Praised for its ‘intricate’ knowledge of zoning and regulation law, Akerman LLP fields a multi-state land use and development practice which represents developers, owners, architects, and other real estate actors. Spencer Crowley and Joshua Rinesmith co-chair the department from their respective Miami and New York bases. Miami office co-head Neisen Kasdin helps his clients navigate the approval process during their large, multi-phase projects and is strong on ‘municipal issues’, while recent joiner Dennis Kerbel is knowledgeable regarding historic preservation and environmental matters. Chicago’s Meg George, Los Angeles’ Lisa Kolieb, and New York’s Jaclyn Scarinci are all key names for zoning, permitting, and licensing matters. In New York, Eleanore Martins handles many state-specific projects and regularly petitions city agencies for land use approvals. In the firm’s adjacent residential development practice, Orlando-based James McNeil can be leant on during ‘complicated deals and transactions’ and often secures entitlements on behalf of his clients.

Coblentz Patch Duffy & Bass LLP‘s real estate department encompasses land use and zoning and counts real estate companies, nonprofits, and professional sports teams among its client roster. The team is currently advising Google on the largest development project in San Jose’s history, which will include office, retail and residential units. Miles Imwalle recently replaced Matthew Bove as practice head, although he remains within the department. Imwalle brings his land use expertise to large developments including industrial and renewable energy projects. Frank Petrilli works on complex projects where politically sensitive issues must be carefully navigated. Tay Via specialises in large public-private projects and is thus well-versed in environmental laws and regulations concerning housing and transportation. The department is supported by associate Matt Stone who has worked on housing, coastal, entertainment and country club developments in California. The practice and all lawyers mentioned above are based in San Francisco.

Cox, Castle & Nicholson‘s land use and natural resources practice assists clients such as The J. David Gladstone Institutes and Mack Real Estate Group obtain land use entitlements for mixed-use, hotel, and energy developments. The team is led by Los Angeles’ Andrew Fogg, who advises developers and public entities on planning, zoning, and environmental law; and San Francisco’s Anne Mudge, who helps obtain land use permits for clean energy projects including wind, solar, and battery storage. In Orange County, Sean Matsler and Morgan Gallagher both have a track record of securing approvals for some of the most controversial and complex projects in the area. In San Francisco, Margo Bradish advises on the land use aspects of the property acquisition and due diligence process, while Rachel Jones, Linda Klein, and Gordon Hart are particularly knowledgable on the California Environmental Quality Act and other compliance issues.

DLA Piper LLP (US)‘s land use, zoning and government relations team provides ‘the highest quality service’ to clients including real estate developers, owners, investors, institutions, and non-profits. The practice is led by Chicago’s Richard Klawiter, who represents developers and investors in securing entitlements for urban and suburban projects; Los Angeles’ Jerold Neuman, who advises individuals and companies on obtaining local government licenses and permits; and Reston’s Antonio Calabrese, who has obtained entitlements for some of Northern Virginia’s largest projects. Los Angeles-based Kyndra Joy Casper is knowledgeable regarding environmental compliance issues involved in developing land. The ‘extremely professional’ and Reston-based Brian Winterhalter often assists clients in obtaining the necessary endorsements and approvals required for horizontal and vertical mixed-use projects. Chicago’s Katherine Jahnke Dale recently represented Northwestern University in replacing an almost century-old football stadium with a new version incorporating features and amenities that are currently lacking.

Commended for its ‘breadth’, Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP‘s land use and zoning department guides clients from the initial acquisition phase to obtaining building permits and land development. The New York-based practice is led by Michael Werner; Jonathan Mechanic; and Laurinda Martins, who represent a legion of clients including owners, developers, funds, real estate investment trusts, and other financial institutions. Partners-turned-of-counsel, Melanie Meyers and Carol Rosenthal, are experienced in securing approvals for infrastructure, housing, transportation, and private-public projects. Anita Laremont has advised on many significant neighborhood rezonings in New York while Wesley O’Brien regularly represents financial institutions in the zoning diligence for project loans. Additional firm talent includes Zachary Bernstein who recently advised Naftali Group on zoning and land use approvals for a 1-billion-dollar multi-phase residential project on Kent Avenue.  All the above mentioned lawyers are based in New York.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP proffers ‘efficient and business-minded advice’ to a variety of clients including Brookfield Properties Development, JP Morgan, and the Golden State Warriors, regarding entitlements and permits, private and public partnerships, and environmental compliance. The firm’s land use practice is headed by San Francisco’s Mary G. Murphy and Los Angeles’ Ben Saltsman, who help clients navigate the approval and entitlements processes for large developments such as mixed-use, commercial, and industrial sites. Murphy, supported by San Francisco’s Allison H. Kidd and Neil Sekhri, is currently advising Oakland A’s Major League Baseball team on the development agreement and cross-easement rights related to its plans for a new stadium in Las Vegas. In Los Angeles, Amy R. Forbes focuses on planning issues, zoning regulations, and environmental and municipal laws, while Orange County’s Joseph Spence is well-versed in public-private partnerships and historic preservation matters.

Holland & Knight LLP possesses expertise regarding the unique zoning laws, regulatory compliance, and approvals and permits necessary for developing land in multiple states. The land use and zoning practice is led by real estate heads, Vivian de las Cuevas-Diaz and Joe Guay, based in Miami and New York, respectively. Miami’s Joseph Goldstein and New York’s Kenneth Lowenstein advise developers, companies and owners on zoning changes, governmental permits and approvals, and air rights. In Washington DC, Christine Shiker offers guidance throughout mixed-use and multiphase projects, including securing discretionary entitlements, while DC’s Kyrus L. Freeman assists developers and owners throughout the regulatory review and approval processes. Dividing her time between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Jennifer Hernandez is conversant in the environmental issues affecting land use, permitting, and housing litigation. Miami’s Pedro Gassant also advises on environmental compliance and development permits.

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer combines ‘detailed technical knowledge’ with a ‘very commercial approach’ in the course of its land use practice. The firm advises private developers, investors and cultural institutions – high caliber clients on its books include Harry Winston Inc., The Madison Square Garden Company, and the Cohen Brothers Realty Corporation. The department is led by Paul Selver, who advises public and private clients on zoning, environmental and historic preservation regulations; alongside fellow co-chair Elise Wagner, who is often consulted on use change and enlargement approvals. James Power and special counsel Eugene C. Travers are well-versed in zoning and municipal law as well as environmental review processes. Valerie Campbell‘s work often involves the reuse and alternation of historic or landmark sites; she recently advised the Flatiron Owner LLC on repurposing the famous Flatiron Building into residential apartments above ground floor level. The practice and its attorneys are all based in New York.

Latham & Watkins LLP represents high-profile companies including Paramount Pictures, NBCUniversal, and Invenergy, as well as landowners, developers, and sponsors in large project financing and completion. The firm’s environment, land, and resources practice, led by Washington DC’s Janice Schneider and James R. Barrett, predominantly operates in Los Angeles. Lucinda Starrett has led many projects aimed at obtaining land entitlements; James Arnone has extensive advisory and litigious land use expertise; and Maria Hoye focuses on entitlements and environmental approvals. LA’s Duncan Moore and Beth P. Gordie also secure approvals from boards and commissions for large and contentious developments. Orange County’s Nikki Buffa and San Diego’s Jennifer Roy advise on energy and infrastructure matters with a particular emphasis on environmental compliance.  George Mihlsten has retired from the partnership.

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner is sought after by developers, institutions, public authorities and schools for advice relating to zoning,  building codes, historic preservation and land use litigation. The team counts New York University, Silverstein Properties, and Sherwood Equities among its clients. Situated in New York, the practice is led by Judith Gallent, who has a successful record of obtaining discretionary land use approvals and carrying out zoning due diligence for investors and lenders. James Colgate possesses know-how regarding special permits and zoning variances while navigating the complex bureaucratic and political processes that can be involved. Kurt Steinhouse is fluent in all aspects of land use, zoning, and real estate development; the practice benefits from his prior experience working on residential, commercial, and community projects.

Cooley LLP advises the likes of Vantage Data Centers, Brookfield Properties, and BXP, Inc. on a host of land use and zoning issues, including special exemptions, permits, approvals, zoning, and rezoning. Following Colleen Gillis‘s departure, Reston’s Mark Looney has taken the reins as sole departmental leader – he has considerable experience acquiring the necessary approvals for retail, industrial, mixed-use, and community projects. The team is supported by associate Amanda Williams who helps clients with development applications for data center and fiber optic conduit facility projects. Looney and Williams continue to represent the publicly traded company, Pulte Home Company, as it develops the active adult community, Montebello Farm. Despite controversy and opposition, the team managed to secure rezoning allowing the much-needed housing development.

Husch Blackwell LLP is a one-stop shop for all issues pertaining to land use including, but not limited to, zoning, licensing agreements, restrictive covenants, easements, and development permits. The practice is led by Austin’s Nikelle Meade, who petitions local governments on behalf of her clients to secure land use permits; and St. Louis’ David Richardson, who advises developers on land use zoning, litigation, and other development issues. In Houston, government boards and administrations rely on Sandy Hellums-Gomez for advice related to land use, while litigator Katharine David serves as special or outside counsel to government entities. Milwaukee’s Rodney Carter assists with planning and zoning approvals while Jake Remington, also Milwaukee-based, represents clients in state and federal trials and appellate courts.

Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP is sought after for its ability to navigate the local, state and federal land use laws involved in the development process. The California-based practice is headed by Los Angeles’ Victor De La Cruz, who is well-versed in the historic preservation and environmental legislation involved in developing projects such as malls, stadiums, offices, and residential high-rises. Orange County’s Susan Hori and San Francisco’s Sigrid Waggener are similarly experienced and advise clients on compliance issues involving the California Environmental Quality and National Environmental Policy Acts. San Francisco’s David Smith is familiar with the Clean Water Act and various climate change legislation. Los Angeles’ Fernando Villa helps clients secure entitlements for proposed industrial, mixed-use, and commercial projects while mitigating development risk. Orange County’s Jennifer Lynch and Payam Mostafav are additional key names for land use and zoning issues.

Mayer Brown assists major developers and investors in traversing the legal and political complexities involved in developing projects. The Los Angeles-based practice is led by the ‘well respected’ and ‘timely’ Edgar Khalatian who is proficient in obtaining land use entitlements essential for residential, commercial, mixed-use, and medical facility projects. Philip Recht co-leads the firm’s public policy, regulatory & political practice, and often promotes his clients’ interests before federal, state and local government authorities. Recent joiner Dario Frommer represents his clients in similar legislative, regulatory, and enforcement matters. Seasoned litigator Dan Queen and associate Arteen Mnayan advise their clients on the California Environmental Quality Act and other compliance issues. Recently promoted partner Nedda Mahrou and associate Patricia Tubert are well-informed on planning and zoning law, securing entitlements, and municipal affairs. Unless stated otherwise, all the abovementioned attorneys are based in Los Angeles.

Paul Hastings LLP‘s land uses and zoning team advises on the environmental compliance, permitting, and regulatory issues involved in a wide array of projects from renewable energy to commercial real estate. The team is also fully integrated into the firm’s real estate department, allowing attorneys to draw on additional financing, construction, and compliance expertise to best serve the needs of their clients. The practice is led by Century City’s Jeffery Haber who works to secure entitlements for his clients’ proposed residential, commercial, and industrial developments.

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP‘s real estate, energy, land use, & environmental team helps developers, investors, and owners cross California’s regulatory waters and develop projects in sectors as diverse as energy, hospitality, and healthcare. The department is led by San Francisco’s Keith Garner, who assists clients with a scope of issues from land use planning and entitlement to associated litigation; and San Diego’s Michael Leake, who fields a broad real estate practice representing commercial and industrial owners and tenants. In New York, Jodi Stein and Eva Schneider advise developers on obtaining discretionary land use approvals as well as compliance throughout the project lifecycle. San Francisco’s Jennifer Renk advises her clients on the environmental hurdles implicit in the Californian development process; San Diego’s Jeffrey Forrest litigates similar issues. Lorie Soares Lazarus and Peter David Ballance joined the practice in late 2023 while Jennifer Brough, Douglas Yeager, Bruce Grabow, and Jeffrey Smith joined in 2024.

The team at Ballard Spahr LLP plays a pivotal role in securing permits and approvals for the financing and construction of museums, arts centers, religious sites, and other buildings, thereby shaping city landscapes. The combined real estate and land use practice is led by Amy McClain and Matthew McClure, based in Baltimore and Philadelphia, respectively. Other key departmental figures include Salt Lake City’s Steven Mehr who has secured zoning and land entitlements for commercial, retail, and industrial developments. Philadelphia’s Joanne Phillips and Devon Beverly also focus on entitlements, zoning, and historic preservation matters, while Eileen B. Quigley represents clients before administrative bodies, commissions, agencies, and courts. Baltimore’s Jon Laria provides counsel on major development projects throughout the city.

Miami-based boutique firm Bercow Radell Fernandez Larkin & Tapanes, specializes in land use, zoning, and environmental matters. The practice is headed by Jeffrey Bercow, Ben Fernandez, Michael Larkin, and Melissa Tapanes Llahues, who advise institutional clients, owners, and developers on local, state, and federal permitting and licensing issues. Michael Marrero assists clients with local government and compliance issues while Carli M. Koshal covers due diligence, site planning, approvals, and vested rights. Graham Penn represents land use and zoning litigation clients before the appellate courts. Associate Michael Yanopoulos and counsel Daniel Goldberg recently joined the firm from Terra Group and the City of Miami, respectively. Unless stated otherwise, all the abovementioned attorneys are based in Miami.

Praised for its depth of ‘knowledge' and 'good judgment', Greenberg Traurig LLP's real estate development and land use team advises owners, developers, and businesses on obtaining entitlements, zoning and building permits. The practice is led by Miami's Iris Escarra, who is experienced in the due diligence process of assessing a property's development potential and obtaining all the state and local entitlements required. She is joined by fellow practice co-heads, New York's Jay Segal and Deirdre Carson who appear before counsels, boards and commissions to secure approvals on behalf of their clients. Miami's Brian Dombrowski is a 'go-to' for advice on environmental and associated compliance. Los Angeles and Denver-based Brady McShane, Miami's Carlos Lago and New York's Nick Hockens are additional key contacts for issues related to re-zonings, special permits, variances, designations, and litigation.

Herrick, Feinstein LLP assists developers, owners, architects, engineers, and lenders with all aspects of land use and zoning. The department is headed in New York by Mitchell Korbey, who advises his clients on obtaining zoning variances, special permits, and other discretionary approvals; and Belinda G. Schwartz and Jonathan Adelsberg, who also act as co-chairs of the wider real estate practice. Brett Gottlieb assists owners, lessees, and developers in their applications for property tax incentives during large-scale developments, while associate Robert Huberman often furthers his clients’ interests before New York planning commissions. Unless stated otherwise, all the aforementioned attorneys are based in New York.

Encompassed within its real estate practice, Loeb & Loeb LLP offers ‘outstanding’ zoning and land use advice in connection with a multitude of asset classes including commercial, residential, office, industrial, and hospitality. The practice is headed by New York’s Raymond Sanseverino, Nicole Cortese and  Steven Kornblau; and Los Angeles’ Paul Rohrer. In Los Angeles, Allan Abshez assists his client in securing entitlements for major developments while Elizabeth Camacho focuses on general planning and zoning, historic preservation, and environmental law. Sophia Mei-Ling Chang, also Los Angeles-based, works with government entities and developers to develop public land and create infrastructure. Recent New York recruit Gillian Kessler provides advice regarding zoning lot mergers.

McGuireWoods LLP is adept at advising on the land use and zoning aspects of real estate developments such as offices, data centers, affordable housing, malls, hotels, and restaurants. New York’s Dennis Mensi heads the real estate and land use practice. In the Tysons office, Gregory Riegle assists clients with the legislative and administrative approvals required to develop land, while Scott Adams routinely advises developers and owners on rezonings, special exceptions, permits, and variances applications. Richmond’s Brennen Keene co-heads the firm’s renewable energy team, making him well-placed to advise on the land use aspects of such projects. Jacksonville’s Christopher Thanner helps clients navigate the complexities of Florida’s governmental regulations including permitting and property rights.

Nossaman LLP assists its clients with the full life of a project from securing initial entitlements and approvals to associated litigation. The department is led by Orange County’s Brad Kuhn, who advises public agencies and owners on the land use and zoning aspects of their proposed developments, including transportation, telecommunications, and energy and gas projects. Firm managing partner and Los Angeles’ David Graeler is an experienced litigator who represents public and private real estate sector clients. Chris Kramer, also LA-based, advises public authorities on the viability of developing public infrastructure and acquiring rights of way. In 2024, Sejin Brooks and Melissa Ferringer – both key names for land use and zoning disputes – came on board in the Austin office.

Nutter, McClennen & Fish, LLP‘s combined development, land use, and permitting practice deals with all aspects of real estate, including acquisition, permitting, and financing, meaning clients benefit from an ‘excellent and holistic approach‘. The Boston-based team is led by Michael Scott, who represents clients across asset classes including mixed-use, commercial, and industrial; co-managing partner James Ward, who frequently deals with local, state and federal permitting authorities; and wider real estate chair, Marianne Ajemian. Further practice talent includes Valerie Moore and Ian Urquhart, who are proficient in a variety of matters including land use and zoning approvals. Sarah Turano Flores has left the firm.

The permitting and real estate group at Sullivan & Worcester LLP is effective in gaining the necessary approvals for project development as well as representing clients in enforcement matters and land use litigation. The Boston-based team is led by Gregory Sampson, who is well-versed in the planning, permitting, and development of contaminated properties, and Ashley Brooks, who heads the wider real estate group. Victor Baltera is knowledgable in environmental due diligence and compliance issues and has advised on projects in the commercial and industrial sectors. Real estate specialists Karen Kepler and associate Ashley Tan advise on air rights, title and permitting issues affecting acquisitions and financings. Jennifer Schultz and Adam Weisenberg departed from the firm in 2024. Unless stated otherwise, all the aforementioned attorneys are based in Boston.

Troutman Pepper Locke LLP‘s land use practice belongs to its wider real estate group, led in Atlanta by Anthony Greene. Managing partner of the Atlanta office Charles Palmer provides zoning and land use counsel during developments including medical and housing. David Kirk and Jessica Hill, also Atlanta-based, represent owners, developers, and companies in obtaining zoning approvals, including special permits, exceptions, and variances. In Philadelphia, David Tshudy petitions municipal governments, planning commissions, and zoning boards to secure similar approvals and permits for his clients. Princeton’s Thomas Letizia counts land acquisition and development among his skillset which includes environmental regulatory advice.