Overview

Peter Goldsmith works with real estate developers, property owners, institutional organizations, and retailers to navigate the regulatory processes in Prince George’s County and, if necessary, to defend projects in the circuit and appellate courts. He represents clients on matters concerning land use, planning, zoning, natural resources, and other administrative processes. 

A conscientious lawyer, Peter is thoughtful about those around him and thorough in helping clients think through legal issues. He possesses a balance of creative energy, hustle, and foresight that enables him to recognize and act on opportunities others might overlook.

Peter has a unique background that includes previously working as project manager and in sales for a national homebuilder and as an attorney for a planning agency. As a result of this experience, Peter can anticipate pitfalls at a project’s inception that may arise later in the regulatory process. He has learned from working both in local government and in private practice that the best outcomes occur when development teams are able to collaborate with all stakeholder. Having lived and worked in several regions in Maryland, Peter has adopted a regional approach to his land use practice, ensuring he monitors issues beyond the borders of Prince George’s County that may, nevertheless, affect his clients’ projects. 

Peter has helped clients obtain special exceptions, zoning variances, rezonings, and site plan approvals, among other entitlements. As the former Senior Counsel to the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, where he worked with the Prince George’s County Planning Board and Prince George’s County Planning Department, Peter advised on matters related to master planning, zoning, subdivision, site plans, sectional map amendments, the Prince George’s County Woodland and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Ordinance, the Maryland Forest Conservation Act, and the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Act. 

Peter appears before administrative agencies, including the Prince George’s County Planning Board, the Prince George’s County District Council, and the Board of Appeals. He also advocates before municipal legislatures and in court.

In an attempt to expend some of his boundless energy, Peter enjoys exploring public lands, participating in endurance events, and reading anything written with prodigious imagination. Peter has also competently operated a Zamboni ice-resurfacing machine. 

Education

  • University of Maryland School of Law (J.D., 2012, cum laude; Maryland Law Review, Articles Editor)
  • University of Maryland (B.A. in English, B.S. in Finance, 2004)

Admissions

  • Maryland
  • District of Columbia
  • U.S. District Court, District of Maryland

Clerkships

  • The Hon. Peter B. Krauser, Court of Special Appeals of Maryland, Chief Judge

Honors and awards

  • Prince George’s County Bar Association President’s Award for “Dedicated Support to the Bar Association and Real Estate and Land Use” (2022)
  • Maryland Building Industry Association Legislative Award

Professional memberships

  • Prince George’s County Bar Association (Board of Directors, 2018–present; Real Estate and Land Use Committee, Chair, 2018–present)
  • Maryland State Bar Association (Real Property Section Council, 2019-present; Land Use Committee, Chair, 2019-present; Land Use Institute Planning Committee, Co-Chair, 2019-present)
  • Maryland Building Industry Association, Prince George’s County Chapter (Member)

Practice Areas

Zoning and Land Use

National and regional developers, property owners, and investors choose Lerch Early, the region’s largest land use and zoning practice serving Maryland and DC, for counsel on planning and developing successful projects in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties and surrounding jurisdictions.

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