Erica A. Leatham, an attorney experienced in land-use matters in Montgomery County, Maryland, and throughout the state, has joined Ballard Spahr in the Bethesda office. She is the second attorney to join the real estate practice in Bethesda this year.
"We are thrilled to have Erica joining us," said Roger D. Winston, managing partner of the firm's Bethesda office. "Her legal work in zoning and land use in the state's most populous county is extensive. She will greatly strengthen our extensive real estate development work."
Ms. Leatham has significant experience in commercial development, smart-growth concepts and agricultural uses. She handles matters covering the range of land-use issues, including site plans, amendments to local maps and zoning regulations, and historic preservation. Additionally, her practice encompasses real estate tax appeals.
"I am excited about continuing my work in the region with my new Ballard Spahr colleagues," Ms. Leatham said. "Not only has Roger established a substantial practice in planning and development, his office is able to draw on the resources of a preeminent national real estate practice that covers all the bases."
Ms. Leatham's arrival at the Bethesda office closely follows that of Mark D. Jackson, who has extensive real estate transactional experience, particularly in the area of commercial real estate leasing, workouts, and restructurings.
Ms. Leatham is a member of Ballard Spahr's Zoning and Land Use Group and Real Estate Tax Group. She is a LEED Accredited Professional as certified by the U.S. Green Building Council. Ms. Leatham has received numerous professional awards, including the 2008-2009 Class of Leadership Montgomery, 2008 Real Estate Bisnow "35 Under 35," 2007 Bisnow on Business "One to Watch," and 2005 Washington Business Journal "Top Washington Lawyers, Young Gun" designations.