Aprio, ranked among the top 20 business advisory and accounting firms in the U.S., has named James Lockhart, CPA, JD, LLM as its Real Estate Industry Leader, effective May 1.
Jim succeeds Alan Vaughn, CPA, CGMA, who built the practice over four decades and will remain with the firm as a partner.
James brings 25 years of experience advising real estate developers, investors, private equity sponsors, REITs, and family offices on complex tax structures, capital transactions, and investment strategy. Since joining Aprio, he has expanded the firm’s national reach across commercial real estate, construction, and affordable housing. He currently serves as Vice-Chair of the American Bar Association’s Real Estate Private Equity Committee.
“Alan has set a standard that inspires everything we do. His commitment to our clients and our team is a legacy I will honor. What excites me is that we are stepping into this next chapter at Aprio at exactly the right time, real estate is at a genuinely exciting moment, and we have the depth of talent to help clients make the most of it,” said James Lockhart, Real Estate Industry Leader. “I’m grateful for this opportunity and look forward to continuing to work with Alan and our talented real estate team.”
Under James’ leadership, Aprio will deepen its platform across commercial real estate, construction lending, affordable housing, and opportunity zone investments building a connected advisory model that follows clients across asset classes and markets. Commercial real estate is entering one of its most dynamic periods in a generation with opportunities for both sponsors and investors. At the same time, AI is fundamentally reshaping how the industry operates, creating both complexity and competitive advantage for those with the right advisors in their corner.
“Alan Vaughn built Aprio’s real estate practice into a top practice in the U.S., establishing the firm as a trusted advisor to owners, developers, investors, and REITs across the nation. His four decades of counsel shaped a foundation we will continue to build on,” said Richard Kopelman, CEO of Aprio. “James brings exceptional experience, deep relationships, and the ability to look forward for our clients as they navigate the shifting capital environment, and rapidly changing role of AI. We are genuinely excited about what’s ahead for our clients and our team.”
