Justin Schmidt joined Adams and Reese in 2005 and serves on the Real Estate team where he practices with a focus in the area of land use and zoning. This includes representing companies and individuals in land use permitting, commercial transactions, financing, real estate developments and landlord/tenant negotiations.

A lifelong resident of New Orleans, Justin assisted in the growth of this practice area for the firm and is recognized among the city's top land use attorneys.

His significant contributions include:

· Effective representation of national retailers/big box companies in New Orleans, e.g.,Walgreens, Lowe's Home Centers, Church's Chicken, CVS Pharmacy.

· Representing real estate projects, especially since Hurricane Katrina, that have helped to rebuild and rejuvenate areas of New Orleans - providing the foundation for its rebirth as a world class city.

· Representing lenders and developers in connection with the acquisition, divestiture, development, leasing and financing of shopping centers, office buildings, apartments, condominiums, low-income housing, restaurants and hotel developments.

Prior to law school, Justin worked in commercial banking with Trustmark National Bank in Jackson, Miss., and with Hibernia National Bank in New Orleans. He currently serves as a board member of the Louise S. McGehee School, the Louisiana Children's Museum, the YMCA of Greater New Orleans, the Oscar Lee Putnam Cultural Endowment and the St. Charles Avenue Association. He is also a reserve deputy with the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office.

In his free time, Justin is an avid golfer and sportsman, but more importantly enjoys spending time with his wife and four children.

Professional Memberships / Affiliations

Louisiana Children's Museum, Board of Directors

YMCA of Greater New Orleans Board of Directors

International Council of Shopping Centers

Louisiana State Bar Association

New Orleans Bar Association

Putnam Cultural Endowment, Trustee and Officer

American Bar Association, Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section

Louisiana Land Title Association

Other Distinctions

Chambers USA - Real Estate