From the Army Reserve to Real Estate Law.

Sacrifice. Leadership. Responsiveness. Teamwork. These unique qualities could easily be used to describe both veterans and successful real estate attorneys. So it’s not surprising that after (and in this case while!) serving their country, a number of military vets look to real estate for their next career move. 

In honor of Veteran’s Day, we're celebrating current and former members of the US Armed Forces who selflessly sacrifice for our country each and every day. To honor those sacrifices, we're recognizing our own veteran partners, in an expression of gratitude for their sacrifices and their service. Here, United States Army Reserve retiree and current Real Estate Attorney with Posey Moye & Cartledge LLP Jim Moye, speaks candidly about what it means to serve, and the similarities between transactional and military legal practice. 

• What initially brought you to service?

Moye: I had an ROTC contract and obligation, which I entered while Vietnam was still drafting guys out of college. However, shortly after I signed the contract, pullout from Vietnam commenced and draft ended. So, I became a surplus Lieutenant, of which there were thousands. Those who wished could fulfill their commitment in a reserve component, and I entered the Army Reserve and stayed. I was initially commissioned as a signal officer in 1973. I changed branches to Judge Advocate General’s Corps and retired in July, 2006, serving as Colonel, Staff Judge Advocate, 87th Division (Training Support), Birmingham, AL.

• Serving your country is such a huge commitment. What does it take for a person like yourself to be willing to make such a sacrifice?

Moye: The commitment of a simultaneous Army Reserve Career is huge. Family and private practice are in 1-2 priority, and the military is right behind. The sacrifice is rewarded by doing for others that which only a few can or will do. I was bestowed a skill set that fit the call, and I put it to use.

• How did your military background, training and experience prepare you for your current career? Do you see any similarities in the task at hand?

Moye: A transactional practice and a military legal practice have many similarities. Both require a great deal of listening, discerning issues, avoiding pitfalls, minding the details, and finding alternatives to reach the objective. Both also require advising clients, the military clients being its leaders.

• What was the experience like of being called back to active duty?

Moye: I was called to active duty in 2003. It was quite a life change at the age of 52. I worked at my command HQ in East Point, GA. It was a great experience being able to do full time soldiering, just 1 job instead of 2. When I wasn't mobilized, I was responsible for 2 offices: my private practice, and at the same time the legal work in the military command which was in motion even when I was not in uniform. I was still the leader of the legal section, on call by the CG and senior staff at all times.

• At Chicago Title, as you know we highly value our partnerships with high performing agents like yourself. Can you speak to what true partnership means to you in service as well as in business?

Moye: The military law office and the transactional law office are both teams.  My transactional team includes my underwriting counsel.  The team must retain focus on mission accomplishment,  push through aggravations and snapping alligators, and be responsive. Efficiency includes a call on knowledge and strengths of other teammates and partners, such as our underwriting counsel.

• What’s one thing you would like people to know/ remember this Veteran’s Day? What does this day mean to you?

Moye: A veteran heard and responded to a call that only a few hear or are equipped to carry out.  Not just Marines, but ALL veterans are the few, the proud, the brave.

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