Professional Overview
Rachel is an experienced and enthusiastic land use attorney, specializing in complex development projects across the greater Puget Sound region. She excels in helping clients navigate the intricacies of permitting and regulatory challenges, ensuring that projects move forward efficiently.
Rachel's recent work includes guiding clients through permit processes for citywide wayfinding kiosks and collaborating with consultants, city agencies, and advisory boards. She has also led efforts to refine SEPA checklists, briefed commissions, and established relationships with key stakeholders, such as the Seattle Department of Transportation. Her expertise extends to handling mixed-use developments, drafting rezone applications, and leading pre-application meetings with regulatory bodies.
With a detail-oriented approach and a deep understanding of legislative and SEPA review timelines, Rachel is a trusted advisor who provides strategic guidance on issues such as comprehensive plan amendments, variances, and development site feasibility.
Representative Matters
- Drafted letters to the Seattle Planning Commission and the Department of Construction & Inspections in support of comprehensive plan amendments, requests for zoning interpretations, and corresponding public records disclosures.
- Provided written and in-person testimony on behalf of a developer in support of an ordinance to extend permit deadlines for multifamily and mixed-use projects before the Shoreline City Council.
- Prepared an Infrastructure Maintenance Agreement for a 214-acre development in Covington.
- Assisted a parochial school with land use analysis for the redevelopment of an existing structure.
Honors / Awards / Prior Experience
- Recognized by Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch in the field of Land Use & Zoning Law for 2025.
Education
J.D., Tulane University Law School, 2018
B.A., Barnard College of Columbia University, 2014
Professional and Civic Involvement
- NAIOP Developing Leaders Committee
- WSBA Environmental and Land Use Law Section
- Urban Land Institute