Department profile

Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use

USA Guide 2026 : Connecticut

Shipman & Goodwin LLP

Rankings

Ranked Individuals

About

Provided by Shipman & Goodwin LLP

Unique and diverse team handling complex transactions and all aspects of real property ownership and development, including acquisition, deal structuring, land use and permitting, construction contracting, leasing, public and private debt and equity financing, and workouts and restructuring.
Practice includes extensive experience with retail, office, multi-family, industrial, warehouse, mixed-use, entertainment and other types of commercial property.
Represents foreign and domestic clients including: private developers; institutional owners, banks, REITs, lessees and investors in real property; traditional mortgage lenders; commercial real estate investment funds and sovereign wealth funds; and government entities.
Team includes nationally recognized land use and affordable housing specialists.
Dozens of land use cases litigated in state and federal court.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use - Connecticut

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Shipman & Goodwin advises on a broad range of real estate matters including acquisitions, dispositions and developments across the tri-state area. The firm's particular areas of expertise include land use, zoning, tax and distressed real estate and it represents a range of blue-chip clients including Fortune 500 companies, private developers, institutional lenders and major players in the hospitality industry. The team is also experienced with handling real estate litigation, including land use, environmental, eminent domain, title and boundary disputes.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

Shipman & Goodwin represented East Coast Growers, a cannabis facility, in obtaining a special permit from the East Hartford Planning and Zoning Commission for the installation of a cannabis cultivation facility and associated improvements.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

They are very responsive in general and emails are answered in a timely fashion. The service is good and they do not need a lot of hand-holding and I trust them to push our agenda.
Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use respondentUSA
Their deep knowledge of Connecticut land use law and their ability to craft an argument using case law and prior experience to advocate for the project is second to none.
Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use respondentUSA
They are extremely responsive, flexible and creative.
Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Senior Statespeople
Senior Statespeople
Barry C Hawkins
Barry Hawkins is held in high regard for his longstanding expertise in the Connecticut real estate market. He is recognized for the expert counsel he provides on both contentious and transactional mandates.
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Senior Statespeople
Senior Statespeople
William G Rock
William Rock is sought out by developers, lenders and public authorities for his strong counsel on a range of developments. He is a go-to attorney for PPP mandates.
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Star Individuals
Star Individuals
Kent S Nevins
Kent Nevins is held in high esteem for his real estate practice. He acts on the development, leasing and financing aspects of major commercial and mixed-use projects.
He is a tremendous lawyer.
Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use respondentUSA
Kent operates as a trusted adviser to us. He combines excellent client service with deep commercial awareness, offering clear, strategic guidance.
Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use respondentUSA
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Band 1
Band 1
Joseph P Williams
Joseph Williams is cochair of the firm's real estate and land use department. He demonstrates extensive litigation and trial capabilities, representing clients in land use and zoning matters.
He is straightforward and there is no fluff.
Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use respondentUSA
What makes Joe so effective is his preparedness. He understands the local zoning laws throughout Connecticut.
Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use respondentUSA
His presentation style and ability to articulate complex issues in a manner that is relatable to planning boards and other municipal leaders is second to none.
Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use respondentUSA
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Band 3
Band 3
Donald R Gustafson
Donald Gustafson is skilled in handling an array of commercial transactions and real estate financings.
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Band 3
Band 3
Gregory Muccilli
Gregory Muccilli's practice runs the full gamut of real estate law, representing clients in development, financing, leasing and land use matters.
Greg Muccilli stands out for his expertise. He also has local relationships.
Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use respondentUSA
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Band 3
Band 3
Lisa Zana
Lisa Zana represents clients in leasing negotiations, sale and purchase agreements and development financing.
Lisa is knowledgeable on real estate, leasing and construction contracts. She is certainly a knowledgeable real estate attorney.
Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use respondentUSA
Lisa delivers outstanding client service and brings strong commercial judgment to complex matters. She understands our business needs and provides thoughtful guidance.
Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use respondentUSA
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Band 3
Band 3
Scott M Gerard
Scott Gerard is held in particularly high esteem for his real estate practice, acting for financial institutions clients on a broad spectrum of commercial lending, loan restructuring and loan workout matters.
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