Firms To Watch: Land use/zoning

Vinson & Elkins LLP ‘s Houston-based condemnation and eminent domain practice represents property owners in state and federal eminent domain cases and advises on regulatory matters in a broad range of development projects.
Troutman Pepper‘s growing Atlanta-based land use team is adept at handling all facets of national, regional and local land use matters ranging from complex, multi-use developments to large-scale retail centers.

Land use/zoning in United States

Akerman LLP

Akerman LLP‘s national land use and development practice is reputed for its depth of experience advising on local zoning and land use regulations, process and policy. The team handles all aspects of real estate development and urban redevelopments: Miami-based practice co-head Spencer Crowley focuses on considerable land use and environmental permitting matters, including marina permitting, while Miami lawyer Neisen Kasdin assists clients with in obtaining approvals for rezoning in addition to advising on the development of large-scale, multi-use projects. In New York, co-head Joshua Rinesmith is a go-to advisor for property owners, developers, architects and engineers seeking advice on zoning compliance and property development potential. In the same office, Jaclyn Scarinci advises on the development of mixed-use and affordable housing projects. Chicago’s Meg George acts for municipalities, developers, small businesses, and Fortune 500 companies, and Los Angeles-based real estate expert and development expert Lisa Kolieb regularly counsels on the regulatory aspects of real estate transactions.

Responsables de la pratique:

Spencer Crowley; Joshua Rinesmith


Autres avocats clés:

Neisen Kasdin; Meg George; Jaclyn Scarinci; Lisa Kolieb; Kristofer Machado


Les références

‘Akerman is very creative in staffing, and they have several team members who used to work at the NY City planning department, so they have a unique perspective on solving real estate issues in NYC.’

‘They are creative and willing to think outside the box. They are also very supportive of coming up with solutions that will be affordable for the client.’

‘Neisen Kasdin and Kristofer Machado are attentive, thoughtful, proactive, comprehensive and dedicated.’

Principaux clients

Madison Realty Capital


Bally’s Corporation


Hilco Redevelopment Partners


MADDD Equities


Joy Construction


Swire Properties


ABM Community Partners LLC


Real Builders


Tavistock Group


ESJ Holdings


Miami Design District Associates


Safe Harbor Marinas, LLC


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Bally’s Corporation on the acquisition of the existing industrial Tribune Publishing Center property in Chicago to improve as the city’s first casino, including work centered on the operation of a temporary casino facility.
  • Advised Real Builders, an affiliate of Radson Development, Catholic Charities People of Progress Development Corporation, and Brownsville Partnership, on the land use and zoning for the Livonia4 redevelopment of four historically vacant City-owned sites in the Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn.
  • Advised Swire Properties Inc. and related companies of New York on the zoning changes needed to expand office spaces on the One BCC block in Miami.

DLA Piper LLP (US)

Recognized for being ‘extremely knowledgeable on all related land use and entitlement matters in multiple jurisdictions with long-standing relationships across the industry’, DLA Piper LLP (US)‘s land use, development and government relations lawyers are experienced in handling large development projects as well as governmental regulatory matters and regularly represent clients before trial and appellate courts. The firm operates nationwide with teams co-led by Richard Klawiter in Chicago, who represents developers and investors in securing entitlements and financial incentives for urban and suburban projects. Klawiter is well supported by co-head Katherine Jahnke Dale, who is also based in Chicago and advises on the financing and regulatory aspects of redevelopments, as well as by and co-head Antonio Calabrese in Reston, who advises on land use, zoning and complex development projects. Los Angeles-based contacts include Jerold Neuman, who advises individuals and companies on obtaining local government licenses, permits, rights, or contracts, and Kyndra Joy Casper, an expert on compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act. Other key members of the team are Reston’s ‘outstanding’ Brian Winterhalter, Bryan Connolly and ‘top real estate attorney’ John Rattigan in Boston, as well as Mariah DiGrino in Chicago.

Responsables de la pratique:

Richard Klawiter; Jerold Neuman; Antonio Calabrese


Autres avocats clés:

Bryan Connolly; Kyndra Joy Casper; Katherine Jahnke Dale; Brian Winterhalter; John Rattigan; Mariah F. DiGrino; Oriana Montani; Andrew Brady


Les références

‘Extremely knowledgeable on all related land use and entitlement matters in multiple jurisdictions with long-standing relationships across the industry. This allows DLA to provide effective counsel in all related matters. A true and trusted advisor.’

‘Brian Winterhalter is outstanding and thoughtful in advice provided that produces outstanding results. A pleasure to work with and one you can count on to get the job to the finish line.’

‘Antonio Calabrese is at the top of the industry of land use lawyers who produces consistent success within multiple jurisdictions involving complex land use applications. Highly creative.’

Principaux clients

GRIT Chicago, LLC


Harridge Development Group, LLC


LEGO Group


Atlas Capital Group, LLC


601w Companies


Taubman Company


Origami Capital Partners


Timberline Real Estate Partners


HYM Investment Group, LLC


Tysons Development, LLC


Related Midwest


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised developer client 1HWY1 on navigating a ports project through multiple agencies to obtain approvals.
  • Assisted American Real Estate Partners and Harrison Street Real Estate with a joint venture to acquire the former AOL headquarters property in Ashburn, Virginia and redevelop the property with up to four data center buildings in a project worth $1bn.
  • Advised DePaul College Prep Foundation on a $74.29m tax-exempt bond financing transaction.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP

Well-known for advising on large development projects, including major stadia and arenas, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP‘s California-based land use and zoning department advises cities and government entities, developers, lenders and venture partners, owners and project proponents on all aspects of developments deals and also assists its clients with achieving entitlements to transform various properties. The practice is co-led by Mary Murphy in San Francisco and Ben Saltsman in Los Angeles. Murphy has vast experience advising on public and private partnerships and historic rehabilitation projects, while Saltsman is successful in obtaining land use entitlements for major real estate development projects and also advises institutional investors and lenders on development-related matters. Based in Los Angeles, Amy Forbes focuses on land use planning issues, especially at the administrative level. Other key members of the team in San Francisco include Allison Kidd, who primarily advises on real estate transactions, and Neil Sekhri, who is well-equipped to act on a variety of land use issues, including development agreements and entitlements.

Responsables de la pratique:

Mary Murphy; Ben Saltsman


Autres avocats clés:

Amy Forbes; Allison Kidd; Neil Sekhri


Les références

‘The depth of experience is unsurpassed. Particularly when it comes to CA land use.’

‘Amy Forbes’ ability to cut through the noise and find what is truly important is remarkable. Amy’s writing ability is clear, concise and leaves no question to the reader as to what the message is.’

‘Ben Saltsman is great.’

Principaux clients

Oakland A’s Major League Baseball team


Intuit Dome


Murphy’s Bowl LLC


Saks


Hudson Bay


JP Morgan


Treasure Island Community Development


The Kroenke Group


Build, Inc.


Strada Investment Group


Brookfield Properties Development


Golden State Warriors


Berggruen Institute


Heritage Fields


Pabst Brewing Company


Los Angeles Rams


Washington Prime Group


Deca Co.


Jamestown Properties, L.P.


Hudson Pacific


Principaux dossiers


Holland & Knight LLP

Holland & Knight LLP‘s team encompasses a consortium of nationwide offices capable of handling complex land use, planning, and zoning matters. In Miami, Joseph Goldstein and departmental co-head Vivian de las Cuevas-Diaz advise a range of clients on land use aspects of their developments, often leveraging the firm's environmental capabilities to advise on the regulatory and transactional aspects of projects and joint ventures. In New York, co-head of the department Joe Guay and Kenneth Lowenstein offer advice on affordable housing, zoning and re-zoning, and development rights, with a strong focus on development and finance matters that concern the hospitality sector. In Washington DC, the team assists clients with urban land use and development matters, including historic preservation and municipal law issues in complex, mixed-use developments and affordable housing projects, with Christine Shiker serving as a key contact for foreign governments and embassy clients for advice on on land use matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Joe Guay; Vivian de las Cuevas-Diaz


Autres avocats clés:

Kenneth Lowenstein; Christine Shiker; Joseph Goldstein


Principaux clients

Tennessee Titans


Akridge


Dezer Development


Property Group Partners


Brookfield Properties/Silverstein Properties Joint Venture


Madison Marquette and Urban Atlantic


Kettler


Carr Properties


Grosvenor Americas


Carmel Partners


Related Group


BH Group


Peterson Companies


CREI Holdings, LLC


Global City Development


RESIA


Children’s National Medical Center


CRE Abaco 10 LLC


Berkowitz Development Group I Holdings, LLC


Bristol Motor Speedway


Chino Valley Investments, LP


921 6th Street, LLC


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised the NFL’s Tennessee Titans on its successful efforts surrounding the new $2.2bn stadium replacement in Nashville.
  • Advised Akridge on zoning and land use matters for a major mixed-use development over the Union Station railroad tracks in D.C.
  • Advised Dezer Development on land use matters in its $1.5bn proposal to redevelop the Intracoastal Mall, a waterfront retail and restaurant center in North Miami Beach.

Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP

Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP boasts significant capabilities across all aspects of land use advice and advocacy with regular work as land use counsel in residential, commercial and industrial developments, rezoning, as well as landmarks designation and regulation, with a particular emphasis on projects in the New York area. Environmental and zoning regulations expert Paul Selver and public-private development specialist Elise Wagner co-chair the land use department. Representing private developers and cultural, educational, and healthcare institutions, James Power is regularly sought after for ability to advise on zoning and affordable housing matters as well as on development rights agreements. Advising cultural and religious institutions and developers, Valerie Campbell is noted for her work on land use, zoning, and historic preservation as well as expansions, and enlargements. Gary Tarnoff is also a key contact in this space and has vast experience as land use counsel in a wide variety of projects, including commercial, mixed-use, and residential developments and expansions. All listed members of the team are are based in New York.

Responsables de la pratique:

Paul Selver; Elise Wagner


Autres avocats clés:

James Power; Valerie Campbell; Gary Tarnoff


Principaux clients

The Madison Square Garden Company


Administrative Commission of West Park Church


Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Inc.


Extell Development Company


Quadrum Global


One45 Lenox LLC


Mount Sinai Medical Center


Taboulehs LLC


Stellar Management and Vornado Realty Trust


CIM


River Spring Health


Sunset Industrial Park – DH Property Holdings


Carmel Partners – 54 Crown Street


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Madison Square Garden in connection with its application for the renewal of the special permit required by the NYC Zoning Resolution to operate an arena of more than 2,500 seats.
  • Acted for the Administrative Commission of the West Park Church in the public review process for an application to demolish the individually landmarked West Park Church under the “hardship” provisions of the New York City Landmarks Law.
  • Advised the Lincoln Center on land use matters in connection with its Upper West Side campus that houses performing arts organizations including the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera, the New York City Ballet and the Juilliard School.

Latham & Watkins

Latham & Watkins‘s environment, land and resources practice group is nationally renowned for advising on major land use and zoning projects across various industries, such as healthcare, real estate, transportation, offshore wind, and media. The department is headed from Washington DC by global co-chairs Janice Schneider and James Barrett. Key names in Los Angeles are the experienced Lucinda Starrett, who focuses on entitlement matters, and George Mihlsten who is renowned for his land use and environmental solutions work. Also based in Los Angeles, James Arnone works on land use entitlements matters well as on litigation defense, and Maria Hoye routinely environmental approvals in addition to advising on planning and zoning regulations. Other key names to note are San Diego’s Jennifer Roy, Orange County’s Nikki Buffa, and Los Angeles’ Duncan Joseph Moore. Further Los Angeles contacts include Joshua Marnitz and Aron Potash, who extend the team’s expertise with their expertise in environmental and energy law.

Responsables de la pratique:

Janice Schneider; James Barrett


Autres avocats clés:

Lucinda Starrett; George Mihlsten; James Arnone; Maria Hoye; Joshua Marnitz; Jennifer Roy; Nikki Buffa; Duncan Joseph Moore; Aron Potash; Devin O’Connor


Principaux clients

Aerial Rapid Transit Technologies


California American Water Company


Irvine Company


City of Hope National Medical Center


Crescent Heights


FivePoint Holdings


Newhall Land & Farming Company


Hudson Pacific Properties


NBC Universal


Paramount Pictures


Oakland Athletics


Ventana Big Sur


Bel Air Bay Club


Santa Monica Beach Club


Irvine Company


Simon Property Group


Preston Hollow Capital


Pepperdine University


Loyola Marymount University


Oasis West Realty LLC


Faring LLC


SoCalGas


Charles Company


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Aerial Rapid Transit Technologies LLC and LA Aerial Rapid Transit Technologies LLC on their Memorandum of Agreement with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority to design, build, operate, and maintain an aerial rapid transit gondola system connecting Dodger Stadium to Los Angeles Union Station.
  • Advised a number of desalination facilities along the California Coast on all areas of environmental law.
  • Advised SoCalGas on environmental, regulatory, permitting, and other strategic considerations in relation to its Angeles Link project, a renewable hydrogen energy pipeline system.

Ballard Spahr LLP

Ballard Spahr LLP’s zoning and land use team covers a wide range of permits and approvals for real estate development projects, advising on matters ranging from subdivisions and zoning variances to environmental permitting, takings, and historical preservation issues. The department also handles complex appellate advocacy and defense of land use approvals. Amy McClain co-heads the team from Baltimore and focuses on affordable housing transactions, while co-head Matthew McClure is based in Philadelphia and emphasizes land use, zoning, and historic preservation matters. In Salt Lake City, Steven Mehr focuses on acquisitions, dispositions, construction, zoning and entitlements of commercial, retail, industrial and resort properties. In Baltimore, Jon Laria recently advised on redevelopments and new mixed-use developments. Based in Philadelphia, Joanne Phillips and Devon Beverly are further names to note.

Responsables de la pratique:

Amy McClain; Matthew McClure


Autres avocats clés:

Steve Mehr; Jon Laria; Joanne Phillips; Devon Beverly


Les références

‘The team has a diverse set of expertise and is strong in all categories.’

‘The individuals are dedicated to their clients and protecting their assets.’

Principaux clients

Midwood Investment & Development


EQT Exeter


3838 Market Street


The Rodin Group


Pearl Properties


Brevet Capital Management


Temple University


Landmark Properties


Hilco Redevelopment Partners


Saint Joseph’s University


LMXD and M Squared


Parkway Corporation


SRDV, LLC


Padre Canyon Resort, LC


Magleby Development


Powder Mountain Ski Resort


Larry H. Miller


The Point of the Mountain State Land Authority


The Chicago TREND Corporation


MCB Real Estate


Principaux dossiers


Bercow Radell Fernandez Larkin & Tapanes

The Florida-based boutique firm Bercow Radell Fernandez Larkin & Tapanes is reputed for its depth of expertise in land use, zoning, and environmental matters. The department is headed by Jeffrey Bercow, Ben Fernandez, Michael Larkin and Melissa Tapanes Llahues, all of whom are based in Miami. Bercow ‘provides thoughtful and sensible counsel to clients based on years of experience and expedites the approval process by recommending creative yet attainable solutions’, while Fernandez is adept at providing advice on the full range of land use and zoning matters, ranging from permitting and due diligence reviews to environmental and historic preservation matters. Larkin handles a wide variety of zoning and appellate litigation matters in Miami Beach, and Tapanes Llahues represents landowners, industrial clients and developers and specializes in legislative quasi-judicial affairs. In December 2023, Paul Savage joined the firm from Rasco Klock Perez & Nieto.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jeffrey Bercow; Ben Fernandez; Michael Larkin; Melissa Tapanes Llahues


Autres avocats clés:

Graham Penn; Paul Savage; Maritza Haro Salgado


Les références

‘Bercow Radell are known to be very reputable, extremely competent, and also a pleasure to work with.’

‘Melissa Tapanes is a force. She is extremely knowledgeable, strategic, and smart, in addition to being a very kind human being.’

‘The firm has a strong reputation for providing effective and accurate advice to clients, a quality that is recognized by the various government agencies they interface with on behalf of those clients.’

Principaux clients

27th and Coral Way, LLC


27th and Coral Way 2, LLC


The Ritz Carlton


D.R. Horton Inc.


RFR Holdings, LLC


Nomade Lido, LLC


Biscayne Shores Development Group


Altman Real Estate


Unsafe Structures Cases


North at Brickell II, LLC


Sobe 18, LLC


Waste Connections


Reva Dadeland, LLC


Urban Network Capital Group, LLC


1840 Partners LLC


Pelican Harbor Seabird Station, Inc


Citizen M


Community Habilitation Center, Inc.


9300 Collins Owner, LLC


Florida’s Live Local Act Cases


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised the Ritz Carlton South Beach and Sagamore hotels on an endeavor encompassing the extensive renovation and restoration of the Sagamore Hotel and the introduction of a new residential building to the site.
  • Advised Biscayne Shores Development Group and Altman Real Estate on the development of two properties once unified by a covenant.
  • Assisted D.R. Horton with developing a new live-work community in South Miami-Dade County.

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

The New York-based planning and zoning practice at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner assists clients with obtaining a range of municipal and state approvals related to zoning, construction, building codes, historic preservation, and related issues, in addition to advising lenders and investors on their financing-related zoning due diligence. The department is also competent in litigation arising out of land use administrative proceedings. With noteworthy expertise in planning, zoning and developments, the experienced Judith Gallent leads the team. Combining experience as architect and lawyer, James Colgate possesses unique insight in connection with a variety of land use issues; both Gallent and Colgate are described by clients as ‘probably the best in their respective fields in New York’ and ‘brilliant’. Associate Kurt Steinhouse is also highly recommended

Responsables de la pratique:

Judith Gallent


Autres avocats clés:

James Colgate; Kurt Steinhouse


Les références

‘It’s our experience that there is no other NYC firm that combines the expertise in the field of land use and Dept of Buildings issues with client service that Bryan Cave’s group offers. Legal, code and practical advice is without peer, in our opinion, at the same time that approachability, accessibility and reasonable billing is their standard.’

‘They never fail to deliver on both good, practical advice and execution. They are highly respected by NYC agencies, which is extremely valuable when pursuing projects in a complicated environment.’

‘Judy Gallent on the land use side and James Colgate on the NYC Code side are probably the best in their respective fields in New York, notwithstanding that they do not have the largest or best-known group. They are each brilliant and collaborate with each other and our staff exceedingly well. They are each experienced and know their way around New York history and agencies and are highly respected, allowing for an honest working relationship that has always resulted in success. They are each friendly and easy to work with.’

Principaux clients

Silverstein Properties


Empire State Development Corporation


Success Academy Charter Schools


Metropolitan Transportation Authority


Silverstein Capital Partners


The Hudson Companies


St. Nicks Alliance


Janus Property Company


Breaking Ground


New York University


The Archdiocese of New York


Center Street Capital


Consolidated Edison of New York


Joseph Safra Real Estate


Ares Real Estate Income Trust


International Code Council Inc.


Educational Housing Services, Inc.


Spring Capital


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Metropolitan Transportation Authority on land use matters, including the reconstruction of Penn Station and the $82m purchase of a site in East Harlem from Extell Development to serve as the terminus of New York City’s Second Avenue Subway line.
  • Assisted The Archdiocese of New York with its ongoing evaluation of its real estate portfolio, consisting primarily of churches, schools, convents, rectories and vacant development sites.
  • Advised Success Academy, New York City’s largest charter school network, on the land use aspects of its development of an approximately 300,000 sf K-12 school in Bronx, NY.

Cooley LLP

Cooley LLP fields a strong real estate practice capable of covering all aspects of land use and zoning law, including entitlement and permitting processes as well as development and operation. The real estate department is headed by lease transactions and commercial property expert John Lavoie in the Reston office, while Colleen Gillis and Mark Looney lead the dedicated land use and zoning practice. Gillis uses her vast experience as a transactional real estate lawyer to assist clients with all areas of entitlement in relation to mixed-use, residential or data center projects and also advises on the acquisition, financing and divestment aspects of real estate developments. Looney represents property owners and developers in all aspects of the land planning, zoning and (re-)development process, advising on development agreements and acquisitions in addition to handling land use litigation.

Responsables de la pratique:

John Lavoie


Autres avocats clés:

Colleen Gillis; Mark Looney


Les références

‘Colleen Gillis and her team are the best land use/zoning group in our region. Their knowledge of the ordinances and procedures are exemplary as well as their relationships with the elected officials, planning commissioners, and planning staff. Their positive relationships help break down barriers to success.’

‘Colleen Gillis has the proven ability to think on her feet and respond quickly to challenges presented by staff and public opponents.’

‘They are kind, responsive, and always speak well of others. It is uplifting to work with them.’

Principaux clients

The Peterson Companies


Boston Properties


Compass Datacenters, LLC


Pulte Home Company, LLC


Brookfield Properties


Kite Realty


Brambleton Group


IDI Group Companies


EYA, LLC


Westbrook Partners


Toll Brothers


Parsons Business Park LLC


PRP Real Estate


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised The Peterson Companies on its Loudoun County residential, office, entertainment and retail projects.
  • Advised Boston Properties on development applications to expand the existing Reston Next development adjacent to the Reston Town Center Metrorail station.
  • Advised Compass Datacenters, LLC in connection with zoning approvals for data center projects in Northern Virginia.

Cox, Castle & Nicholson

Cox, Castle & Nicholson‘s land use and natural resources practice is capable of providing clients with advice across the entire spectrum of land use matters, including on entitlements and related litigation. The firm is well-known for advising on land use matters in connection with wind and solar energy as well as battery storage projects. Wetlands and zoning regulation expert Anne Mudge in San Francisco and administrative land use specialist Andrew Fogg in Los Angeles jointly head up the department, while Sean Matsler in Orange County focuses on securing entitlements for controversial and complex real estate development projects and Peter Weiner in San Franciso is recognized for his regulatory expertise. Also in San Francisco, Linda Klein‘s practice centers around issues related to the California Environmental Quality Act. The firm’s offering was bolstered through the arrivals of San Francisco environmental expert Gordon Hart from Paul Hastings LLP in April 2023, San Diego-based attorney Morgan Gallagher from Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP in March 2023, and San Francisco lawyer Arielle Harris from Miller Starr Regalia in April 2023.

Responsables de la pratique:

Anne Mudge; Andrew Fogg


Autres avocats clés:

Peter Weiner; Sean Matsler; Linda Klein; Gordon Hart; Morgan Gallagher; Arielle Harris


Principaux clients

City of Glendale


County of Ventura


The Sobrato Organization


Burnham Ward Properties and Sares-Regis Group


Related California


Lyon Living and Eagle Four Partners


CADEMO Corp.


ConnectGen


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Burnham Ward Properties and Sares-Regis Group on land use matters in connection with the 25-acre Laguna Niguel City Center project, which consists of approximately 175,000 square feet of commercial and civic uses and 275 multifamily residential units.
  • Advised Related California on land use matters in connection with a residential project in Orange County consisting of 3,750 residential units, 350,000 square feet of retail, dining, and commercial uses, 200 senior housing units, and a 250-unit hotel on a 42 acre site in Santa Ana.
  • Represented CADEMO before the California State Lands Commission, Coastal Commission, and Federal National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration in seeking permits to construct and operate an offshore wind project valued at more than $1bn.

Greenberg Traurig, LLP

The land use practice at Greenberg Traurig LLP assists landowners, developers, joint venture partners and entrepreneurs with due diligence matters, development rights issues, zoning and other land use entitlements, environmental permits, and all aspects of real estate as well as regulatory issues. Iris Escarra, an expert in city, country and government law based in Miami, and New York’s Jay Segal, a key contact for all aspects of land use issues, jointly lead the department. Miami lawyers Brian Dombrowski and Carlos Diaz are also key names to note. Sharing his time between Los Angeles and Denver, ‘outstanding’ lawyer Brady McShane frequently advises on political, regulatory and environmental issues in connection with the development process. Miami-based environmental specialist John Chibbaro joined from Bilzin Sumberg Baena Price & Axelrod LLP in April 2023.

Responsables de la pratique:

Iris Escarra; Jay Segal


Autres avocats clés:

Brian Dombrowski; Carlos Diaz; Brady McShane


Les références

‘Good access to local government officials and great experience in dealing with them.’

‘Brady McShane is outstanding.’

Principaux dossiers


Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP

Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP has a strong land use practice focusing on complex developments in California, which is bolstered by the team's ability to draw on firmwide strengths in real estate and government matters. Leading the group from Los Angeles, Victor De La Cruz is noteworthy for his ability to handle complex land use matters for a wide variety of clients, such as colleges and universities, waste haulers, signage companies and real estate developers. Susan Hori is based in Orange County and handles the full range of land use and development matters, with a particular emphasis on CEQA and entitlement issues. Sigrid Waggener is based in San Francisco and advises clients on entitlement, permitting and regulatory issues. Los Angeles-based environmental and real estate litigation expert Fernando Villa joined from Allen Matkins Leck Gamble Mallory & Natsis LLP in February 2023.

Responsables de la pratique:

Victor De la Cruz


Autres avocats clés:

Susan Hori; Sigrid Waggener; Fernando Villa; Jennifer Lynch


Les références

‘Knowledgeable about the issues, connections with decision-makers, and strong research/ fact finding.’

‘A lot of personal interaction and customized support. They are responsive and attentive.’

‘I can count on Manatt to deliver very sophisticated analysis and legal strategy. They excel at the hard stuff.’

Principaux clients

Mount Saint Mary’s University


Aera Energy LLC


Athens Services


CapRock Partners


Lendlease Corporation


American Musical and Dramatic Academy


Lyon Management Group, Inc.


Synergy Oil and Gas, L.P.


Trumark Homes


Brookfield Properties


Simon Property Group, Inc.


The Semler Companies


RMX Resources LLC


Matrix Oil Corporation


Royale Energy Inc.


MPL Property Holdings, LLC


Four Corners Property Trust


The Family and Heirs of Donahue Wildman


Toll Brothers Inc.


Centris Telegraph Point, LLC


California Independent Petroleum Association


Principaux dossiers


Paul Hastings LLP

Combining expertise in planning, permitting, regulatory and environmental issues, financing, real estate and dispute resolution, the team at Paul Hastings LLP is capable of leveraging a wide spectrum of expertise to comprehensively advise clients on land use, entitlement and regulatory issues in connection with their development projects and real estate transactions. The land use practice is fully integrated into the firm’s real estate practice and is therefore able to represent clients at any stage of a project, with a particular emphasis on large-scale developments in California. A key name to note is Jeffrey Haber, who is based in Century City and advises on transactional real estate and administrative law matters for development projects including affordable housing developments and hospitals. Gordon Hart left the team in April 2023.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jeffrey Haber


Principaux clients

Beverly Blvd Associates, L.P.


Cedars Sinai Medical Center


Cottages at the Colony, LLC


Los Angeles Philharmonic Association


Marina Del Rey Hospital


EDF Renewables


H-Cycle


Cargill, Inc.


Westpoint Harbor, LLC


Salka Energy


Grove Street LLC


Peppertree Park Villages


Northern Capital, Inc.


Intersect Power LLC


Foundation for Responsible Development


Principaux dossiers


Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP‘s real estate, energy, land use and environmental department provides clients with advice on a wide spectrum of zoning and land use matters, including on subdivision, environmental reviews and the California Environmental Quality Act, community engagement matters, historic preservation and development agreements, wetlands, endangered species, zoning and water quality regulations, and real estate litigation. Keith Garner co-leads the group from the firm’s San Francisco office, while Michael Leake co-leads the department from the firm’s office in San Diego. With vast experience in land use planning, entitlement approvals, and land use litigation defense, Jeffrey Forrest ‘has proven invaluable in helping to navigate municipal permitting processes, and very challenging CEQA pathways’. In Los Angeles, Jack Rubens handles land use litigation and real estate transactions, while New York’s Jodi Stein frequently represents real estate developers in obtaining land use approvals, well-supported by associate Eva Schneider. In March 2023, Cleveland lawyer Andrew Bengston, Dallas attorneys Michelle Brown and Shane Trawick, and Columbus-based partner Ian Lange joined the team from Jones Day, while Alfred Fraijo and Kira Conlon departed the practice in May 2023. Rocky Delgadillo joined the team from DLA Piper LLP (US) in April 2024.

Responsables de la pratique:

Keith Garner; Michael Leake


Autres avocats clés:

Jeffrey Forrest; Jack Rubens; Jodi Stein; Jennifer Renk; Andrew Bengston; Michelle Brown; Shane Trawick; Ian Lange; Rocky Delgadillo; Eva Schneider


Les références

‘A well-rounded practice with exceptional partners who have allowed our teams to successfully navigate the land use/permitting challenges faced in numerous jurisdictions. They have extensive expertise in the real estate transaction space, significant local expertise in CA, and a great understanding of strategies to assist with permitting challenges here in CA.’

‘Jeffrey Forrest has proven invaluable in helping to navigate municipal permitting processes, and very challenging CEQA pathways. His knowledge of the counterparties in the legal staffs of these jurisdictions has also helped tremendously.’ 

‘The practice stays current with the latest case law, CEQA, and other pertinent land use issues. They have strong relationships with specific cities and their city attorneys.’

Principaux clients

Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority


All Vision, LLC.


IKE Smart City


Pacific Communities Builder, Inc.


Amyla Holdings LLC


Pebblebrook Hotel Trust


Circulate San Diego


Jay Paul Company


Lightstone


Williamsburg Moxy


Hunts Point Produce Market


Vertical Community Development


4720 Third Avenue


Turnbridge Equities


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority and All Vision, LLC on securing approval of multiple ordinances to establish a Transportation Communication Network District to develop and operate 86 digital signs on 49 sites throughout the City of Los Angeles.
  • Represented IKE Smart City in the City of San Diego’s entitlement process to obtain approval to construct up to 75 digital wayfinding kiosks on the sidewalks of Downtown San Diego.
  • Represented Amyla Holdings LLC in the sale of approximately 1,250 acres of coastal land near Malibu to the Trust for Public Land.

Herrick, Feinstein LLP

Herrick, Feinstein LLP‘s New York-based land use and zoning group represents clients in matters spanning the entire development process, including zoning changes, special permits, entitlement and historic and landmark preservation, as well as gaining government approvals. Chair of the zoning and land use department Mitchell Korbey has vast experience in land use and private planning matters and is regularly involved in major rezoning and waterfront development projects throughout New York. Belinda Schwartz and Jonathan Adelsberg co-chair the real estate department and handle a varied caseload of complex commercial property transactions. Robert Huberman stands out for his ability to advise clients on preparing land use applications and approvals for rezonings, special permits and large-scale developments.

Responsables de la pratique:

Mitchell Korbey; Belinda Schwartz; Jonathan Adelsberg


Autres avocats clés:

Robert Huberman


Les références

‘Mitch Korbey, who has taught graduate-level land use law course for many years, has been an excellent teacher and communicator, able to share his wealth of expertise with our students in a very engaging manner. Students love him. For students attending a public university, having access to someone of Mitch Korbey’s caliber is especially valuable.

‘Mitch Korbey is extremely knowledgeable about land use law and able to share that information with students in an accessible and engaging manner. Students find him to be very personable and friendly, and generous with his time and knowledge. He takes the information beyond just sharing the technicalities of land use law, helping students to understand the complex context in which land use decisions get made, the various stakeholders involved, and how the political process of land use decisions unfolds.’

Principaux clients

Blackstone


G4 Capital Partners


Goldman Sachs


Mitsui Fudosan


SJP Properties


MRP Realty


Pilot Real Estate Group


Property Markets Group


Rabsky Group


Realterm Logistics


Restoration Hardware


Slate Property Group


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Astoria Owners LLC – Halletts Point North on land use matters in connection with a project which will include nearly one-million square feet of mixed-use floor area, approximately 335 units of affordable housing, and over one acre of publicly accessible open space.
  • Advised the Soloviev Organization on zoning and land use matters for its application to the NYS Gaming Commission for a casino license for its 1.5m square foot casino and hotel project on Manhattan’s east side.
  • Advised Aspen Snowmass on zoning and land use matters and on filing the first special permit in New York City for a luxury, 130-room boutique hotel at 10 Rockefeller Center.

Husch Blackwell LLP

Husch Blackwell LLP acts on behalf of clients in matters related to zoning, special use, code compliance, sale and lease of municipal lands, and creative development projects involving public-private cooperation. As an extension of the land use team, the public law group is also capable of advising clients on advocacy, government-related projects, and disputes. The team is jointly led by Nikelle Meade in Austin and David Richardson in St. Louis. In Houston, public law litigator Katharine David has extensive experience representing government entities, public officials, and private companies in real estate matters, including land use. Sandy Hellums-Gomez‘s practice in Houston is centered around advice related to civil rights, ethics, and land use, while Rodney Carter in Milwaukee has experience in all aspects of data center planning matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Nikelle Meade; David Richardson


Autres avocats clés:

Katharine David; Sandy Hellums-Gomez; Rodney Carter; Ben Stephens


Les références

‘Solid knowledge of the City of Austin’s land development code, city personnel and alternate ways to accomplish the goals or unwinding red tape.’

‘Nikelle Meade cares about the outcome and is listening to what are the challenges both the City and developer face to identify working solutions that both parties can comfortably agree upon. She is willing to go the extra mile or challenge relationships to seek solutions.’

‘Few in Houston really know land use and have the actual connections with local governments and entities to get the job done.’

Principaux clients

Diode Ventures


Galveston County Drainage District


NXP


Sarpy County and Cities Wastewater Agency


Trammell Crow Company


Verizon Wireles


Principaux dossiers


Loeb & Loeb LLP

Boasting a strong record of securing entitlements for high-profile projects, Loeb & Loeb LLP‘s land use practice is capable of guiding clients through the development process, from conception and feasibility through community and political outreach to processing and land use litigation. New York’s Raymond Sanseverino is the firm’s chair of the wider real estate department. With extensive experience working with governmental entities and private developers, Paul Rohrer is the co-deputy chair in Los Angeles, while Steven Kornblau is the co-deputy chair in New York and is an expert on real estate financing matters. New York’s Nichole Cortese heads the commercial real estate leasing group. Other key members of the Los Angeles-based team are Allan Abshez and Elizabeth Camacho, who focus on land use and development law, environmental review, and litigation, and Sophia Mei-Ling Chang, who is experienced in advising on public land, public infrastructure, and affordable housing developments. New York partner Brian Helweil arrived from Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP in May 2023, and Chrystal Dyer LaRoche, also based in New York, joined from Ropes & Gray LLP in April 2023.

Responsables de la pratique:

Raymond Sanseverino; Paul Rohrer; Steven Kornblau; Nicole Cortese


Autres avocats clés:

Allan Abshez; Elizabeth Camacho; Sophia Mei-Ling Chang; Connie Pak; Adam Hirst; Chrystal Dyer LaRoche; Brian Helweil


Principaux clients

Primestor


County of Los Angeles


Claremont McKenna College


Claremont Graduate University


National Real Estate Development


Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority


Chapman Yorba VIII, LLC


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented Primestor in the acquisition (via long term ground lease) and entitlement of an approximately 13.8 acre site in the City of Norwalk’s civic core for a project which will include up to 350 residential units, 110,000 square feet of commercial uses, publicly accessible plazas and open space.
  • Advised the County of Los Angeles’ Public Works Department on a public/private partnership development of an anaerobic digestive facility  in Calabasas, California.
  • Represented Claremont McKenna College in the entitlement of the Roberts Campus East sport complex on a 75 acre site adjacent to its current campus.

Nossaman LLP

With experience representing public agencies in extensive eminent domain and valuation cases, the team at Nossaman LLP draws on firmwide strengths in environmental and infrastructure matters to act on a wide range of land use and entitlement matters, including pre-condemnation planning, permit approvals and associated litigation in both state and federal courts. The department is led by Brad Kuhn in Orange County, who focuses on the zoning, construction, and environmental aspects of complex real estate developments and also has a demonstrable record of acting for clients in real estate litigation. Los Angeles-based partner David Graeler frequently represents private and public sector clients in areas such as real estate, eminent domain, and construction.

Responsables de la pratique:

Brad Kuhn


Autres avocats clés:

David Graeler; Chris Kramer; Jordan Leavitt


Principaux clients

Southern California Edison


Southern California Gas Company


San Diego Association of Governments


Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority


Sites Project Authority


Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority


California Water Service Company


City of Alameda


County of Sonoma


Bayside Village Marina


Brookfield Development


Los Angeles World Airport


Cancilla Properties II


Imperial County Transportation Commission


LS Power


Shea Properties


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Southern California Edison on real estate, land use/zoning, encroachment disputes, utility relocations, inverse condemnation, and right of way acquisition services for multiple electric transmission projects.
  • Advised LA Metro on real estate and right-of-way issues in multiple substantial projects, including the Crenshaw/LAX Transit Corridor Project (a $2+bn, 8.5-mile light rail line through the Crenshaw and Inglewood area) and the Purple Line Westside Subway Extension Project (a $6+bn, 9-mile subway extension through Beverly Hills and Westwood).
  • Advised Sites Project Authority on all real estate-related issues for the Sites Reservoir Project, an off-river reservoir that will capture excess water from major storms and save it for drier periods.

Nutter, McClennen & Fish, LLP

Nutter, McClennen & Fish, LLP's team has extensive experience in all aspects of permitting, land use and environmental matters. The firm represents clients in issues related to complex mixed-use development projects and also advises public authorities and municipalities in land use and regulatory matters in connection with infrastructure projects. Marianne Ajemian is the chair of the wider real estate department, while the development, land use and permitting practice is jointly led by James Ward and Matthew Snell. Michael Scott covers zoning and land use issues, regulatory permits, and environmental remediation and compliance matters. Valerie Moore provides support in a variety of real estate and land use matters, including litigation, while Sarah Turano Flores emphasizes land use permitting and contentious issues..

Responsables de la pratique:

Marianne Ajemian; James Ward; Matthew Snell


Autres avocats clés:

Michael Scott; Valerie Moore; Sarah Turano Flores


Principaux clients

Boston Global Investors


Boston Properties


DLJ Real Estate Capital Partners


Federal Realty Investment Trust


Leggat McCall Properties


Lincoln Property Company


Mark Development


Massachusetts Port Authority


National Development


Related Beal


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Mark Development on the redevelopment of a 13-acre parking lot into a a ten-building, 1.5m square feet mixed-use project that includes 550 units of multi-family housing, extensive office and lab space, and significant retail.
  • Advised Hilco Redevelopment Partners on land use, zoning, and permitting matters in connection with its redevelopment efforts throughout New England, including on a two-property portfolio, known as the CenterPoint complex, in Waltham, Massachusetts.
  • Advised Mark Development on obtaining approvals for a redevelopment of a prominent intersection located right next to Boston’s Fenway Park.