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.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘DLA's Boston office real estate practice has a deep and broad understanding of the entitlements process. This includes the technical, political and public components of moving development projects.’
‘John Rattigan is an excellent real estate attorney who brings not just many years' experience to the projects but also possesses the leadership skills necessary. John's macro and micro negotiation skills are a true differentiator.'
‘Smart, kind, and effective leaders and staff.’
‘My experience with the DLA Piper team has been positive and that comes with a strong emphasis on their TEAM. Over the years, DLA Piper via Tony Calabrese has pooled together some of the best talent in the region.’
‘The individuals I work with are highly accessible, well-known, and visible in the industry. They stand out from their competitors in many ways but in particular is their reputation, relationships, and experience.’
‘Brian Winterhalter is extremely professional and available to talk to any member of a project team. He engages with junior staff the same way he engages with owners and is always approachable.’
‘The land use team at DLA is industry-leading. Their skill set, relationships and client service are the best. As a client, I know that I will get the best service and be set up for success when working with DLA.’
‘The attorneys at DLA provide the highest quality service to clients. Their mastery of the local land use process provides DLA with the ability to navigate entitlements efficiently and successfully.'
Key clients
- QTS Realty Trust, Inc.
- Sterling Bay Companies
- Millennium Partners
- Related Midwest
- Trammell Crow Company
- Chicago Bears Football Club, Inc.
- Origami Capital Partners & Timberline Real Estate Partners
- Tysons Development, LLC
- Hines Interests Limited Partnership
- Harridge Development Group, LLC
Work highlights
Advised QTS Data Centers on the country’s largest data center master planning and rezoning effort in Prince William County, Virginia. Following a record-breaking 27.5-hour hearing in 2023, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors approved the rezoning, clearing the way for the project.
Advised DL3 Realty L.P. in connection with the redevelopment of a 24-acre abandoned and environmentally contaminated former industrial property in Chicago’s West Pullman neighborhood. We successfully obtained the EPA’s release of the lien, and navigated the client through a community-driven review process, including a review of air quality impact and traffic impact assessments, successfully obtaining zoning approvals for the development of a light industrial facility.
Led an entitlement process for Harridge Development Group that included extended negotiations of a complex Development Agreement and entitlement package and oversaw CEQA compliance, pushing for and ultimately obtaining agreement for streamlined review under a CEQA addendum.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Richard Klawiter; Jerold Neuman; Antonio Calabrese
Other key lawyers
Katherine Jahnke Dale; Brian Winterhalter; Kyndra Joy Casper; John Rattigan; Tony Calabrese