Practice areas: Business & Corporate, Nonprofit Organizations, Real Estate; view more
Licensed in Ohio since: 2000
Education: The University of Akron School of Law
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330-805-9899
Amer Cunningham Co., L.P.A.
One Cascade PlazaSuite 1510
Akron, OH 44308 Visit website
James S. Simon, a partner at Amer Cunningham Co., L.P.A., in Akron, Ohio, represents business, government and tax-exempt clients across a broad range of transactional matters. His work covers real estate and business acquisitions, leasing, financing and multiparty negotiations. He is particularly skilled in public and low-income housing finance transactions, along with zoning and compliance matters and regularly assists clients in forming for-profit and tax-exempt entities.
Mr. Simon's approach centers on understanding each client's goals before addressing the legal details. He navigates complex multiparty negotiations with a steady, pragmatic hand, prioritizing clear communication and practical solutions over unnecessary complication. By combining deep knowledge of financing and real estate with a collaborative style, he helps clients move from concept to closing efficiently, ensuring every transaction is structured to serve their long-term interests.
Staying actively involved through post-transaction compliance, Mr. Simon’s guidance extends well beyond the closing table, helping clients adapt as regulations and business needs evolve. His extensive experience in government and tax-exempt work equips him to anticipate hurdles early, saving time and resources. Clients value his straightforward counsel and his ability to explain complex concepts in accessible terms, making him a trusted adviser for long-term ventures.
Before pursuing his legal education and honing his litigation skills at The University of Akron School of Law, Mr. Simon received his bachelor’s degree in American studies from Bennington College. He received his Juris Doctor in 2000 and in the same year, was admitted to practice in all state courts of Ohio. His continuous efforts to provide quality legal services garnered him an AV Preeminent* peer-review rating through Martindale-Hubbell.
*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer-review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.
Practice areas
Business/Corporate, Nonprofit Organizations, Real Estate: Business, Construction Litigation: Business, Government Contracts, Land Use/ZoningFocus areas
Business Formation and Planning, Business Organizations, Construction Defects, Contracts, Non-profit & Tax-exempt Organizations
- 30% Business/Corporate
- 20% Nonprofit Organizations
- 20% Real Estate: Business
- 10% Construction Litigation: Business
- 10% Government Contracts
- 10% Land Use/Zoning
First Admitted: 2000, Ohio
Professional Webpage: https://www.amer-law.com/attorneys/james-simon
Bar / Professional Activity
- Ohio, admitted 2000
- U.S. Tax Court, admitted 2002
- Akron Bar Association, Member
- Ohio State Bar Association, Member
- Board of Directors, Ohio Air Quality Development Authority
- Elected Member, 2016 Republican National Convention's Permanent Organization Committee
- Elected Delegate from Ohio's 13th Congressional District, 2016 Republican National Convention Committee
- Leadership Akron, Class XXV
Representative Clients
- Business clients
- Government clients
- Tax-exempt and nonprofit organizations
- Public and low-income housing clients
Transactions
- Real estate acquisitions
- Business acquisitions
- Commercial leasing
- Real estate and business financing
- Public and low-income housing finance transactions
- Multiparty negotiations
- Formation of for-profit entities
- Formation of tax-exempt entities
- Zoning and compliance matters
- Post-transaction compliance
Pro bono / Community Service
- Board of Trustees, Bennington College
- Member, Church of Our Saviour, Episcopal
- Member, Vestry
- Chair, Stewardship Committee, Church of Our Saviour, Episcopal
- Past Member, Board of Directors, Autism Family Foundation of Northeast Ohio
- Past Member, Board of Directors, The Civic Commons
- Past Member, Board of Directors, Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Foundation, Inc.
- Past Member, Board of Trustees, United Disability Services
- Past Chair and Co-Chair, United Disability Services Basketball Gala
- Past Member, Board of Directors, Plexus
- Past Member, Secretary and President, Episcopal Diocese of Ohio — Standing Committee
- Standing Commission on Structure, Governance, Constitution and Canons of General Convention of The Episcopal Church
Educational Background
- J.D., The University of Akron School of Law, magna cum laude, 2000
- B.A., Bennington College, 1997
Other Outstanding Achievements
- Partner at Amer Cunningham Co., L.P.A., Akron, Ohio
- Extensive civic and organizational leadership experience
- Chair, Finance Committee, Bennington College
- Member, Executive and Finance Committees, Bennington College
- Past Chair, External Relations and Development Committee, Bennington College
Honors
- AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell, 2026
Awards
AV Preeminent®: This elite award is granted to attorneys who have been recognized by their peers for their very high ethical standards, with an average peer review score of 4.5 or higher.
Selections
- Super Lawyers: 2026
- Rising Stars: 2010 - 2012, 2014 - 2015