REAL ESTATE/LAND USE
Published
Jennifer Mullen
Roth Jackson Gibbons Condlin PLC
Richmond
Title: Partner
Birthplace: Louisville, Ky.
Education: Bachelor’s degree, Miami University of Ohio; law degree, Marshall-Wythe School of Law, College of William and Mary
Spouse: Edward A. Mullen Children: E. Huff Mullen and Davis C. Mullen
Hobbies or pastimes: Tennis, golf, cooking and gardening
First job as a lawyer: Associate at Williams Mullen
Fan of: Under-6 soccer and sometimes the Virginia Cavaliers
Favorite vacation spot: Rehoboth Beach, Del.
Recently read books: “The Island at the Center of the World” by Russell Shorto and “Roosevelt’s Secret War” by Joseph Persico
Career mentor: Current and former partners Andy Condlin and Hugh Harrison; both are superb lawyers, supportive partners and very fine people. I am grateful to them.
What trends are you seeing in real estate law? The Richmond region is well situated to attract and retain residents and businesses — with the help of great real-estate lawyers, of course. Increased demand for affordable housing is a trend that we are seeing play into multiple areas of real-estate law. While housing options and prices have increased in the region, creating and maintaining affordable housing options within new development continues to be a challenging segment of the market. The population will continue to increase in the Richmond region, and we believe there is ample room for growth in a range of housing development options — including mixed-use and mixed-income opportunities throughout the region.
In which real estate sector are you seeing the most activity? Our firm continues to see increases in all real estate sectors in zoning, financing and acquisitions — which is great news. The residential market, particularly multifamily development, is very active in both urban and suburban areas throughout the Richmond region — commanding increased rents and supporting commercial uses. These developments, typically inclusive of a nice amenity package, are attractive to both millennials and baby boomers for location and convenience. The Richmond region is well positioned to absorb the market pipeline and continue the growth of multifamily and other residential development. Commercial activity across the region also is growing, spurring shared-office development, last-mile delivery and other service businesses that are now active across the region. The fact that we are in legitimate contention for the second Amazon campus is really a testament to the successful posture of the region on multiple fronts.
