Rich Levine

Richard E. Levine

Of Counsel
'[A] top-grade attorney' who 'is known for his sophisticated real estate practice and his creativity in complicated transactions, with a particular strength in tax-sensitive issues.'
client quoted in Chambers USA
About
Richard E. Levine combines his 49 years of experience in real estate, tax and partnership matters in representing real estate entrepreneurs, investors, and developers in the Baltimore-Washington area and elsewhere in the United States. Rich is particularly well known for his creativity in structuring complex transactions, with specific emphasis on sophisticated tax planning.

He is one of only five lawyers in the State of Maryland ranked Band 1 for Real Estate by Chambers USA, with clients noting "He's a fantastic lawyer. He's incredibly responsive, has outstanding contract turnaround timing, is very thorough and up to speed on market conditions that reflect contract terms, and other tax considerations." And he is one of only a few lawyers in Baltimore who is a fellow of the prestigious American College of Tax Counsel.
Bar admissionsMaryland
CourtsSupreme Court of the United StatesUnited States Court of Appeals for the Fourth CircuitUnited States Tax Court

EXPERIENCE

Representative clients include many of the most successful private real estate developers in the Baltimore metropolitan area, including Caves Valley Partners, LLC, Chesapeake Realty Partners, Continental Realty Corp., MCB Real Estate, LLC, James F. Knott Realty Group, MacKenzie Commercial Real Estate Services, Mullan Enterprises, Inc., and St. John Properties, Inc. Rich is privileged to serve as outside general counsel to Terrapin Development Company, LLC, an affiliate of University of Maryland, whose mission is to revitalize College Park, Maryland in conjunction with the vision of the University. In addition, Rich represents Stevenson University in its real estate and financing matters.

Education
  • J.D., University of Maryland School of Law 1975
  • LL.M., Georgetown University Law Center 1978
  • B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Bucknell University 1972

Awards

  • Chambers USA
    Band 1, Maryland Real Estate (2023)

Rich is one of the few lawyers in the United States to be listed in Best Lawyers in America in both the real estate and tax categories. In addition, the well-respected legal directory Chambers USA has named him one of Americas leading lawyers in the real estate area inasmuch as he is "one of the best tax lawyers in Maryland" who ''is best known for his expertise in real estate transaction involving complex tax planning.'' He ''works with so many top developers and understands the business so well that he can break it down and make it simple for the client to understand.'' Sources quoted in the guide have said he is a "[w]onderful business adviser" who is "extremely intelligent" ''and his reputation carries weight.'' Clients have stated that Rich is ''a top-grade attorney'' who ''is known for his sophisticated real estate practice and his creativity in complicated transactions, with a particular strength in tax-sensitive issues."

In 2012, Rich received a Leadership in Law Award from The Daily Record in recognition of his outstanding professional achievements, community service and mentoring within Maryland's legal community.

In 2012, the Maryland law was changed to dramatically change the manner in which mortgages in Maryland were taxed. Rich was appointed the representative of the Maryland commercial real estate community to the Task Force established by the Maryland Legislature to further study the issues. Working with NAIOP of Maryland, Rich helped formulate revisions to the 2012 law. These revisions were enacted into law in 2013, resulting in Maryland commercial real estate owners saving significant sums when recording mortgages in Maryland.

In 2015, Rich was appointed by US. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) to his Tax Advisory Committee.

Media Mentions

  • "Maryland real estate tax angering developers," Baltimore Business Journal, October 5, 2012

Civic and Charitable

Rich is active in the Baltimore community.

  • Board of Trustees, McDonogh School, Owings Mills, Maryland (2002 – 2010 and 2012 – 2020)
  • Board Member and Secretary, Rollins-Luetkemeyer Foundation, Inc. (1999 – present)
  • Board of Directors, Brown Advisory Trust Company of Delaware, LLC (2011 – present)
  • Founding Member of President's Advisory Council, Notre Dame of Maryland University
  • Board of Directors, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (2010 – 2011)
  • Board of Governors and Vice President, The Center Club, Baltimore, Maryland (1996 – 2010)

Memberships And Affiliations

  • Fellow of American College of Tax Counsel

Connect

Phone

+1 410 580 4400
(Work, Baltimore - Mount Washington)