Department profile
Cairncross & Hempelmann, PS

Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use

USA Guide 2026 : Washington


Cairncross & Hempelmann, PS

Rankings

About

Provided by Cairncross & Hempelmann, PS

The Real Estate team at Cairncross & Hempelmann brings a wealth of experience and deep industry knowledge to every transaction, and clients benefit from our collaborative team approach. Our clients include developers, lenders, borrowers, and owners at the forefront of some of the most visible, sophisticated, and complex real estate projects in the region. Our highly-integrated team has helped clients involved in iconic properties throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Real Estate Areas of Focus:

  • ​Real Estate Debt & Equity Finance
  • Leasing
  • Acquisition & Disposition
  • Land Development
  • Condominiums

The Land Use & Zoning attorneys at Cairncross & Hempelmann are well-versed in the zoning, planning and land use laws of Washington.  Our extensive experience in the field translates into an astute technical and practical knowledge of applicable codes and how they have historically been interpreted and applied.  We represent both private and public sector clients, including property owners, developers, counties and municipalities.  

Land Use & Zoning Areas of Focus:

  • ​Land Use Entitlements
  • SEPA and NEPA Compliance
  • Comprehensive Planning and Zoning and Development Regulations
  • Master Planned Developments, Subdivisions, Annexation
  • Transit-Oriented Development
  • Shoreline Management Act and Critical Areas
  • Growth Management Act Compliance and Appeals
  • Natural Resources
  • Land Use and Real Estate Litigation and Appeals

Clients (26)

  • Madison Avenue Development
  • Microsoft Corporation
  • Dunn Lumber Co.
  • AvalonBay Communities
  • Mount Baker Housing
  • City of Sumner
  • Oakpointe, LLC
  • Lennar Corporation
  • Race Track LLC
  • MainVue Homes LLC
  • Mill Stream Properties Group
  • Evolution Projects
  • American Capital Group
  • Trammell Crow Residential
  • American Homes for Rent
  • Horton Street
  • MainStreet Property Group
  • Timberlane Partners
  • Molly Moon's Homemade Ice Cream
  • Pinnacle Partners
  • MainVue Homes/Henley USA
  • Daly Partners
  • Laconia
  • Taylor Morrison Home Builders
  • Plus Investments
  • Calhoun Property Management

Industries (15)

  • Real Estate Finance
  • Real Estate Investment
  • Real Estate Development
  • Hospitality
  • Retail
  • Affordable Housing
  • Transit Oriented Development
  • Biotechnology
  • Owners
  • Industrial Real Estate
  • Institutional Real Estate
  • Healthcare
  • Religious Real Estate
  • Residential Real Estate
  • Commercial Real Estate

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use - Washington

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

Cairncross & Hempelmann, PS is acknowledged as a leading player in the zoning and land use space, assisting public and private sector clients with matters such as land use entitlements and permits, master-planned developments and residential subdivisions. The firm is also recognized for its experience in handling acquisitions, financing, leasing and development agreements. Its lawyers are further noted for their cultivation of excellent relations with regulatory authorities and for their work in the areas of real estate syndication, tax credit transactions and mixed-use developments.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Cairncross & Hempelmann represented Lakeside Industries in land use permitting matters for its mines, plants, and other facilities across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, and on real estate matters, including a mixed‑use development in Issaquah, Washington.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Cairncross & Hempelmann is creative, flexible, experienced and detail-oriented.

    Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use respondentUSA
  • The team at Cairncross & Hempelmann is quick to respond, focused and strategic. They have an excellent ability to take the business case and link it together into a solid legal argument.

    Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Senior StatespeopleJohn W. Hempelmann
    Senior StatespeopleJohn W. Hempelmann

    John W. Hempelmann

    John Hempelmann continues to be highly regarded for his zoning and land use practice, and is widely sought after for his experience in securing permits for clients.
    • I have worked with John Hempelmann for 30 years on development and seeking entitlement related to transportation issues. He is the best and prides himself on his diversity of knowledge and experience.

      Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use respondentUSA
  • Band 1Donald E. Marcy
    Band 1Donald E. Marcy

    Donald E. Marcy

    Donald Marcy has a wealth of experience in securing land use entitlements for major real estate developments. He frequently represents large and high-profile clients.
  • Band 2Matt B. Hanna
    Band 2Matt B. Hanna

    Matt B. Hanna

    Matt Hanna represents clients in the financing, sale and acquisition of real estate. He frequently advises REITs and developers on commercial and residential projects.
    • We have years of experience working together, and Matt Hanna continues to provide a high level of service, knowledge, and awareness.

      Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use respondentUSA
    • What I really like about Matt Hanna is that he really understands our business, is good at communicating risk and opportunity, listens to us, and offers good recommendations.

      Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use respondentUSA
  • Band 2Randall Olsen
    Band 2Randall Olsen

    Randall Olsen

    Randall Olsen has a well-established real estate practice. He regularly handles a range of issues concerning transit-related projects.

    • Randall Olsen is extremely responsive and punctual.

      Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use respondentUSA
    • Randall is not only a top‑notch lawyer, but he also has a unique ability to understand the commercial and business implications of each step we have taken.

      Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use respondentUSA
    • He is fast, accurate and always responsive.

      Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use respondentUSA
  • Band 4David Herrman
    Band 4David Herrman

    David Herrman

    Chair of the real estate group, David Herrman routinely provides counsel on acquisitions and financings related to complex development projects.
    • It is a pleasure to work with David Herrman because you are working with someone who is incredibly experienced and has very good ideas about how to get problems solved.

      Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use respondentUSA
    • David Herrman has earned and retained our business through a long history of expertise and sound legal counsel on all fronts.

      Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use respondentUSA

Ranked Individuals at Cairncross & Hempelmann, PS (5)

Washington

Members

Provided by Cairncross & Hempelmann, PS

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