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.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Akerman's team knows intricate details about NY zoning law and regulation. They know how regulators would react to potential issues and they have creative solutions. They also provide the right team for the particular matter.’

  • ‘Rick Leland is very clear in his advice and doesn't overbill me. He tailors the work he provides to the scope of the project and is very focused on providing excellent client service.’

  • ‘They have a team of former elected officials and county attorneys, whose expertise and understanding of Miami's unique political landscape is exceptional. ’

  • ‘Dennis Kerbel is a former county attorney and knows Master Plan issues and the drafting of proposed municipal ordinances like no other!'

  • 'Spencer Crowley has a unique understanding of the marine industry and environmental issues. He is very generous with his time on various boards and committees on this issue.'
  • 'Neisen Kasdin - a former Miami Beach mayor - is a strong leader on municipal legal issues. ’
  • ‘Experience, reputation, and professionalism.'

  • ‘I have worked with Jim McNeil and his team for almost 20 years. Jim, in particular, is the attorney that I lean on anytime we have a complicated deal or transaction. Carolyn Haslam, in recent years, has been equally impressive.'

Key clients

  • Bally's Corporation
  • Swire Properties / Related Companies of New York
  • Tavistock Group
  • JPMorgan Chase
  • Arthur Kill Terminal, LLC
  • GT USA
  • ESJ JI Leasehold, LLC
  • Camber Property Group
  • Village Walk Tarzana
  • Hawkins Way Capital

Work highlights

  • Advising Bally’s Corporation in developing Chicago's first casino, including handling the acquisition of the existing industrial Tribune Publishing Center property, and seeking approvals within Planned Development to allow the subject site to be improved.
  • Representing Swire Properties and Related Companies of New York in the zoning changes needed to expand significantly the office space at the One BCC Signature Office in Miami.
  • Served as zoning and tax incentives counsel for JPMorgan Chase as lender in connection with the financing for Tower 77, a mixed-use development on the highly sought-after Greenpoint waterfront in Brooklyn.

Lawyers

Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Spencer Crowley

Next generation partners

Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Jaclyn Scarinci

Practice head

Spencer Crowley; Joshua Rinesmith

Other key lawyers

James McNeil; Meg George; Lisa Kolieb; Neisen Kasdin; Jaclyn Scarinci; Carolyn Haslam; Dennis Kerbel; Rick Leland