Welcome to the Arlington Land Use Group

Our attorneys and planners obtain public approvals for projects across asset classes, including large-scale mixed-use urban development projects, multifamily and condominium projects, hotels, offices, senior living facilities and affordable housing projects, as well as residential, infill and other niche development projects.  Working with clients and their project teams, we develop strategies, plan, organize and manage all aspects of public process for project approvals. 

Value creation through long range planning or when your vision doesn't fit within someone else's box.  When the rules don't work, change the rules.  Our urban planning practice is active in every element of comprehensive planning and development policy creation to add value and protect value during community planning efforts or as special requests made by clients.  We ensure clients goals are achieved in complicated public and political processes.

Project and planning approvals are almost always discretional by bodies empowered to make them.  The difference between knowing what the rules provide and knowing what can be supported can make all the difference.  Other law firms can tell you what the rules are, we have the perspective to advise you on what is possible.  There is a difference.

Project success is not ensured at the drop of the gavel.  Our team offers the full array of post-approval permitting and construction cycle services and capabilities to help ensure projects remain on their critical paths and within budgets.

Acquisition and disposition of real estate and interests, in whatever form or character, is a core service of our law firm.  From traditional real estate transactions to Transfer of Development Rights and other density transactions, to corporate transactions in the real estate industry, we provide experienced and sophisticated capabilities to our clients.

From complex ground leases to office leases of every size, to retail, restaurant and small business leases, we represent both tenants and landlords.  Leasing is a core service we provide to most of our clients.

Transactions necessary for development and construction activities can be fairly routine and predictable to specifically created for a single unique situation.   Whether a team is dealing with a utility company, obtaining construction easements and agreements, to public dedications or vacations we thoroughly know this aspect of law and practice.

Assisting clients in identifying, evaluating and placing investments in the real estate and development market is a central aspect of our services.  We provide perspective that is not generally available in the market, and a relatively high volume of opportunities pass through our office each year.  Investment clients seek opportunities to invest, and producers and operators seek investment for their endeavors.

Conventional and institutional lending and financing transaction are a routine matter of course for our transactional practice, representing lenders and borrowers alike.

Joint investment and joint ventures with public entities require a specialized knowledge of the law not generally part of a traditional real estate practice.  Special laws, regulations and legal processes govern transactions with public entities.  Public/private investments in transit systems and stations, parking facilities, infrastructure systems, housing projects, institutional and public facilities and other similar endeavors are nothing extraordinary for our practice.

Many projects and investments require additional public financing tools to bridge gaps and lower costs.  Affordable housing projects, revitalization efforts, economic development endeavors, etc. often involve use of these resources, which require knowledge and experience in structuring and obtaining those arrangements that include public approval processes.  These services are an inseparable aspect of our practice.

We know what it takes to run an in-house legal department for companies in the real estate industry.  If these services are something your company would prefer to outsource or even just supplement, we can be a streamlined, efficient outside general counsel resource to your company.