Jessica P. McGinnis

Counsel

Orlando
T +1.407.649.4066
F +1.407.847.0168

Overview

Jessica McGinnis practices commercial real estate and business law. She has a knack for understanding client needs from a business perspective, given her tenure running a 200-employee property management firm. This real-world insight into the issues businesses face combined with her in-depth legal experience in business and real estate dealings allows her to service clients with a focus and perspective unique to the legal profession.

Jessica is proud to be a fifth generation Orlandoan whose roots run deep in the local community. Her passion is helping connect clients' big picture needs with the detail and nuance of the law, focusing on real estate purchases, sales, leases, licensing and franchising issues.

Select Experience

  • Acts as outside counsel to two international restaurant brands in U.S. leasing matters, including negotiation and communication with landlords, property managers and neighboring tenants; lease drafting; amendments; co-tenancy issues; estoppels; subordination, non-disturbance and attornment agreements; lease termination agreements; renewal ticklers, etc.
  • Represents international REIT in all leasing aspects for five large First Class retail shopping centers (totaling approximately 2.3 million sq. ft.) and six large Class A office building projects (totaling approximately 900,000 sq. ft.), including leases, amendments, termination agreements, default notices, broker listing/commission agreements, property management agreements, license agreements, etc.
  • Represents institutional client in the purchase and sale of real property, buildings and houses; easements; acceptance of donated property; license agreements; affinity agreements; business matters; etc.
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Experience

  • Acts as outside counsel to two international restaurant brands in U.S. leasing matters, including negotiation and communication with landlords, property managers and neighboring tenants; lease drafting; amendments; co-tenancy issues; estoppels; subordination, non-disturbance and attornment agreements; lease termination agreements; renewal ticklers, etc.
  • Represents international REIT in all leasing aspects for five large First Class retail shopping centers (totaling approximately 2.3 million sq. ft.) and six large Class A office building projects (totaling approximately 900,000 sq. ft.), including leases, amendments, termination agreements, default notices, broker listing/commission agreements, property management agreements, license agreements, etc.
  • Represents institutional client in the purchase and sale of real property, buildings and houses; easements; acceptance of donated property; license agreements; affinity agreements; business matters; etc.
  • Drafted consulting and confidentiality agreements for a real estate holdings entity that owns an airport, when client sought to train international pilots on-site.
  • Reviewed and analyzed loan consolidation agreements for real estate holdings entity.
  • Assisted in representation of client in obtaining land use and entitlements for a large mixed-use, urban infill project of more than 400 acres in Seminole County, Florida, which facilitates the master planning and development of institutional venues, green space, and environmental preserves; senior living, single, and multifamily housing; and retail/commercial uses. Services to the client will continue throughout the master planning and development program. 
  • Handles real estate and business matters for large institutional clients, including the negotiation and drafting of purchase and sale agreements, property tax exemptions, licensing agreements, and master plans for various uses, including statute-intensive uses such as a cemetery and the licensure thereof.
  • Drafted operating agreements, membership interest purchase agreements, and asset assignment agreements for various companies under the oversight of a foreign company in a variety of endeavors, including teaching English as a second language in multiple locations.  
  • Drafted commercial leases and ground leases for a franchisee of a popular fast food restaurant. 
  • Assisted in the representation of independent/assisted living senior community developers in the acquisition, land use, and development planning for new senior housing facilities. Drafted the Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions for the establishment of homeowners associations. Involved in an affinity agreement between the senior housing facility and a religious institution. 

Recognitions and Memberships

Recognitions

  • Florida Association for Women Lawyers: Leader in Law (2014)

Memberships

  • Central Florida Association for Women Lawyers, Elected Board Positions: 
    • President (2015 to 2016)
    • President-Elect (2014 to 2015)
    • Programs Director (2013 to 2014) 
    • Co-Programs Director (2012 to 2013)
    • Treasurer (2011 to 2012)
    • Secretary (2010 to 2011)
  • American Bar Association
  • Orange County Bar Association

Community

  • New Hope For Kids
  • Rock Lake Elementary School, Back-pack Project
  • The BETA Center
  • Feeding Children Everywhere

Prior Positions

  • Vista National Management, Inc.: Vice President and In-house Counsel

Admissions

  • U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
  • Florida

Education

  • J.D., Barry University Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law, 2007; cum laude; Barry Law Review, Associate Editor; Voluntary Income Tax Assistance Preparation Program
  • B.S., Business Administration, University of Florida, 2004, cum laude