Michael V. Phillips

Michael is sought after for his trusted advice, in-depth knowledge and strategic approach to real estate land use and development.  With a wide range of experience as both a litigator handling complex commercial disputes and a transactional real estate attorney, he is able to counsel clients through all stages of the development process and navigate through any obstacles that may arise.  He regularly appears before the Philadelphia Zoning Board of Adjustment and Historical Commission, where he has handled matters for some of the city’s largest developers. In addition to representing all types of businesses in zoning and land use matters, he also has experience representing large condominium and homeowner associations throughout Philadelphia and representing professional athletes in fee disputes.

Prior to joining the firm, Michael was a partner at a mid-sized regional law firm and served as chair of their zoning and land use group.

Quoted, “Five-story apartment building proposed for historic Detweiler House,” Chestnut Hill Local, July 17, 2024

Quoted, “The Historical Commission has created a historic district in Spruce Hill decades after designation was first proposed,” The Philadelphia Inquirer, July 12, 2024

Presenter, “Philadelphia & Suburban Pennsylvania Real Estate Tax Appeals: What to Know as Filing Deadlines Approach,” accredited CLE Program, June 18, 2024

Co-Author, “Pennsylvania 2025 Property Tax Assessment Appeal Deadlines Are Approaching,” June 7, 2024

Co-author, “Trial Court Disqualifies Planning Board Members From Voting on Developer Application,” May 14, 2024

Quoted, “Demolition Permits Issued for Revolution-era Stortz Buildings in Old City,” Hidden City Philadelphia, April 19, 2024

Quoted, “Spruce Hill Historic District is Facing Opposition From Student Housing Companies,” The Philadelphia Inquirer, April 15, 2024

Quoted, “Philadelphia Architectural Panel Recommends Changes to Proposed Hotel at 7th and Chestnut,” Philadelphia Business Journal, January 24, 2023

Author, “Philadelphia Revised Assessments Due Out Today,” March 31, 2022

Press Release, “Michael Phillips Expands Zoning and Land Use Practice at Klehr Harrison,” May 17, 2021

• A recent engagement by over two dozen property owners in opposition to efforts to create a Jewelers Row Historic District.
• Obtaining a variance for a long-vacant parcel across from Pat’s King of Steaks in East Passyunk. After nearly 30 years of community opposition to proposed developments and denials of variance requests for the 9,500 sq. ft. parcel, Michael helped the developer obtain zoning approval for a 4-story, mixed-use building with 5,000+ sq. ft. of ground-floor retail space and 21 apartments as well as 3 single-family homes fronting Wharton Street. Most importantly, he was able to work with the community for many months to obtain their support for the proposed development.
• Handling zoning due diligence for all prospective acquisitions for numerous real estate development companies.
• A $1.4 million construction defect claim settlement was featured in The Legal Intelligencer’s article “Case Over Alleged Defects at Condos Is Settled”(January 8, 2013) and in The Pennsylvania Record (January 21, 2013). The case centered around homebuyers who purchased newly constructed condo units only to find major issues with their units and the building, which the developer refused to address.