Chambers USA 2024: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business has recognized Lerch Early in the areas of Litigation: General Commercial and Real Estate.

Litigation: General Commercial (Band 3)
Chambers describes the team as “notable for advising businesses on contract and corporate disputes, as well as representing clients in breach of fiduciary duty matters. The firm is well regarded for its substantial practice in employment litigation, as well as fielding expertise in real estate disputes. The strong Maryland presence attracts a broad regional and national client base.”

Real Estate (Band 3)
Chambers recognizes the firm in Real Estate, for its “expertise advising on construction and financing, in addition to notable experience in land use matters. The team works on mixed-use development projects, including neighborhoods undergoing urban regeneration. Demonstrates additional expertise handling joint venture agreements.”

One commentator said, “They are good at understanding the challenges we face and get the big picture goal.”

Another added: “The firm has a deep bench with expertise in a number of different asset and property types.”

In addition to these firm-wide honors, the following attorneys are ranked:

Robby Brewer in Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use (Senior Statesperson): Chambers says Robby is “highlighted for his expertise in handling zoning permits and other development applications. He regularly advises major investors and developers as well as large retail clients.” One commenter added, “Robby Brewer’s insight and knowledge allows us to move forward with deeply complicated projects with a clear level of confidence. He is an exceptional partner.”

Lauri Cleary in Litigation: General Commercial (Band 4): Chambers says Lauri “offers wide-ranging expertise in commercial disputes as well as handling employment litigation.” One commenter adds that, “Lauri invariably delivers sound, strategic advice.”

Stan Reed in Litigation: General Commercial and Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations (Band 2). Chambers says Stan “has a broad litigation practice that encompasses commercial claims, including real estate and construction disputes, as well as the defense of white-collar crime and fraud cases.” One commenter adds that “Stan is a superb litigator.”

Erin Girard in Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use (Band 1): Chambers says that Erin “is an accomplished real estate attorney who regularly advises on a breadth of land use and zoning issues in connection with commercial, institutional and mixed-use projects.” One commenter adds that “Erin is an amazing land use counsel with great relationships as well as excellent responsiveness, effectiveness and creativity.”

Bill Kominers in Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use (Band 1): Chambers says that Bill “is respected for his expertise in land use, zoning and other matters, particularly in the context of urban development projects.” One commenter adds that “Bill is extremely knowledgeable. He is a great advocate and trusted member of the community who understands the processes well and is able to navigate with confidence.”

Stacy Silber in Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use (Band 1): Chambers says that Stacy “has broad zoning and land use experience, particularly as it relates to residential and mixed-use developments in Maryland.” One commenter adds that “Stacy understands land use as a chess game and is able to out-think and out-anticipate potential challenges and challengers.”

Marc Engel in Labor & Employment (Band 3): Chambers says Marc “provides comprehensive counseling to employers, including on workplace policies, litigation avoidance and dispute resolution. His substantive expertise covers ADA, FMLA and discrimination laws.”

Liz Rogers in Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use (Up-and-Coming): Chambers describes Liz as a “go-to attorney for developers and is especially well regarded for her capabilities in zoning and land use matters.” One commenter added that Liz is “is thoughtful and responsive.”

Chambers USA conducts interviews and independent research to develop its lists of lawyers and law firms. Law firms and individual lawyers are ranked in bands from 1 (highest) to 6 (lowest). A Senior Statesperson is a lawyer who no longer works hands-on with the same intensity but who, by virtue of close links with major clients, remains pivotal to the firm’s success. The “Up-and-Coming” designation recognizes those who do not yet have an established reputation but who are driving their firm’s growth. 

With 75 lawyers and more than 70 years of experience in Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Northern Virginia, Lerch Early helps companies, nonprofits, and individuals rise to every challenge in business, real estate, litigation, and life.