David L Reifman

Real Estate (Chair)

David Reifman is a partner and is the Chair of Croke Fairchild’s Real Estate Practice.

David brings a depth of sophisticated experience in commercial real estate development, including public-private partnerships, economic development, land use planning, incentives, public financing, infrastructure, historic preservation, sustainability, and market-rate and affordable housing.

Prior to joining the firm, David served as President of Clayco’s Chicago Business Unit where he oversaw all enterprise activity for development, design, and construction-related activities in the greater Chicago area and was a partner in CRG, Clayco’s real estate and investment arm, and sat on its Investment Committee. He worked with community, civic, and philanthropic stakeholders throughout Chicago to have a positive impact on economic recovery, development, and growth.

In addition, David previously served as the City of Chicago’s Commissioner of Planning and Development under Mayor Rahm Emanuel. In this role, David was the architect of the Neighborhood Opportunity Fund, which leverages increased downtown density to create resources for businesses in underserved neighborhoods on the City’s South and West sides, and directed local, state, and federal approvals for the Obama Presidential Center. He also oversaw rehabilitation of Chicago’s Old Main Post Office, led the approvals of several mega developments, and implemented numerous commercial, residential, industrial and retail developments on Chicago’s south and west sides including four new full service grocery stores in food deserts. David also initiated reform to enhance minority- and women-owned business participation in private development.

David was also previously a partner at DLA Piper where he practiced law for over 25 years. He was recognized as ‘Band 1’ by Chambers USA, which noted that David is “a leading practitioner in zoning and land use matters who is well-respected and highly regarded… a key partner in a widely recognized practice in public-private development transactions.” Since joining CFDB in 2024, David has repeatedly been recognized as ‘Band 1’ by Chambers USA.

David served as lead counsel on projects such as the restoration, renovation, and expansion of Wrigley Field, the establishment of the Method Factory in Pullman, the redevelopment of Fort Sheridan, and the relocation of The Boeing Company headquarters to Chicago as well as the national site selection for the 787 Dreamliner airplane assembly.

• Economic Club of Chicago

• Illinois Economic Development Corporation

• World Business Chicago

• Becoming a Man (BAM)

• The Civic Federation

• Civic Consulting Alliance

• Leadership Greater Chicago

• Local Initiative Support Corp.

• Illinois Tax Increment Association

• Lambda Alpha, Ely Chapter

• Urban Land Institute

• CURE Epilepsy

Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law

J.D.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

M.A.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

B.A.

#48 Most Powerful Person in Chicago

Chicago Magazine

Who’s Who in Chicago Business

Crain’s Chicago Business

Super Lawyer

Super Lawyers

2026