Damaris Y. Walker

Attorney
Philadelphia

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

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