James Vilas
During his years of practice, James Vilas has assisted many families with the pressing need of “getting their affairs in order” by preparing wills and trusts as well as helping them in their greatest time of need – after the death of a loved one.
He has been asked on numerous occasions to speak at public forums, to many of the Exxon-Mobil plants here in the general area, and to write about how to minimize or even avoid taxes, and control one’s assets even after they pass away.
Mr. Vilas also has a wealth of experience in the business arena which has helped him protect clients when establishing contracts, whether in real estate or simple commercial transactions. He represents clients with Gaming and related regulatory matters.
He holds three diplomas from the Louisiana State University: undergraduate degree in General Business; and two diplomas from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center – Juris Doctorate and Bachelor of Civil Law (which system is used in Louisiana as well as in most Central and South American countries.
Mr. Vilas’ family is from Spain and he speaks fluent Spanish to assist with international clients. He is a licensed real estate broker for over 25 years and has participated in IRS 1031 Tax Free Exchanges.
James is President and General Counsel of the Baton Rouge Capitals USL Soccer Team and life-long resident of Baton Rouge.
He started the Baton Rouge Capitals in 2007, a semi-professional soccer team, and has represented players when they decide to go and play professionally.
Areas of Practice:
Estate Planning: creating wills, trusts, counseling on the best strategies to control ones assets and prevent governmental intervention as well as the handling of successions. Business formations, and contractual work. Gaming Law and Regulatory Matters. Personal Injury, criminal law for Spanish speaking clients. Representation of professional soccer players.
Professional Association:
- Louisiana Real Estate Commission
- Louisiana State Bar Association
Community Involvement:
Mr. Vilas is very involved as a fund raiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation nationally and in the Baton Rouge area where an annual award is presented in his mother’s honor. He also coaches soccer at The Dunham School, and helped to establish soccer at the school at all levels. He also serves on the Baton Rouge Soccer Associations board, and he and his family attend The Chapel at The Oaks. He has been appointed to several governmental boards and commissions by Mayors of Baton Rouge and governors of our state.