> Our Professionals > James C. Griggs

Mr. Griggs limits his practice to business sales and acquisitions, corporate and individual tax planning, organization or dissolution of business entities, the transition of ownership in closely held businesses and tax representation, including income, estate, and property tax issues.

Sales and Acquisitions

Mr. Griggs has represented many different corporations and individuals in sales and acquisitions including:

• Planning and implementing the sale of a business with assets located in eight states with multiple owners for a sales price of $70 million
• Sale and lease back of multiple real estate facilities to a publicly held REIT for $20 million plus.
• Sale of regional telecom company to national, publicly held competitor for over $20 million.
• Structuring the acquisition and sale of ongoing businesses, including both tangible and intangible assets, for various clients with purchase prices ranging from $500,000 to in excess of $20 million.
• Assisting with the sale and purchase of medical, dental, and accounting practices.

The common thread which runs through these transactions is Mr. Griggs' expertise in structuring the transactions in a manner which maximizes the after tax benefits of his clients.

Business Organizations

Mr. Griggs regularly assists clients in both the organization of business entities and the unwinding or dissolution of entities. His experience includes extensive work with the formation, reorganization, and dissolution of corporations, partnerships (limited and general), limited liability partnerships, and limited liability companies. The correct choice of a business entity and the best method to change or unwind the formal structure of a business entity are significant decisions with major planning opportunities and risks. Mr. Griggs' unique tax background and extensive experience allow him to assist his clients in more completely understanding their options and implementing the correct decisions.

Succession Planning

Much of Mr. Griggs' work involves the use of his extensive business sales and formation experience to assist clients in planning the transfer of property or business ownership to both family and non-family members. This form of succession planning is often done in conjunction with both estate and retirement planning.

Tax Law

Mr. Griggs has represented numerous corporations, associations, tax exempt organizations, and individuals in disputes with the Internal Revenue Service and the Oregon Department of Revenue. His work in this area includes representation of clients before both the Oregon and Federal Tax Courts, the Federal District Court, and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Property Taxation

Mr. Griggs represents clients in property tax disputes before county assessors, local Boards of Property Tax Appeals, the Department of Revenue, the Oregon Tax Court, and the Oregon State Supreme Court. Mr. Griggs has successfully represented clients appealing property tax valuations for, among other things, manufacturing facilities, plywood and veneer mills, chipping facilities, food processing plants, office buildings, and retirement and nursing care facilities.

Professional Activities

Mr. Griggs is a member of the Taxation Section of the Oregon State Bar, and he previously served on the Executive Committee of the Tax Section. He is also a member of the Business Law Section of the Oregon State Bar for which he previously served as a member of the Executive Committee and Chairman. Mr. Griggs has served on the faculty of Willamette University, College of Law where he taught classes on advanced tax planning in business transactions and pension law. Mr. Griggs has been a frequent lecturer in the areas of taxation, sales and acquisitions, the use of ESOPs, and corporate law at seminars sponsored by the Oregon State Bar, the Oregon Society of CPA's, the National Association of Accountants, Chemeketa Community College, and the Small Business Administration.

Community Activities

• Marion County Bar Professionalism Award, 2010
• Salem First Citizen, 2007
• Salem Hospital Foundation: Board of Directors 2005-Present; President of Board of Directors 2007-2008
• Boys & Girls Club of Salem, Marion and Polk Counties - Member of the Board of Directors 1992-Present; President of Board of Directors 2002-2003; National Service to Youth Award February 2002 & 2007; Officer of the Year
• Salem Art Association - Member of Board of Directors; President of Board of Directors; Co-Chair of Art Festival
• Salem School Foundation - Member of Board of Directors; President of Board of Directors
• Chemeketa Community College Foundation - Member of Board of Trustees (17 years); President of Board of Trustees

Education

Mr. Griggs attended Willamette University, College of Law, where he served as Editor-in-Chief of the Willamette Law Review and graduated with honors in 1975. In 1976, he obtained a Master of Laws Degree from New York University, College of Law, with an emphasis in taxation.