Recognized for being ‘extremely knowledgeable on all related land use and entitlement matters in multiple jurisdictions with long-standing relationships across the industry’, DLA Piper LLP (US)’s land use, development and government relations lawyers are experienced in handling large development projects as well as governmental regulatory matters and regularly represent clients before trial and appellate courts. The firm operates nationwide with teams co-led by Richard Klawiter in Chicago, who represents developers and investors in securing entitlements and financial incentives for urban and suburban projects. Klawiter is well supported by co-head Katherine Jahnke Dale, who is also based in Chicago and advises on the financing and regulatory aspects of redevelopments, as well as by and co-head Antonio Calabrese in Reston, who advises on land use, zoning and complex development projects. Los Angeles-based contacts include Jerold Neuman, who advises individuals and companies on obtaining local government licenses, permits, rights, or contracts, and Kyndra Joy Casper, an expert on compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act. Other key members of the team are Reston’s ‘outstanding’ Brian Winterhalter, Bryan Connolly and ’top real estate attorney’ John Rattigan in Boston, as well as Mariah DiGrino in Chicago.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'Extremely knowledgeable on all related land use and entitlement matters in multiple jurisdictions with long-standing relationships across the industry. This allows DLA to provide effective counsel in all related matters. A true and trusted advisor.'
'Brian Winterhalter is outstanding and thoughtful in advice provided that produces outstanding results. A pleasure to work with and one you can count on to get the job to the finish line.'
'Antonio Calabrese is at the top of the industry of land use lawyers who produces consistent success within multiple jurisdictions involving complex land use applications. Highly creative.'
'Richard Klawiter is the alpha lawyer when a group of Real Estate lawyers debate a topic. Opposing clients counsel yields to him. He has a great grasp of the law and business needs - can make the very complex easy and simple for everyone to understand.'
'John Rattigan, Bryan Connolly and associate Oriana Montani in particular are among the best in the business. They each have a unique blend of smarts, engagement and business sense. They can be relied on as critical strategic partners.'
'Brian Winterhalter is the best zoning counsel in Fairfax County right now. He is frequently engaged by the county, elected officials and industry groups to provide guidance, feedback or recommendations on a variety of land use matters, which allows his clients to benefit from the latest information and important relationships. His collective experience, business development mindset and relationship first approach make him our go-to zoning counsel.'
'John Rattigan is the top real estate attorney in the Boston market.'
'Andrew Brady is a land use attorney by training but has become a leading national subject matter expert on how to make quality public education an actionable civil right for all children. Andrew's involvement has been a game changer and it's been an absolute pleasure to work with him.'

Key clients

GRIT Chicago, LLC
Harridge Development Group, LLC
LEGO Group
Atlas Capital Group, LLC
601w Companies
Taubman Company
Origami Capital Partners
Timberline Real Estate Partners
HYM Investment Group, LLC
Tysons Development, LLC
Related Midwest

Work highlights

Advised developer client 1HWY1 on navigating a ports project through multiple agencies to obtain approvals.
Assisted American Real Estate Partners and Harrison Street Real Estate with a joint venture to acquire the former AOL headquarters property in Ashburn, Virginia and redevelop the property with up to four data center buildings in a project worth $1bn.
Advised DePaul College Prep Foundation on a $74.29m tax-exempt bond financing transaction.