J.P. BurleighEsq.

J.P.'s fascination with property began in an unlikely place. An avid fisherman, he brings a rod with him almost anywhere he goes. While living (and fishing) in Scotland for a semester during college, he was surprised to learn that land and water rights are treated very differently there than in the United States. Everyone in Scotland enjoys a "right to roam" across the countryside, even through private land, but all rivers and streams are privately owned, so fishing licenses are bought from individual landowners rather than from the state. The experience opened his eyes to how property law shapes the ways we all use, enjoy, and interact with the world around us.

J.P. guides clients through residential and commercial real estate transactions, including contract negotiation, due diligence, and closing, and often negotiates commercial leases of office and retail space. For clients looking to develop property, he has a keen understanding of the processes to obtain land use and zoning approvals, and he especially enjoys advocating before administrative boards.

He also prides himself on helping clients resolve real property disputes efficiently, whether a deal gone bad, an unfavorable zoning decision, or a disagreement with a neighbor, using mediation and informal negotiation where possible. When negotiation is not an option, he thrives on vindicating his clients' interests in court, including personally arguing for and obtaining multiple emergency court orders to prevent the demolition of a historic church bell tower in Cincinnati's Over-the-Rhine Historic District.

J.P. is proud to be Counsel for the Built Environment.