PRACTICE FOCUS
John 'Jack' Orrick practices in Business Transactions focuses on general corporate matters, joint venture formations, and business and tax planning, as well as representing clients in securitized equity and debt financings.
Clients turn to Jack because of his business sense and collaborative philosophy, which he uses to negotiate transactions strategically and close deals. His diverse and extensive transactions experience gives him a broad view of overall business operations, allowing him to advise clients in a variety of industries, including, but not limited to, real estate. Jack’s clients include property owners, developers, investors, owners of closely-held businesses, nonprofits and associations, financial institutions, and providers of professional services.
He provides counsel on a wide scope of commercial transactions, including business formations, sales of business entities, compliance with federal and state securities laws, preparation of business agreements, review of financing agreements, preparation of confidentiality and nondisclosure agreements, and general business and tax advice tailored to the specifics of his clients’ business objectives. He also works with nonprofit organizations on compliance with federal and state income tax laws. Jack has represented numerous clients in public and private securities offerings and municipal bond offerings. He also counsels clients on state and local economic development packages, including financial incentives, PILOT agreements, and tax credit and incentive programs. He has represented clients in the formation of opportunity zone funds and the acquisition of opportunity zone businesses. He assists with the formation of special taxing districts – including tax-increment financing districts to support infrastructure for real estate projects. His experience also includes preparing legislation and lobbying on behalf of clients before the Maryland General Assembly.
As a respected leader in the business transactions field, Jack serves on the boards of trade associations of building industry members and has held various leadership positions in the Maryland State Bar Association. He has published numerous articles and lectured on topics related to deal-structuring and financing issues. Jack leverages his visibility in the industry to grow and share his knowledge, expand his professional network, and help people in his community who normally lack access to legal representation.
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
- Panelist –Maryland State Bar Association Advanced Business Law Institute, “What the Federal Corporate Opportunity Act has to do with my Clients”, April 28, 2022
- Presenter - Maryland State Bar Association Legal Summit and Annual Meeting –Veterans and Military Law Section – Boots to Business June 13, 2019
- Presenter – 11th Annual Veterans’ Legal Assistance Conference & Training – Going from Boots to Business June 7, 2019
- Presenter, Maryland State Bar Association Advanced Business Law Institute -- “Choice of Entity After the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017” April 18, 2019
- Presenter – “What Every Lawyer Needs to Know about Buying and Selling a Business under Maryland Law” Business Law Section meeting, Maryland State Bar Association Annual Meeting, June 16, 2017
- Presenter, Maryland State Bar Association Advanced Business Law Institute – “The Maryland LLC Act, a 25 Year Retrospective – Why Did it Succeed: What Works; Where Has it Stumbled; What Still Needs Work” April 20, 2017
- Presenter - "Mixed-Use and Economic Development Financing Structures and Options" - Strafford webinar December 10, 2014
- Presenter – “Financing Considerations for P3 Projects” – Lorman Education Seminar program on Public/Private Partnerships in Maryland, Annapolis, MD” January 14, 2014 January 15, 2014
- Speaker - Bar Association of Baltimore City Milton Talkin Lecture Series - Charging Order Provisions Under Maryland and Delaware Law November 1, 2013
- NAIOP Legislative Conference - Presentation on New Exemption under Maryland Recordation and Transfer Tax Statute for Transfers to Affiliated Entities October 7, 2013
- Webinar - Maryland State Bar Association Section on Unincorporated Business Associations-Understanding Charging Order Protection December 5, 2012
- Maryland State Bar Association - Development, Drafting of Operating Agreements, Legislative Updates and The Ever-Changing Limited Liability Company Act in Maryland April 18, 2012
- Montgomery County Bar Association Law Day - Private Placements in Maryland, April 21, 2011
ACTIVITIES
- American Bar Association
- Sections on Business Law and Taxation; Trusts and Estate Law
- Committee on Unincorporated Business Committee
- Maryland State Bar Association
- Member, Board of Governors, 2014-2016
- Committee on Budget and Finance 2016-2020
- Committee on Unincorporated Business Associations-Drafting Committee for Revisions to Maryland Limited Liability Company Act, 2010-2013, 2021-present
- Continuing Legal Education Committee, 2011-2021
- Member, Board of Governors, 2010-2012
- Business Law Section Council, Chair 2009-2010
- Business Law Section Council, 2002 - present
- Lieutenant Governor's Technology Law Task Force, 2001 - 2002
- Housing Unlimited, Inc., Advisory Board and General Counsel
- Home Builders Association of Maryland
- Board Member (Ex-Officio), 2000-2014
- Executive Committee, 2007-2009
- Home Builders Care Foundation
- Board Member, 2000-2014
- Secretary, 2007 - 2014
- Maryland Building Industry Association
- Life Director, 2021 - present
- Board Member (Ex-Officio), 2014-2021
- Legal Counsel, 2014 - 2021
- Samaritan Ministry of Greater Washington
- Legal Counsel 2014 - Present
- President 2012-2014
- Board Member 2011-2016