Damaris Walker focuses his practice on commercial real estate transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, and leasing. He represents developers, investors, and public agencies in matters involving retail, office, and mixed-use assets, and has experience advising on complex development projects and real estate due diligence.
Prior to joining Ballard Spahr, Damaris served as a Deputy City Solicitor in the City of Philadelphia’s Law Department, where he advised on significant real estate and economic development initiatives.
Representative Experience
Representative Matters
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Represented national REIT client in acquisition of eight pharmacies and one distribution center located in NJ, AL, KS, OH, MI, WI, MS, and KY for $32.7 million, along with the creation and negotiation of a Lease of each site back to the Seller/Tenant. Included franchise component with seller/tenant as well.
- Damaris Y. Walker’s extensive experience drafting and negotiating intergovernmental agreements includes, most recently, an IGA between the City of Philadelphia and PAID for the Schuylkill River dredging project. He played a key role in negotiations for the agreement, under which the City and a number of Philadelphia-based universities and colleges—including Temple, St. Joseph’s, and the University of Pennsylvania—contributed approximately $4 million toward the dredging project. Serving as a conduit, PAID held the funds in escrow and then transferred them to the Army Corp of Engineers, which paid the contractor. Mr. Walker also worked with counsel from the universities to draft a contribution agreement governing distribution of funds contributed by the various entities.
Professional Highlights
Recognition & Accomplishments
Philadelphia Business Journal, Deal of the Year Award, Office Lease - First Place, 2025
Board Memberships & Community Service
Philadelphia Bar Association Real Property Section Executive Committee
Dartmouth College Black Alumni Association, Philadelphia Chapter President
Barristers Association of Philadelphia, Member
Credentials
Education
Yale Law School (J.D. 2013)
Edward M. Becker Scholar
Executive Board, Black Law Students Association
Editor, Human Rights & Development Law Journal
Dartmouth College (A.B., magna cum laude, 2009)
Rufus Choate Scholar
Admissions
Pennsylvania
New Jersey
New York