Bio
Bob Harris is a land use and real estate attorney with Lerch, Early and Brewer who helps landowners strategically improve the use and value of their real estate. He represents commercial, residential, and institutional landowners before planning commissions, courts, government agencies, and elected officials to obtain development approvals and protect land use rights in Montgomery County, Maryland and surrounding jurisdictions.
Leading legal guide Chambers USA describes Bob as “engaged, knowledgeable, and insightful,” and The Best Lawyers in America twice has named him Washington, DC’s Land Use & Zoning “Lawyer of the Year.” He brings extensive experience and a strategic focus to housing (multifamily, walkable infill, single family, and senior), mixed-use, office, retail, and new urbanism projects. His clients include Brookfield Office Properties, Carr Properties, EYA, Pulte Homes, GEICO, Lennar Homes, Adventist Healthcare and Tri Pointe Homes.
Bob advises and represents clients in land development and real estate, including master planning, zoning, subdivision, site plans, and special exceptions. This includes advocating in legislative matters at both local and state levels, and participating in court proceedings. He is experienced in issues like smart growth, traffic management, adequate public facilities controls, public infrastructure, mixed-use planned development, environmental issues, urban design, affordable housing, real estate taxation, and historic preservation.
Bob is a Life Director of the Maryland Building Industry Association, he holds various positions with the Urban Land Institute, and he is a former Chair of the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce.
When he’s not working, Bob, who was raised in Montgomery County, enjoys being outdoors. He is an avid skier, and has been to more than 40 resorts in five different countries. He also plays golf, bikes and is learning to the play the guitar. After a workout, he takes pleasure in good food and wine; fortunately, his wife is a gourmet cook.
Show Notes
The Role of a Land Use Attorney (00:06:00)
Bob Harris describes his role as a land use attorney at Lerch Early and Brewer, including being a mentor and advisor to younger attorneys.
Origins and Upbringing (00:08:50)
Bob Harris talks about his blue-collar upbringing, his parents’ occupations, and the values of hard work and self-sufficiency that he learned from them.
Working Hard and Early Jobs (00:10:20)
Bob Harris discusses his early jobs, including being a waiter and an apprentice carpenter, and the importance of hard work and initiative in his life.
The college experience (00:16:00)
Bob talks about his experience paying for college and working to support himself while studying.
Interest in business law (00:18:30)
Bob discusses his fascination with business law and contracts during his college years.
Transition to law school (00:22:30)
Bob shares how his sister’s decision to apply to law school inspired him to pursue a legal career, despite initially not being a great student in college.
The Socratic Method (00:30:30)
Describes the Socratic method of teaching in law school and its impact on critical thinking and research skills.
Challenging a Professor (00:32:20)
Shares a story about challenging a professor in law school by using information from his own brief, highlighting the importance of research and critical thinking.
Joining Wilkes Artis (00:39:30)
Explains how the speaker joined Wilkes Artis law firm and opened a new office in Bethesda, specializing in zoning and land use law.
The history of zoning law (00:43:40)
Bob Harris talks about how he found his passion for zoning law and its role in shaping the future.
Working with creative developers (00:44:45)
Bob Harris discusses his involvement in various projects, including the Chevy Chase Bank headquarters building and Fallsgrove community.
The Fallsgrove project (00:46:30)
Bob Harris shares his experience working on the Fallsgrove project, where he advised clients on purchasing and developing the property, resulting in the construction of 1500 homes.
The Land Use Attorneys in Montgomery County (00:56:45)
Discusses the market for land use attorneys in DC and how it differs in Montgomery County.
The Legacy of Linowes and Blocher (00:59:15)
Talks about the history and significance of the land use firm Linowes and Blocher in Montgomery County.
The Importance of Living in the Client’s Shoes (01:04:20)
Explains the mindset and approach of a successful land use attorney, emphasizing the need to understand and advocate for the client’s perspective.
Negotiating with Different Parties (01:07:45)
Bob Harris discusses the importance of negotiation in land use cases, including negotiating with opposition, clients, and different perspectives.
Challenges in Real Estate Law (01:10:30)
The biggest challenges in real estate law today, and Harris discusses the complexity and burden of current zoning ordinances and regulations.
The Land Use Approval Process (01:14:30)
Bob Harris explains the land use approval process in Montgomery County, including the countywide master plan and the comprehensive plans that have been developed over the years. He also discusses the challenges of overly restrictive regulations and the importance of flexibility for clients.
The relationship with clients and the importance of building relationships with decision-makers (01:19:00)
Bob Harris discusses the importance of maintaining client relationships and building relationships with decision-makers in the industry.
Lessons learned from a failed case and a zoning law change (01:28:00)
Bob Harris shares two stories about experiences that taught him important lessons in his career, including the importance of dispelling rumors and the ability to change laws for one’s benefit.
The vision behind the Bethesda Row project (01:33:58)
Bob Harris discusses the unique vision behind the Bethesda Row project and the shift towards street front retail in the industry.
The zoning ordinance battle (01:34:41)
Discussion about a community outreach meeting to convince people about a multifamily development project and the involvement of real estate developer, Ben Jacobs.
Changing the law for height restrictions (01:35:52)
The use of the “helipad principle” to change the zoning law and allow for increased height in the project area.
The importance of organizations and community involvement (01:38:27)
The speaker’s active participation in various organizations, including board memberships and real estate organization leadership, for visibility, personal satisfaction, and business opportunities.
The commitment to work and giving back (01:45:45)
Bob Harris discusses his dedication to his work, the challenges and rewards he enjoys, and his commitment to giving back through scholarships and internships.
Inspiring underprivileged students (01:47:30)
Bob Harris talks about the internship program he set up for underprivileged students, where they get an insight into the world of construction and are inspired to achieve.
Advice to his 25-year-old self (01:49:00)
Bob Harris reflects on his younger years and advises his 25-year-old self to be smarter and start his career earlier, while also teasing about the stupid things he did.
Billboard Sign (1:49:20)
Bob actually posted a sign on the Capital Beltway when he was in high school: A “Go Gonzaga, Beat St. John’s” sign
