April B. Mackoff

April Birnbaum Mackoff is a land use and zoning attorney at Lerch, Early & Brewer in Bethesda, Maryland. She represents commercial and residential developers, real estate owners and major retailers throughout the region. Her practice includes assisting clients with subdivision, project, site plan and special exception applications, as well as eminent domain and condemnation matters where she seeks fair and just compensation for clients whose properties have been condemned by the state or local governments.

April’s passion for land use law stems from her interest and training in urban development and environmental issues. Her insight and thoughtful approach to issues faced by today’s landowners and developers allows her to see the big picture without losing focus of the many details that are critical to success.

Much of April’s legal work is concentrated in Montgomery County, home of some of the country’s most valuable commercial and residential properties. Her clients include developers, real estate owners, individuals, country clubs, construction companies, national chain stores, senior care and assisting living centers, nonprofits and trade associations.

Prior to joining Lerch Early, April gained extensive experience in environmental law through her work with numerous state and federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Maryland Attorney General’s Office, as well as through her work as a law clerk with a Maryland environmental and natural resources law firm.

After earning her Bachelor of Arts, with distinction, and her Master of Environmental Studies from the University of Pennsylvania, April went on to the University of Maryland School of Law where she earned her Juris Doctor with a concentration in environmental law. She is admitted to practice in Maryland.

April is active in numerous real estate and legal professional organizations throughout the Washington metropolitan area, including the Urban Land Institute’s Young Leaders Group. In 2009, she was recognized for her significant pro bono contributions to a Poolesville, Md., Habitat for Humanity project.

A native of Philadelphia, April enjoys traveling the world. Her most recent destinations include China, Brazil and India.

• Maryland State Bar Asssociation
• Urban Land Institute Young Leaders Group (Programs Committee),
• Commercial Real Estate Women (Programs Committee)
• Penn in Washington (Program Mentor)

• Named "Rising Star" in Land Use/Zoning by Maryland Super Lawyers (2011)