Overview

Roy Kaufmann helps clients navigate real estate and business matters through litigation and transactions. He advises clients on the acquisition, operation, financing, and disposition of businesses and property, as well as the disputes that can arise along the way.

Roy approaches every matter with a clear philosophy: be prepared, be confident, and never forget that you are an advocate. His calm, strategic, and pragmatic approach helps him guide clients through disputes, transactions, and important business decisions.

Well-known in the District of Columbia real estate and title community, Roy has spent decades advising clients, speaking on complex property and title issues, and helping shape legislation and policy affecting the industry. He has served in numerous leadership roles, including Chair of the D.C. Bar’s Real Estate, Housing, and Land Use Section and legislative advocate for the D.C. Land Title Association. He is also a frequent lecturer, commentator, and expert witness on real estate and title matters.

His experience also includes complex title issues, commercial leasing, contracts, and fiduciary service for significant trusts with holdings in the United States and abroad.

In addition to his client work, Roy serves as an arbitrator on the American Arbitration Association’s Large, Complex Case and Commercial Panels, handling disputes involving construction projects, corporate acquisitions and governance, trust administration, and real estate matters.

Outside the office, Roy is an active philanthropist, traveler, businessman, and hockey scorekeeper. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Healthy Americas Foundation and supports ValentinesByKids.org, a non-profit organization founded by his son. He also serves as Director of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act Centralized Verification Service.

Education

  • The George Washington University Law School (J.D., 1978)
  • State University of New York at Albany (B.A., cum laude, Political Science, 1975)
  • Universite de Neuchatel (Attestation., 1974)

Admissions

  • District of Columbia
  • U.S. District Court, District of Columbia
  • U.S. Court of Appeals DC Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces

Honors and awards

  • Listed in Best Lawyers in America, Real Estate (2007-present)
  • Martindale-Hubbell AV Rating (for over 20 years)
  • Listed in Super Lawyers, Real Estate and Business (2020-2021, 2012-2017)
  • Named Avvo Top Rated Lawyer by The American Registry (2020)

Professional memberships

  • District of Columbia Bar Association: Real Estate, Housing & Land Use Section, Chair and Co-Chair

Practice Areas

Corporate/Tax

Business leaders want to profit by being best at their trade, and by providing value to their customers, fulfillment for their employees, and security for their families and communities.

Real Estate

Developers, commercial property owners, and investors turn to Lerch Early’s “dirt lawyers” when they need to buy, sell, lease, or develop commercial real estate in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. 

Litigation

Lerch Early’s litigation team helps businesses, including nonprofits, and individuals resolve disputes throughout the Washington, DC metropolitan area.

Speaking engagements

  • Legislative Developments in the District of Columbia (Real Estate Title Matters, Real Estate Settlement Best Practices)

Representation Matters

Complex Real Estate Matters

Has acted as lead counsel in complex real estate matters (litigation, transaction, and lending) involving properties ranging up to $90 million, including multi-unit, data center, commercial, and hotels.

American Arbitration Association

Arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association in the Large and Complex Case Panel.

DC Land Title Association

Lobbyist for the DC Land Title Association (trade group of title insurance underwriters, settlement companies, and related industries). Often involves drafting and reviewing legislation.

Disclaimer: Each case is different and past results do not guarantee similar results in future matters.