Jones Walker LLP Welcomes Christa Ketchum to Tax Credit Finance Team in Birmingham

Introduction

On March 6, 2025, Jones Walker LLP proudly announced the addition of Christa Ketchum as special counsel in the Tax Practice Group, specifically focusing on the tax credit finance team in Birmingham. With her diverse background and expertise in both real estate and tax mechanisms, she is set to play a pivotal role in assisting corporate clients navigate through intricate federal and state tax incentives, particularly those related to low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) programs.

Christa Ketchum's Background

Christa Ketchum joins Jones Walker with a robust professional history, having worked extensively in private practice as well as fulfilling in-house roles for title insurance companies and commercial real estate developers. This experience equips her with a profound understanding of the challenges and opportunities present in the U.S. tax system, making her a valuable asset to the firm's clients.

In welcoming her to the team, Bill Hines, the firm's managing partner, stated, "We are pleased to welcome Christa to our tax team. Her diverse real estate and tax credit finance experience will be valuable to our corporate clients both in Birmingham and across the country." This endorsement underscores the firm’s commitment to bolstering its capabilities in tax law, particularly in the area of financial assistance for real estate projects.

Expertise in Tax Credit Finance

Ketchum's legal proficiency covers various facets of real estate transactions. She has considerable experience in transaction structuring, which involves helping clients navigate through the maze of entity formation, drafting and negotiating purchase agreements, and assisting with due diligence processes. Her background is particularly influential in major commercial real estate transactions, where she has represented a range of stakeholders including investors, developers, landlords, and borrowers engaging in large-scale development across the Sunbelt region.

In addition to her transactional work, Christa specializes in 1031 exchanges, serving as both a facilitator and adviser. Her diverse experience allows her to strategically assist clients in maximizing their tax benefits while minimizing risk.

Navigating Complex Regulatory Environments

As clients increasingly seek tax incentives to enhance their real estate developments, it’s crucial for them to understand the complexities of federal and state regulations. Ketchum’s comprehensive approach empowers clients to identify and mitigate various risks—including property, environmental, and financial aspects—while ensuring they can effectively leverage LIHTC programs to achieve their respective goals.

Her firsthand industry experience serves as a significant advantage, as she aids lenders and investors in recognizing potential barriers to successful transactions, thus streamlining the process and ensuring compliance with applicable laws.

Jones Walker's Commitment

Jones Walker LLP is among the top 145 law firms in the United States, committed to providing top-tier legal services to a diverse range of clients, including multinational corporations, Fortune 500 companies, and emerging businesses. With offices across Alabama, Arizona, New York, Texas, and other locations, the firm's reach and knowledge base allow them to address both regional and national legal matters effectively.

Christa Ketchum's appointment is a testament to the firm’s investment in expanding its tax and real estate practice areas to better serve its clients and remain competitive in an ever-evolving market. As the landscape of tax incentives continues to shift, having experts like Ketchum on board will enable Jones Walker to provide unparalleled guidance to its clients.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the addition of Christa Ketchum to the Jones Walker team heralds a new chapter in their commitment to excellence in tax law and real estate finance. As clients navigate the complexities of real estate transactions, they can count on the expertise and dedication of professionals like Ketchum to guide them towards successful outcomes. The firm’s ongoing investment in talent underscores its dedication to providing top-level service and innovative legal solutions.