James B.
Toohey

Bio

Jim is a partner at MacDonald Illig whose practice focuses on real estate, commercial finance, and business transactions. He represents individuals, businesses, developers, landlords, tenants, and lenders in a wide range of real estate and financing matters. Jim is known for his responsive and relationship-driven approach, working closely with clients to develop practical solutions that support their operational and investment goals.

Jim Helps Clients With:

• Real estate transactions
• Commercial finance matters
• Residential and commercial lending
• Industrial and retail development projects
• Commercial leasing
• Real estate acquisition and development
• Multi-unit real estate transactions
• Business financing matters
• Commercial mortgage lending
• Lease negotiation and drafting
• Business and operational legal matters

Jim regularly advises clients on both transactional and financing matters involving commercial, residential, industrial, and mixed-use properties.

Approach to Client Service

Jim takes a client-focused and collaborative approach to legal representation. He prioritizes responsiveness, practical problem-solving, and building long-term relationships with clients. By understanding each client’s business and objectives, Jim works to assemble the right team and provide efficient legal solutions tailored to their specific needs.

Experience and Professional Background

Jim returned to Erie in 2011 after practicing law in Chicago for more than a decade. During his time in Chicago, he practiced at Bell, Boyd & Lloyd (now K&L Gates) and later at Fuchs & Roselli, Ltd.

At MacDonald Illig, Jim has continued to develop a practice focused on real estate, commercial finance, and business transactions. He advises individuals, businesses, lenders, developers, landlords, and tenants on a broad range of matters involving real estate ownership, financing, leasing, and development.

Jim has extensive experience representing real estate developers involved in the acquisition, financing, development, and operation of industrial, office, and retail projects. He also represents commercial and residential mortgage lenders in financing transactions and works with landlords and tenants throughout the commercial lease negotiation process.

Community Connection

As an Erie native, Jim remains committed to serving businesses, organizations, and individuals throughout the region while supporting continued economic and commercial development in the community.