Akerman is pleased to share that our firm again earned Tier 1 status for Real Estate: Land Use/Zoning in the 2024 edition of The Legal 500 United States guide. Only seven other firms in the country share this coveted distinction. The honor recognizes Akerman's national land use and development practice, which comprises a deep bench of lawyers, planners, and consultants located in key markets throughout the United States. The publication heralded the team’s “depth of experience advising on local zoning and land use regulations, process, and policy,” and highlighted practitioners and experience across the U.S. in key markets, including Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, and New York. 

Land Use and Development Practice Co-Chair Spencer Crowley was named a “Leading Lawyer” in the rankings, and New York Land Use and Zoning Partner Jaclyn Scarinci was named a “Next Generation Partner.” 

Akerman land use lawyers, also singled out as among the best in their field were:

• Joshua Rinesmith (New York; Land Use and Development Practice Co-Chair)
• Neisen Kasdin (Miami Office Co-Managing Partner)
• Meg George (Chicago; Akerman Executive Committee Member)
• Lisa Kolieb (Los Angeles; Real Estate Partner)
• Kristofer Machado (Miami; Real Estate Partner)

The Legal 500 rankings are based on several factors, including interviews with clients, bench strength, and a track record of complex matters in the category. During the interviews, one client described our team as “highly talented lawyers with extraordinary customer service skills,” while another commented Akerman's attorneys are “…creative and willing to think outside the box.”

Akerman's Land Use and Development team recently expanded its capabilities with the addition of Dennis A. Kerbel, who joined as chair of its Florida Land Use and Entitlements Practice after serving more than 21 years with the Miami-Dade County Attorney’s Office as chief of its Zoning, Land Use, and Environment Section.