Law. One of the few franchise attorneys in the region, Jim represents both franchisors and franchisees in new business ventures, providing counsel for franchise registrations and sales, and addressing operational issues.

Zoning and Land Development. As the formation attorney for the city of Weldon Spring and later as general counsel, Jim designed and drafted all formation ordinances and codes. He successfully handled a series of annexation cases before the Missouri Court of Appeals and managed zoning litigation in the midst of the city’s rapid growth.

Real Estate and Commercial Leases. Jim regularly works through commercial leases and handles real estate financing and transfers. His city attorney background provides heightened awareness of code and zoning issues.

Trade Associations. Jim serves as executive director and general counsel for two national manufacturers’ trade associations.

Since 1997, Jim has taught adult education classes in estate planning, new business creation, and business growth strategies at St. Charles Community College and for the St. Charles School District Adult Education Program. For his efforts on behalf of St. Charles County, Jim received the 50 Over Fifty Community Shapers Award from Saint Charles Business Magazine.

Publications & Speaking Engagements

Speaker: “The Missouri Close Corporation: A Hidden Gem for Small Business,” The Commerce Trust Company.

Featured contributor to Saint Charles Business Magazine, Legally Speaking section.


Education

  • LL.M. in Taxation, Washington University School of Law (1987)
  • J.D., Gonzaga University School of Law (1977)
  • B.A., economics, Valparaiso University (1973)

Admissions

  • Missouri

Associations

  • American Bar Association: Committees on Corporations, LLCs, Real Estate & Franchising
  • The Missouri Bar
  • Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis
  • St. Charles County Bar Association
  • National Association of Development Companies (NADCO)

  • Community Involvement

  • St. Charles Community College Foundation, board of directors
  • St. Charles Chamber of Commerce, governmental affairs committee chair
  • O’Fallon Rotary Club, past president