Jim Abrams

Jim Abrams

 

Jim graduated with a B.A. in economics from the University of Oregon and a Juris Docter degree from the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law (Boalt Hall). After serving in the U.S. Army, he commenced the practice of law in San Francisco in 1971. During his legal career, he specialized in lodging and hospitality law and in representing and advising trade associations and other non-profit entities. Jim served as President and CEO of the California Hotel & Lodging Association from January 1, 1991 through December 31, 2008, when he retired. He is still however a frequent speaker and writer on all aspects of the law relating to the lodging and hospitality industries and continues to work with CH&LA as their Member Legal Advisor. The one thing he wishes non-members understood about CH&LA is that their businesses would be at a much greater risk of failure or non-optimal success if it didn’t exist.

Favorite place to vacation: Oregon coast  

What are the five things you can’t live without: Family (wife, daughter, two grandchildren), Spike the Wonder Dog, hiking/backpacking, reading, helping others

What’s the one thing most people don’t know about you:  I’m a good Japanese chef. (As long as there is plenty of sake available).