Real Estate Attorney David Houston Joins Blank Rome

Blank Rome LLP is pleased to welcome David Houston to the Firm as a Partner in the Real Estate group in the Firm’s Washington, D.C., office. A recognized real estate attorney in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, Mr. Houston focuses his practice on commercial leasing, land use, zoning, and development. He joins Blank Rome from Reed Smith LLP, where he was a partner. 

Mr. Houston has represented land developers, owners, companies, institutions, and lenders for more than 30 years, including many prominent office and industrial developers in Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., and elsewhere. He regularly provides in-depth zoning and land use analysis and counsel on a variety of complex development issues, and works with clients to analyze applicable development requirements, prepare all necessary applications, garner support for projects, and review and present land use proposals in public hearings and other forums. Mr. Houston also has significant experience working with both landlords and tenants in leasing transactions involving department stores, theatres, big box stores, specialty retailers, restaurants, fitness and entertainment venues, and in-line retail stores.

“We are excited to welcome David to the Firm. David’s vast experience will be an excellent addition to our national real estate group and will bolster the growth of the practice in our Washington, D.C., office,” said Alan J. Hoffman, Blank Rome’s Chairman and Managing Partner. “David has the capabilities and breadth of experience to meet the needs of our clients, particularly in the areas of land use and commercial leasing.”

At Blank Rome, Mr. Houston will focus on land development law and commercial leasing in the retail and mixed-use sectors. He will devote significant time to real estate expansion and improvement in the Northern Virginia region, one of the strongest markets in the country and one that is particularly robust in the areas of mixed-use transit-oriented developments. Mr. Houston recently represented the owners of a large tract of undeveloped land to transform the property into more than 1.6 million square feet of residential, office, hotel, and retail space adjacent to the future Innovation Center Metro Station. He will continue to concentrate on similar zoning and development projects in conjunction with the expansion of Washington, D.C.’s Metro subway system to Dulles International Airport and other high-growth areas. 

“Blank Rome has an excellent national reputation and I am impressed by the strength and capabilities of the Firm’s real estate group,” said Mr. Houston. “I look forward to providing clients with the benefit of my experience, collaborating with my new colleagues across offices, and helping to further develop the Firm’s real estate capabilities in the D.C. metropolitan area.”

Chambers USA has recognized Mr. Houston as a leading Real Estate attorney in Northern Virginia since 2007.

Mr. Houston received his J.D. from George Washington University Law School, and received his Bachelor of City Planning from the University of Virginia.

About Blank Rome LLP

With nearly 550 attorneys serving clients around the globe, Blank Rome is an international law firm representing businesses and organizations ranging from Fortune 500 companies to start-up entities. Founded in 1946, Blank Rome advises clients on all aspects of their businesses, including commercial and corporate litigation; consumer finance; corporate, M&A, and securities; environmental, energy, and natural resources; finance, restructuring, and bankruptcy; intellectual property and technology; labor and employment; maritime, international trade and government contracts; matrimonial; products liability, mass torts, and insurance; real estate; tax, benefits, and private client; and white collar defense and investigations. Blank Rome also represents pro bono clients in a wide variety of cases and matters. For additional information, visit www.blankrome.com.