Feb. 6 Invest/Retire Jan

LEGAL MATTERS

continued from page 19 handle transactions in other parts of the country. At this point in time, with the economy teetering on a recession and inflation and interest rates soaring, it makes doing commercial real estate deals more difficult. On the other hand, it constrains the development of new supply, thus keeping the prices of commercial real estate high. Thus, deals are generally still occurring. Multifamily apartments seem to have their own separate rules, however.

JN: Are you seeing more franchise activity in this region or less compared with a year ago? TS: Franchise activity seems to be somewhat down, following the trend of the economy in general. Also, many franchises are food purveyors, and that industry is particularly hard hit and risky, and finding labor is really difficult.

JN: What are the typical cases you might be involved in? TS: I am personally involved in the buying, selling, and financing of commercial properties and companies and disputes involving such matters. I also handle many general business transactions, structuring, and organizing such matters and disputes among the owners. I just handled the sale of a building in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and the sale of a closely held company whose headquarters were here, but which had operations across the country. I am also involved with quite a few disputes. I would try to settle any dispute if possible, as litigation is extremely expensive and an inefficient way to resolve a dispute.

JN: What should business owners today know about mergers and acquisitions from a legal standpoint? TS: The most important thing in an M&A deal is to have a competent attorney and accountant to make sure you’re

AUTO ACCIDENTS | SERIOUS INJURY | WRONGFUL DEATH

getting what you think you’ve bargained for. Businesses are typically much more complicated to buy or sell, and there is a myriad of issues to address.

JN: Are there issues that specifically affect this region? TS: This area has a lot of government contractors, and there are unique regulatory issues they have in many instances. JN: Why did you go into this specialty? TS: I enjoy the variety of my legal practice, and solving problems is challenging and fun!

JN: Other comments? TS: The private practice of law is uniquely challenging and rewarding, as any small business owner can attest.

For more information, visit inmanandstrickler.com.

ANDREW FOX

DEPUTY CITY ATTORNEY CITY OF NORFOLK

Jewish News: Where did you receive your education and what is your experience in law? Andrew Fox: I am a graduate of Cornell University and William & Mary Law School. I have practiced employment and municipal law exclusively since 2004 for the cities of Norfolk and Chesapeake, and also served as an adjunct professor of law at William & Mary and Washington & Lee law schools for more than 10 years. Prior to law school, I served as a Surface Warfare Officer in the U.S. Navy.

JN: What are some of the major issues that come into your office facing Norfolk residents today? AF: Norfolk seems to constantly be a city in transition, and our office is very involved in both major projects like redevelopment of the St. Paul’s public housing area, Military Circle Mall, and the HeadWaters Casino, and neighborhood-level issues such as reducing crime, addressing poverty, and increasing opportunities for historically underrepresented populations in our city. I am also privileged to represent the Chrysler Museum of Art, Seven Venues, and Nauticus – cultural amenities that really set Norfolk apart from other cities in the region, in my opinion.

JN: Same questions, re: business owners and professionals? AF: As a densely populated city with a rich but complicated history, Norfolk depends on citizen engagement and cooperation to thrive and improve. Business owners should rely on professionals (architects, engineers, environmental consultants, etc.) who are familiar with the city’s zoning, construction, and tax codes, and conduct extensive outreach to civic leagues and other neighborhood groups affected by their projects.

JN: What do people need to know about how your department works? AF: We are a team of dedicated professionals who support every department and agency within the city. We counsel our clients to follow established policies and procedures and to be fair and equitable in everything they do.

Andrew Fox.