Real Estate: Northern Virginia

THE FIRM This outstanding firm excels in both land use and zoning issues, and in complex transactional real estate deals. The team is representing numerous clients in the acquisitions, sales, entitlement and zoning processes involved in the multibillion-dollar Tysons-to-Dulles Metrorail Station Project. Sources commend its client-oriented approach and in-depth knowledge of the market.

Sources say: "Cooley attorneys take a result-driven, strategic approach to providing comprehensive solutions for their clients. They handle the most sophisticated and complex real estate matters in the market and when the going gets tough you need them on your side."

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Lavoie is "very sharp and meticulous about how he carries out his job," say sources. He focuses on transactional matters and recently represented iStar Financial in the financial and transactional aspects of the largest foreclosure in Loudoun County, Virginia. One source reports: "He has a unique way of gaining perspective on matters that are important within complex transactions." John Toole is "extremely knowledgeable and very detail-oriented." He is an expert on the development, construction and leasing of data center projects and is particularly praised for his "ability to understand the businesses of his clients and what they want to achieve." Antonio Calabrese is a widely respected land use and zoning expert. Sources praise his "fantastic ability to articulate the vision of a project and drive it through to a successful resolution." He continues to represent MITRE Corporation in zoning issues arising from the development of its existing Tysons Corner campus. Mark Looney "is very smart and delivers practical advice in an efficient and responsive manner no matter how difficult or complex the issues involved." He focuses on land use matters and recently secured an approval of a major future redevelopment of Lerner Enterprises' existing Spectrum Retail Center. Colleen Gillis Snow enters the rankings this year having earned widespread praise for her land use and zoning practice. Sources say: "She is extremely knowledgeable, assertive in negotiations and very easy to work with."

THE FIRM This group covers the full range of zoning and land use issues and has a reputation for handling complex and sophisticated transactions. The team is experienced in an array of projects, including public-private transactions, mixed-use developments, office and industrial projects, and infrastructure projects.

Sources say: "They have a very high level of sophistication and lots of resources."

KEY INDIVIDUALS James Brennan represents clients in large mixed-use development projects, financing transactions and leasing matters. Robert Diamond is applauded as the "go-to guy for the planning and development of condominiums." He has been increasingly busy representing community associations in litigation involving the relationship between homeowners and developers. Benjamin Tompkins handles transactional matters as well as work involving zoning and land use. He is commended for his "speed in coming up with solutions to problems." Karen Fagelson is "extremely responsive and able to handle monstrous transactions," say clients. One source adds: "If you want something done and done well then she is the person you call." She represented Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Mid-Atlantic States in its purchase of a 235,000 sq ft office building in Tysons Corner. Howard Middleton is a land use specialist with a wealth of experience in handling projects in the City of Alexandria. Michael Banzhaf is an "extremely knowledgeable, top-notch lawyer" who is well connected in the land use arena and popular with clients. He was zoning and land use counsel for Kettler/Cypress Equities' mixed-use office, retail and residential development in Leesburg, Virginia. Bill Thomas is a highly experienced land use attorney who is often sought for his advice on complex problems.

THE FIRM This firm is best known for its expertise in zoning and land use. Its attorneys are praised for their in-depth knowledge and understanding of the local communities in Arlington, Loudoun and Prince William Counties.  

Sources say: "A fantastic group of players on the land use side."

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Foote focuses on land use approvals and is a local government law expert. Sources say: "He has spectacular litigation skills and everybody knows him." Martin Walsh is an experienced real estate lawyer who focuses on land development, urban planning and zoning. He is accomplished and popular in Arlington and Fairfax Counties. Nan Walsh is praised as a "very fine and sharp attorney." She focuses on zoning matters in Arlington County. Michael Lubeley attracts praise for his knowledge of Prince William County, where he is a "go-to lawyer for all zoning issues."

THE FIRM This group offers broad expertise in matters ranging from complex transactions to land use issues and zoning litigation. Sources particularly praise its knowledge of Fairfax County and its contribution to development work in Tysons Corner.  

Sources say: "All attorneys are helpful, responsive and thorough."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Stuart Mendelsohn is a highly respected land use and zoning attorney, who impresses sources with his expert knowledge of Fairfax County. Clients agree that "he is politically astute, gives concise advice and is very responsive." Michelle Rosati is particularly commended for her diligence and hard work. Sources report: "She is really passionate about her work and is always incredibly well prepared and effective." She represented Catoctin Corner, LLC in connection with the approval of a comprehensive plan amendment, rezoning and special use permit approvals for a mixed-use shopping center in Loudoun County.

THE FIRM This McLean-based group is highly regarded for its expertise in zoning and land use matters. It is experienced in obtaining and protecting entitlements, due diligence and land use litigation.

Sources say: "Strong players and among the top zoning counsel in Northern Virginia."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Francis McDermott is "as good as it gets" when is comes to zoning and entitlements matters. One source notes: "His experience and knowledge of the industry are second to none and he commands great respect from peers and clients." John McGranahan "is extremely driven and attracts a loyal client following." He was recently successful in obtaining approvals for the development of a highly publicized and complex mixed-use project north of Dulles Airport. 

THE FIRM This group offers a broad range of services including acquisitions, financing and leasing, as well as zoning and land use expertise. Its land use attorneys continue to advise on zoning issues arising from the metro rail expansion into Fairfax County. On the transactional side it handles workouts, foreclosures and restructuring projects. Sources praise its ability to handle challenging and sophisticated work.

Sources say: "Timely and efficient, with an excellent work ethic."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Transactional attorney Dorothea Dickerman "has a very quick, analytical mind and pays micro attention to detail." She is experienced in handling the full range of commercial real estate and real estate finance issues. Clients commend her for "handling immensely complex deals and never losing sight of the bigger picture." Gregory Riegle focuses on land use, zoning and redevelopment matters and is commended for his practical advice in all aspects of these processes. Carson Lee Fifer is an experienced zoning lawyer whose "knowledge of the legal community is second to none." Clients also praise his ability to "turn things around very quickly."

THE FIRM This group is best known for its strength on the transactional real estate side and is often sought out to advise on sizable acquisitions. It has recently been busy in the distressed asset arena and in advising on portfolio management. The group often utilizes the expertise of attorneys in other departments of the firm, including tax and trust planning and project finance.

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Very meticulous and analytical," David Miller continues to represent Hoffman-Struever Waterfront in a mixed-use redevelopment project. David Houston is experienced in commercial leasing as well as complex zoning issues. Clients describe him as "absolutely excellent."

THE FIRM This group excels in real estate development, financing and leasing. It is experienced in a range of projects, including hotels and resorts, multifamily housing, and mixed-use urban development. The team also handles zoning and land use matters and is particularly accomplished in Arlington County.  

Sources say: "Very responsive with an impressive depth of knowledge."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Douglas McDonald focuses on real estate transactions. Not only is he a "very strong negotiator," but clients also praise him for being "highly responsive and very accessible." One source adds: "He really listens to me and understands what I want to achieve." John Milliken is the "go-to guy for land use issues in Arlington County," say sources. He is commended for his knowledge of transportation, land development and environmental matters.