2025 was a year of meaningful recognition and leadership for Walsh, Colucci, Lubeley & Walsh. Across our offices and practice groups, firm members were honored for their professional excellence, industry leadership, and service to the communities we serve. From prestigious legal rankings and industry awards to key leadership appointments at the local, regional, and state levels, these accomplishments reflect the depth of talent, experience, and commitment that define our firm.

Firmwide Honors & Recognition

• Chambers USA: Band 2 – Real Estate

• Legal Insider: Real Estate Law Firm of the Year 2025

Best Lawyers® – Best Law Firms® (2026 Edition)

National Tier 3

• Commercial Litigation

• Land Use and Zoning Law

• Litigation – Real Estate

• Real Estate Law

Regional Tier 1 (Washington, D.C.)

• Land Use and Zoning Law

• Litigation – Land Use and Zoning

• Litigation – Real Estate

• Municipal Law

• Real Estate Law

Regional Tier 3 (Washington, D.C.)

• Commercial Litigation

Additional Firm Awards & Recognition

• Home Builders Association of Virginia (HBAV): Committee Impact Award – Legislative Committee

• NAIOP Northern Virginia: Firm of the Year

• Arlington Chamber of Commerce: Large Business of the Year

Individual Accomplishments

• Jonelle Cameron: Virginia Business – Legal Elite, Real Estate / Land Use

• Bryan Guidash: Appointed President, HomeAid National Capital Region

• Chuck McWilliams:

  • Appointed Assistant Commissioner of Accounts for Prince William County

  • Virginia Business – Legal Elite, Taxes / Trusts / Estates

• Randy Minchew:

  • Virginia Lawyers Weekly – Leader in the Law

  • Appointed to the Commonwealth Transportation Board

• Andrew Painter: Arlington Magazine – Top Attorneys List

• Andrew Painter: Arlington Magazine – Best of Arlington, Land Use & Zoning

• Lynne Strobel: Best Lawyers – Lawyer of the Year, Land Use & Zoning

• Kathy Taylor: BISNOW – Women Leading Real Estate, Honoree

• Art Walsh: Arlington Chamber of Commerce – Inducted into the Hall of Fame

Virginia Super Lawyers

Selected to Super Lawyers

• Michael Coughlin, Shareholder – Eminent Domain

• Andrew Painter, Shareholder – Land Use & Zoning

Selected to Rising Stars

• Nicholas Cumings, Shareholder – Land Use & Zoning

• Emma Goetzman, Associate – Estate Planning & Probate

Best Lawyers® – The Best Lawyers in America®

Arlington, VA

• Tom Colucci (Recognized since 2018) – Real Estate Law

• Mark Goetzman (Recognized since 2018) – Real Estate Law

• Cathy Puskar (Recognized since 2020) – Land Use and Zoning Law

• Lynne Strobel (Recognized since 2018) – Land Use and Zoning Law; Real Estate Law

Leesburg, VA

• Randy Minchew (Recognized since 2018) – Land Use and Zoning Law; Real Estate Law

Prince William, VA

• Mike Lubeley (Recognized since 2003) – Land Use and Zoning Law; Litigation – Land Use and Zoning; Litigation – Real Estate; Real Estate Law

Shannon Minarik joined the firm in 2023 as a Real Estate Transactions Associate in the Prince William office. Her legal experience includes litigation, in which she represented homeowners’ and condominium associations in court. Prior to joining the firm, she served as a managing attorney at prominent Northern Virginia title companies, gaining experience across many facets of Virginia real estate law. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine and earned her Juris Doctor from George Mason University School of Law.

Thank you for participating in this month’s Employee Spotlight, Shannon! Tell us a little about yourself –

1. What is your current role and how long have you been with the firm?

· Current Role: Associate Attorney in the Real Estate Transactions practice group

2. What is your favorite project that you have worked on?

· The Quartz District, it’s exciting to see something you have had an active role in developing pop up in your backyard.

3. What challenges do you frequently encounter in real estate transactions matters?

· Real Estate Transactions is often a collaboration between many parties all working to obtain a common goal. Working with our client and third parties simultaneously to get everyone on the same page can be challenging, but it’s also what Walsh Colucci does best.

4. What advice would you give someone just starting their career in your field?

· Cultivate good relationships not only with your clients, but with the other parties who have a role in the project. Engineers, surveyors, and local government staff have a profound impact on our work; having good relationships with these individuals can only help a project to go smoother.

5. What is your favorite hobby, activity, or creative outlet?

· If I’m not in the office I am probably out running (I love a good marathon). I also love to paint (albeit on an extremely amateur level).

6. What’s one skill (work-related or not) you’ve always wanted to learn, and why?

· I’ve always wanted to learn to play acoustic guitar. I grew up on MTV Unplugged and always loved the stripped down sound of tracks I knew by heart.

7. Who or what inspires you professionally and/or personally?

· Professionally, our recently retired partner Dave Bomgardner. He is the perfect example of someone who walked softly, carried a big stick, and worked vehemently to protect his clients’ best interests.

· Personally, Keira D’Amato. An incredible marathoner who didn’t break onto the professional stage until she was almost 40 years old. It’s never too late to unlock your potential.

8. What aspects of Walsh, Colucci, Lubeley & Walsh make you proud to work here?

· The willingness of attorneys of other practice groups to assist one another. So often the practices of land use, litigation, and real estate transactions intersect, it’s great to know there are knowledgeable attorneys across all practice groups who are willing to collaborate to get the best outcome for the client.

Thank you, Shannon!

On Tuesday, December 9, 2025, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a special exception amendment application to permit the construction of a new barn addition. The approval will allow for much-needed improvements and upgrades to existing facilities and amenities at The Barns at Wolf Trap.

The Barns at Wolf Trap is owned and operated by the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, a nonprofit organization established in the late 1960s by founder Catherine Filene Shouse. A renowned performing arts center, The Barns hosts more than 80 performances annually, including the Wolf Trap Opera Company’s summer productions. The venue is comprised of two salvaged 18th-century barns that were purchased and reconstructed on the present site in 1981.

The approved expansion will seamlessly integrate a third barn, adding approximately 9,300 square feet to the existing performing arts center. Approximately 5,650 square feet will be dedicated to improved pre-gathering areas, with an additional 3,650 square feet used for storage cellar space. While no changes are proposed to the venue’s auditorium capacity or stage configuration, the expansion will double pre-show dining and seating capacity, add new restroom facilities, and improve kitchen and storage areas to better support existing operations. Limited site improvements were also approved, including new bicycle racks, an internal crosswalk across the entrance road, and additional parking lot trees. No changes will be made to the parking layout, site entrances off Trap Road, or hours of operation.

A potential barn has already been identified for the project — a 100-year-old Quaker-style structure owned by a local donor. Like the existing barns onsite, the structure will be thoughtfully reclaimed and repurposed. Its relocation is necessitated by the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Route 15 widening project in Loudoun County, creating a unique opportunity to preserve a piece of local history. With the site plan process now underway, the Wolf Trap Foundation is targeting completion of the new addition by Fall 2026.

Kathryn Taylor successfully shepherded this request through Fairfax County’s special exception amendment process. Walsh Colucci represented the Wolf Trap Foundation in securing the approvals needed to expand and enhance The Barns, further honoring Ms. Shouse’s legacy of creating a place where the performing arts and nature can thrive together.

 

 

On December 13, 2025, the Arlington County Board adopted a comprehensive update to its Green Building Incentive Program (“GBIP”). First introduced in 1999, the GBIP is a voluntary incentive program that allows developers to earn bonus density in Administrative Regulation 4.1 Site Plan projects in exchange for enhanced sustainable building commitments.

The recent amendments reaffirm Arlington County’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting high-performance buildings in both new construction and major redevelopment projects.

The updated policy establishes higher standards for energy efficiency and carbon reduction, aligns incentive requirements with performance benchmarks that exceed current building codes, and modernizes how building performance is evaluated.

Among the most significant changes, the updated GBIP requires adherence to LEED Version 5 Gold and modifies the “Minimum Criteria” across all GBIP density tiers. These modifications include increased energy optimization percentages under ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2019, more stringent HERS ratings under EarthCraft Multifamily, and a new requirement that projects seeking the 0.25 FAR density tier provide a minimum of two “Extra List” items.

The policy also streamlines the GBIP’s “Baseline Prerequisites” by removing prior requirements related to ventilation air sealing, equity, diversity, and inclusion, and biophilic design. At the same time, the updated Baseline Prerequisites increase the required percentage of electric vehicle charging stations and electric vehicle-ready infrastructure.

While the GBIP’s “Extra List Options” menu is largely retained, updates eliminate options related to grid harmonization, advanced energy metering, social equity, and affordable housing. (County staff note that many of these removed items have been incorporated into other County policies or regulatory requirements).

The updated policy may be found HERE.

Though the updated policy mentions the creation of a Passive House Institute US (or “PHIUS”) pilot program, it is prospective and included for informational purposes only. It does not form a part of the updated GBIP.

The new GBIP policy is effective immediately. Projects submitted before March 31, 2026 may continue to use the 2020 version of the program. Projects submitted on or after March 31, 2026 must comply with the updated standards.

For more information about how these changes may affect zoning entitlements or development approvals in Arlington County, please contact our team.

On January 15, 2025, Walsh Colucci shareholder Andrew Painter was awarded the Northern Virginia Building Industry Association’s (NVBIA) 2025 Doug Fahl Associate of the Year Award.

The award recognizes an individual whose leadership and service have made a significant impact on NVBIA and the homebuilding industry in Northern Virginia. The award is named in honor of the late Doug Fahl, a longtime civil engineer with Dewberry who was widely respected for his professional leadership and public service, including his work on Virginia housing policy and and infrastructure-related boards and commissions.

In presenting the award, NVBIA President Saif Rahman remarked that Andrew was selected for his outstanding advocacy and leadership, including his service as Chair of NVBIA’s Legislative Committee and as a member of NOVA BuildPAC. Through these roles, among others, he has helped strengthen NVBIA’s presence at the state level, advanced key legislative priorities to increase housing supply and providing shelter, and guided members and stakeholders through the complexities of homebuilding, zoning, and land use.

Andrew’s leadership, depth of knowledge, and dedication have made a lasting impact on NVBIA and the broader development community, and this award recognizes his exceptional contributions.

Walsh, Colucci, Lubeley & Walsh is pleased to congratulate Jonelle Cameron, John Foote, and Chuck McWilliams on their recognition by Virginia Business as part of the 26th edition of Legal Elite. This annual distinction honors top attorneys across Virginia who have earned the respect of their peers for excellence in their respective practice areas.

Jonelle and John were recognized for their work in Land Use and Zoning, while Chuck was honored in the Taxes, Estates, and Trusts category. Their inclusion reflects the depth of experience and leadership they bring to the firm and the clients we serve throughout the Commonwealth.

Launched in cooperation with the Virginia Bar Association in 2000, Legal Elite is jointly produced by Virginia Business and Virginia Lawyers Weekly. Each year, attorneys licensed in Virginia are invited to identify the top lawyers across more than 20 legal specialties through a peer-driven balloting process.

For the 26th edition, more than 14,000 attorneys and over 50 law firms participated in the nomination process. Balloting was administered by DataJoe, an independent media research and analytics firm. This year’s list includes 1,605 attorneys, representing 38.4% of the 4,179 lawyers nominated by their peers statewide.

Recognition in Legal Elite underscores the professional reputation Jonelle, John, and Chuck have earned within Virginia’s legal community. We congratulate them on this well-deserved honor and are proud to close out an exceptional year for the firm by celebrating their achievements.

Walsh, Colucci, Lubeley & Walsh is proud to announce that the firm was named 2025 Firm of the Year at the Focus on Excellence – Best of NAIOP Northern Virginia Awards on November 20. This recognition reflects the collective talent, dedication, and expertise of every person at our firm and will be proudly displayed in our lobby as a symbol of the standard we strive to uphold each day. 

The evening brought together hundreds of professionals from across Northern Virginia’s commercial real estate community. The ballroom was filled, and the industry fully embraced the event’s “Black Tie with a Twist” theme — sparkly sneakers, cowboy boots, bling, and creativity everywhere. The atmosphere was energetic, warm, and representative of a market that continues to lead through innovation and collaboration. A huge congratulations to all of this year’s award winners. Your leadership, projects, and contributions continue to shape our region, and this year’s honorees once again raised the bar for excellence. 

As Firm of the Year, Walsh, Colucci was invited to take the stage and offer remarks, an opportunity that allowed us to recognize both the legacy of our founders and the strength of the team that carries that legacy forward. A group of firm leaders accepted the award on behalf of the entire organization; a testament to the depth of experience and commitment shared across our four offices. 

Below are the remarks delivered on behalf of the firm to the 300+ NAIOP members and guests in attendance: 

“On behalf of Walsh, Colucci, thank you for this wonderful recognition. You might have seen us coming in hot to the dinner – that is because we just left a retirement celebration for three esteemed members of our firm, Dave Bomgardner, John Foote and Garth Wainman, which is why you don’t see more of us here tonight as they are still busy partying down in Prince William! Dave, John and Garth have been amazing leaders in our firm and will be missed, but the good news is that they have trained the new leaders in their areas of expertise, so all is well!  Joining me up here to accept this award are some of those leaders and a small complement of the many talented, dedicated individuals who make Walsh, Colucci Best in Business. 

I have been at Walsh Colucci for 27 years and Walsh, Colucci has been a member of NAIOP for even longer.  Art Walsh and Tom Colucci, two simply amazing men who founded our firm in 1983, always emphasized the importance of collaboration with industry organizations like NAIOP, with our clients, consultants, fellow attorneys, staff, citizens, and politicians.  We value our relationship with you.  Being “the landlawyers”  we have the breadth, depth and expertise to get the job done, whether it be land use and zoning, real estate or business transactions, litigation, eminent domain or trust and estates, we our proud of the work we do to advance our clients’ interests.  As our website says, “the future of Virginia is our Business!” and we look forward to doing business with you all for years to come!” 

We are grateful to NAIOP Northern Virginia for this honor and for its continued leadership in supporting and strengthening our region. It was a memorable evening for an incredible community, and we look forward to many more years of partnership, progress, and shared success. 

On December 9, 2025, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a Proffered Condition Amendment, Conceptual Development Plan Amendment, and Final Development Plan Amendment submitted by Timber Ridge Management to allow the development of a new 67-unit residential community in Westfields.  

Walsh Colucci land use attorney Bob Brant represented Timber Ridge throughout the application process, which included close collaboration with Fairfax County staff and key community stakeholders including the Sully District Council Land Use & Transportation Committee.  Among other community benefits, the approved development includes pedestrian enhancements along Newbrook Drive and Westfields Boulevard, over a quarter acre of publicly accessible Urban Park space and, most significantly, the dedication of land and a substantial monetary contribution from Timber Ridge to facilitate the construction of a 15,000 square foot Community Arts Building on the property that will be designed, constructed, and operated by Fairfax County.   

This approval represents the latest in a series of recently-approved residential developments in Westfields, an area of Fairfax that is rapidly transitioning from a suburban office park into an amenity-rich mixed-use area.  Please contact us regarding any of your land use needs in Westfields, Fairfax County, or throughout the region.  

Source:  Bohler Engineering 

On December 9, 2025, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved a Special Exception Amendment application submitted by Sonic Automotive to allow an expansion to the BMW of Fairfax automobile dealership located at 8427 Route 29 in Merrifield, Virginia.   

The approval will allow the BMW dealership, a longstanding member of the business community in Merrifield, to upgrade its facilities with a 8,660 square foot, two-story expansion to its existing facilities located at the intersection of Route 29 and Prosperity Avenue.  The approval also includes landscape enhancements along the street frontages, the installation of electric vehicle charging stations on site, and improved stormwater treatment facilities.   

The Walsh Colucci team comprised of land use attorney Bob Brant and land use planner Bernard Suchicital guided Sonic throughout the application process, securing the support of staff, the community, and unanimous votes from the Fairfax County Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors.   

In addition to this project, the Walsh Colucci land use team is actively involved in a number of active land use applications and Site-Specific Plan Amendments (SSPAs) in and around the Merrifield Suburban Center.  Please contact us with any of your land use needs in Merrifield, Fairfax County, or Northern Virginia. 

Source:  Penney Design Group