John A. McKinsey Joins LeClairRyan

Real estate and land use attorney Michael Phalen has joined Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie LLP as a partner in the firm’s Business Transactions practice group.

Phalen is a member of the firm’s Real Estate team, focusing primarily on land acquisition, entitlement and development. His practice covers a full range of issues from land use planning and zoning, real estate, government affairs, natural resources and endangered species, and mining law and public lands, to renewable energy and clean tech.

Phalen has represented numerous companies and developers in real estate transactions, land use and rezoning matters for some of the largest residential and commercial developments in Arizona. Prior to joining the firm, he chaired the zoning and land use subgroup at Fennemore Craig in Phoenix.

He is experienced in municipal law, local government affairs, rezoning, general plan amendments, development agreements, annexations and infrastructure and impact fee issues before governmental bodies and regulatory agencies throughout Arizona.

Phalen is a former Assistant Arizona Attorney General in the Land and Natural Resources Section, and also served in a non-legal position as Land Planning Director for the Arizona State Land Department. He holds a J.D. from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona.

He is a member of the State Bar of Arizona and State Bar of California, is recognized for zoning and land use in Chambers USA: Leading Lawyers for Business, and is on the board of directors of the Chrysalis Shelter for Victims of Domestic Violence.

Source:  www.sheppardmullin.com