Nicole E. De Leon, a member of the Cairncross & Hempelmann’s land use group, specialises in land use, zoning, entitlements, and permitting, representing developers, multifamily and single-family investors, mixed-use projects, universities, schools, and hospitals seeking to develop. De Leon advises on complex projects across the Pacific Northwest, reviewing regulatory frameworks, navigating permit processes, and guiding clients through state environmental regulations, including the Shoreline Management Act and Environmental Policy Act. De Leon appears before county counsel, hearing examiners, and other regulatory bodies to secure approvals. De Leon’s work covers multi-year engagements, managing entitlement, permitting, and compliance for large and complex development projects.
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Phone
206-854-4472
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Accolades

Seattle Elite

Profile

Work Department

Land Use

Position

Partner, Land Use & Zoning Group

Career

Nicole works with real estate developers to efficiently shepherd projects through the land use entitlement process.  Nicole provides insight and guidance regarding how to interpret local codes and State statutes to assist with project due diligence and the permitting process. In the event a project permit or other land use decision is appealed, she applies these same skills in administrative hearings and court litigation to resolve disputes in her clients’ favor.  Property owners rely on Nicole’s expertise and strategic counsel to secure approvals for developments, including residential, commercial, mixed-use, industrial, assisted living, hospitals, schools, and religious facilities.

Nicole seeks creative, out-of-the-box solutions to overcome obstacles that confront her clients. Her ability to focus on the details of a development project without losing sight of the big picture, coupled with her sharp legal analysis and interpersonal skills, make an effective combination to achieve success for her clients.

Languages

English

Memberships

  • National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP), Government Affairs Committee Co-Chair
  • Washington State Bar Association, Environmental & Land Use Law Section, 2021 Mid-Year Seminar Co-Chair
  • Urban Land Institute (ULI)
  • Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce
  • King County Bar Association
  • Mackrell International

Education

  • University of California, Berkeley (B.A., with Honors, 2007)
  • Seattle University School of Law (J.D., cum laude, 2014)
    • Seattle University Law Review
    • Seattle University School of Law Dean’s Scholarship
    • King County Bar Association’s Diversity Fellowship

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