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Michael Sherman

Michael A. Sherman Senior Land Use Planner

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Mike supports McGuireWoods’ Real Estate Transactions Practice Group, focusing on the Land Use Practice Area. Mike focuses on land use and development issues in Northern Virginia, where he assists developers and landowners in navigating the land use entitlement process, including obtaining rezonings, special exceptions, special permits, variances, and comprehensive plan amendments.

Mike’s creative and comprehensive approach to land use helps add value to client’s development projects. Throughout the land use entitlement process, Mike works to maximize development potential for his clients in a cost-effective and timely manner. In addition to new development, he also assists clients in amending existing development approvals to more closely align with changing market conditions. Additionally, Mike has experience navigating the approval process for repurposing of existing buildings and historic structures. He is also an adjunct lecturer in the Georgetown University Department School of Continuing Education Urban and Regional Studies program.

Prior to joining McGuireWoods LLP, Mike was a Director of Long-Range Planning with the federal government and advised on a wide range of comprehensive planning, environmental, urban design, zoning, land use and development issues. He is a retired US Army Reserve officer (Colonel) where he served with distinction in the Corps of Engineers.

Mike is active in his local community and volunteers for a host of initiatives including serving as a mentor for the Kappa League, a program for young men to help them develop leadership skills and contribute to their communities.

Experience

  • Led the Long-Range Planning Division with a Federal Planning Agency
  • Appointed by agency to lead effort to identify and evaluate high-value federal property for disposal, sale or redevelopment in the National Capital Region.
  • Developed congressionally mandated $10 billion Federal Capital Improvement Plan.
  • Served as the agency representative to the Department of Homeland Security Interagency Security Committee and National Capital Memorial Advisory Commission to advise on building physical security and commemorative works land use policy.