Wilson Elser

Starting at the foot of the learning curve is not an option in navigating the land use regulation process for complex development projects. Wilson Elser's land use attorneys draw on the strengths of our real estate, municipal, environmental and government relations practices to provide the strategic legal guidance that can bring our clients' projects to fruition quickly, efficiently and effectively. When necessary, we also bring to bear our substantial experience as litigators in representing clients before state and federal courts on zoning and land use controversies, as well as environmental and real estate matters.

Wilson Elser's land use attorneys draw on the strengths of our real estate, municipal, environmental and government relations practices to provide the strategic legal guidance that can bring our clients' projects to fruition quickly, efficiently and effectively.

Real estate development today is a complex endeavor that regularly involves multiple governmental approvals, often on the federal, state and local levels. Sorting out complicated land use regulations, permit requirements and detailed environmental impact reviews requires the guidance of legal professionals who understand not only the applicable laws but also the thinking of the government officials who apply them.

For more than a decade, Wilson Elser has been the leading government relations firm in Albany, representing the largest corporations and not-for-profit entities on their most complex and difficult issues. We enjoy an insider understanding of the governmental and political processes within which land use decisions are made and bring this knowledge to bear for our land use clients seeking financial assistance and state approvals. It is one of the reasons why our practice attorneys are requested by industry associations and other organizations to speak and teach about land use and environmental impact review.

Our attorneys also engage in extensive representation of local governments with many serving on the planning and zoning boards that make local land use decisions. The relationships that our government relations attorneys have developed over many years, combined with our on-the-ground experience in local land use, give us a distinct edge in assessing and influencing the local governmental landscape and the individuals who control local land use regulation. The result is a substantial advantage in efficiency and effectiveness for our clients in making the complex strategic and tactical decisions required of them as they navigate the development process.

 At Wilson Elser, we believe that cultivating an environment that embraces and promotes diversity is a foundational value, critical to the success of our firm and central to the integrity and vitality of the legal field. Bringing together people of different backgrounds and beliefs, people with diverse perspectives, fosters the innovative and creative thinking that enhances our response to the needs of our clients. Wilson Elser’s commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring and training as well as the organizations to which we belong and the programs we sponsor.

We believe in creating a work environment free of barriers and bias, where individual outlooks and talents are respected and valued. Our firm’s policy is to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment based on race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, disability, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by the law. 

Beyond legal compliance, our firm strives to mirror the rich diversity of the communities in which we practice, to respect the diversity of our clients and their workforce and to employ best practices to identify, select, hire, retain and promote qualified individuals without boundaries or limitations, other than those imposed by their own choices and capabilities. This allows us to better represent our clients in today’s diverse, multicultural society. 

Wilson Elser is also committed to promoting diversity through the selection of vendors. We actively seek certified minority- and women-owned businesses and provide them with the opportunity to partner with us to provide services to our firm and our clients.