James O’Neill serves as Managing Principal Broker of the Washington, D.C. office for Divaris Real Estate, Inc., where he leads brokerage operations and drives the firm’s growth across the D.C. and Baltimore metropolitan markets. With more than 35 years of experience, James focuses on retail and restaurant brokerage, investment sales, and landlord and tenant representation. He oversees strategic expansion of the D.C. regional platform while remaining actively involved in investments, retail listings, national retail tenant assignments, and team development.

Prior to joining Divaris, he served as Executive Vice President of Retail at Lincoln Property Company’s D.C. office. His leadership background also includes senior positions with his own firm JT O’Neill Company, KLNB Retail, Trammell Crow Company, Scheer Partners, and Smithy Braedon Company.

Over the course of his career, James has represented national, regional, and international brands including Nando’s Peri Peri, La Tasca, Pret a Manger, Wagamama, YO! Sushi, Thomas Pink, as well as national chains like Uno Restaurants, Arby’s, Café Rio, Bar Louie, Denny’s , the Fresh Grocer, McDonald’s, Red Robin, Ellwood Thompsons, Qdoba, Silver Diner, Bank of America, ExxonMobil, and many more. He was also instrumental in buying, selling, leasing, and managing institutional and privately owned shopping centers throughout the Mid-Atlantic.

James has negotiated and closed multimillion-dollar retail and investment transactions, guiding clients through site selection, lease strategy, market evaluations, development plans, and asset positioning. He is known for his extensive market knowledge and long-standing relationships with owners, brokers, and retailers throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

James studied Business at Ferrum College and has been a licensed real estate broker in Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia since 1989.

Professional Affiliations and Accreditations

  • Licensed Real Estate Broker – Virginia, Maryland, and District of Columbia since 1993
  • Member, International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) since 1991

Awards / Recognition

  • Top-Producing Broker at multiple Mid-Atlantic regional and national brokerage firms

Family, Community & Interests

  • Raised four children with his wife in Western Loudoun County
  • Actively coached and supported all four children in activities such as baseball, basketball, soccer, football, swim team, Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts for more than 30 years
  • Played rugby with Washington Rugby for 25 years
  • Played men’s baseball with the DCMSBL for 25 years
  • Previously bred AKC Champion English Labs, of which several remain part of his family today