John Paul Burleigh

J.P.’s fascination with property began in an unlikely place. An avid fisherman, he brings a rod with him almost anywhere he goes. While living (and of course, fishing) in Scotland for a semester during college, he was surprised to learn that land and water rights are treated very differently there than in the United States. Everyone in Scotland enjoys a “right to roam” across the countryside, even through private land; but all rivers and streams are privately owned, such that fishing licenses are bought from individual landowners rather than from the state. This experience opened J.P.’s eyes to how property law shapes the ways we all use, enjoy, and interact with the world around us.

Today, J.P.’s legal practice is devoted exclusively to real property—land and the things built on it. J.P. enjoys helping his clients in all aspects of real property matters, whether that be working collaboratively to put together a deal or vigorously advocating for a client’s interests in court. J.P. is proud to represent clients of all backgrounds in building and maintaining flourishing communities and protecting property rights.

J.P. is adept at guiding his clients through residential and commercial real estate transactions, including contract negotiation, due diligence, and closing. He often assists in negotiating commercial leases, especially of office and retail space. For clients looking to develop property, J.P. has a keen understanding of the processes to obtain the necessary land use and zoning approvals, and he especially enjoys advocating for his clients before administrative boards.

J.P. also prides himself on his ability to assist clients toward efficient resolution of their real property disputes—whether with a deal gone bad, an unfavorable zoning decision, or a disagreement with a neighbor. He often employs mediation and informal negotiation techniques to resolve differences as efficiently as possible. But when negotiation is not an option, he thrives on the challenge of vindicating his client’s interests in court. He has secured great successes for his clients through litigation, including personally arguing for and obtaining multiple emergency court orders to prevent the demolition of a historic church bell tower in Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine Historic District.

Whether your real property concerns are big or small, J.P. will be a trusted asset and partner to you as Counsel for the Built Environment.