James R.
Walczak

Bio

Jim is an attorney at MacDonald Illig whose practice focuses on corporate governance, business transactions, finance, and tax-related matters. He serves as trusted counsel to businesses, nonprofit organizations, and governmental entities, providing strategic legal guidance on operational, transactional, and financial matters. Jim works closely with clients to develop practical solutions that support organizational growth and long-term objectives.

Jim Helps Clients With:

• Corporate governance matters
• Business transactions
• Commercial finance matters
• Tax-related legal issues
• General corporate counsel services
• Tax-exempt financing transactions
• Municipal bond matters
• Business and nonprofit organizational guidance
• Governmental entity representation
• International business matters

Jim regularly advises organizations on transactional, operational, and financing matters, including issues involving tax-exempt financing structures and corporate governance.

Approach to Client Service

Jim approaches legal matters with a strategic and results-oriented mindset while maintaining a strong focus on client objectives. He works closely with organizations to understand their operational and financial goals and provides practical legal guidance tailored to their long-term success.

Experience and Professional Background

Jim acts as general counsel for a variety of business, nonprofit, and governmental organizations, advising clients on corporate, transactional, and tax matters. He is listed in the Bond Buyer Municipal Market Place Guide, commonly known as the municipal bond attorney’s “Red Book,” and regularly provides tax advice and tax opinions related to tax-exempt financing transactions.

He also represents foreign-based clients and serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Eriez Manufacturing Co., a multinational company headquartered in Erie.

Community Involvement and Leadership

Jim has been actively involved in a number of significant community and development projects throughout the Erie region. He played a role in the development of:

• UPMC Park in downtown Erie
• Bayfront Convention Center
• U.S. Brig Niagara Maritime Museum
• Erie Bicentennial Tower
• Blasco Public Library

He currently serves on the Board of Trustees for The Erie Community Foundation.

Jim previously served as chairman and member of the Board of Directors of the Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority and also served as chair of the Governor’s Commission on the U.S. Brig Niagara. Throughout his career, he has contributed to numerous additional community organizations in a variety of leadership capacities.