John W. Farrell

Top rated Land Use & Zoning attorney in Fairfax, Virginia

McCandlish Lillard
John W. Farrell
McCandlish Lillard

Practice Areas: Land Use & Zoning, Real Estate, Eminent Domain; view more

Licensed in Virginia since: 1984

Education: New England Law | Boston

Selected to Super Lawyers: 2012 - 2018

McCandlish Lillard

11350 Random Hills Road
Suite 500
Fairfax, VA 22030 Visit website

Details

John W. Farrell, a principal at McCandlish Lillard, boasts over four decades of experience in real estate development, land use and environmental regulation. Operating from Virginia, he has adeptly handled matters including rezoning, site plan approvals, eminent domain and wetlands regulations. His extensive legal practice covers representing landowners and developers in substantial cases, such as the largest rezoning case ever filed in northern Virginia, which proposed 26 million square feet of nonresidential space alongside 2,266 dwelling units.

Mr. Farrell has a profound background in representing both lenders and borrowers in extensive real estate transactions that encompass the acquisition, development, leasing and sale of various property types. His proficiency extends to handling complex cases of environmental law involving issues such as asbestos, lead contamination and the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act. This vast experience underscores his capability to navigate through the intricacies of both real estate and environmental regulations effectively.

Beyond his legal practice, Mr. Farrell is known for his deep commitment to community service and his considerable contributions to continuing legal education. He has served as general counsel for the Fairfax County Democratic Committee, representing them in critical election law cases, including the 2013 attorney general’s recount. His leadership roles have included chairmanships at the Planning Board of the Town of Walpole, Massachusetts, and the Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce’s Land Use, Environment and Transportation Committee. His dedication extends into education as a lecturer in real estate, land use and environmental law, contributing significantly to the Virginia Law Foundation and other institutions.

Mr. Farrell’s professional affiliations and recognitions are as noteworthy as his career. Admitted to practice law in both Virginia and Massachusetts, he has been honored by Virginia Business Magazine as one of the best attorneys in Virginia for Real Estate/Land Use Law and Environmental Law. His works, including "Real Estate Transactions in Virginia: Planning and Zoning," further solidify his reputation as a thought leader in his practice areas. His distinguished career is complemented by his role as a former national president of the Childhood Cancer Family Alliance and his active involvement in various community and state committees, demonstrating a professional life dedicated to excellence in both law and community service.

Practice areas

Land Use/Zoning, Real Estate: Business, Eminent Domain, State, Local & Municipal

Focus areas

Condominiums & Cooperatives, Landlord/Tenant, Mortgage & Refinance, Short Sale, State, Local & Municipal Litigation

  • 40% Land Use/Zoning
  • 30% Real Estate: Business
  • 20% Eminent Domain
  • 10% State, Local & Municipal

First Admitted: 1977, Massachusetts

Professional Webpage: https://mccandlishlawyers.com/lawyer/john-w-farrell/

Bar/Professional Activity:
  • Virginia
  • Massachusetts
  • Planning Board of Town of Walpole, Massachusetts - Former Chairman
  • Land Use, Environment and Transportation Committee of the Fairfax Chamber of Commerce - Past Chairman
  • State Legislative Committee of the Home Builders Association of Virginia - Served as a Member.
Pro bono/Community Service:
  • Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation - President
  • Building Committee of Christ the Redeemer Church of Sterling, Virginia.
  • Fairfax County Girls Softball League - Past President
Honors/Awards:
  • John has been recognized by Virginia Business Magazine, based on a statewide survey of practicing attorneys, as one of the best attorneys in Virginia in Real Estate/Land Use Law and in Environmental Law, and in “Virginia Super Lawyers” for Land Use Law.
Educational Background:
  • A.B., cum laude, Boston College, 1974
  • J.D., New England School of Law, 1977
Scholarly Lectures/Writings:
Industry Groups:
  • NAIOP
  • NVBIA

Office location for John W. Farrell

11350 Random Hills Road
Suite 500
Fairfax, VA 22030

Phone: 703-934-1182

Selections

7 Years Super Lawyers
  • Super Lawyers: 2012 - 2018

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