Direct: 314.480.1718
Fax: 314.480.1505

David G. Richardson

Partner

David is Chair of the firm's Real Estate & Development Department. Throughout his legal career, David has focused on the areas of real estate development and financing and municipal law. He represents both developers and municipalities in land use, real estate and related litigation matters. David advises clients on various development issues including zoning, redevelopment, Tax Increment Financing, annexation, public financing, economic development and incentives, and capital improvements and facilities financing. He has also drafted subdivision, zoning, impact fee, growth management systems and other development regulations for over two dozen municipalities. David is listed in the Bond Buyer's Municipal Marketplace (the "Red Book"). He has represented cities in litigation at both trial and appellate levels on annexation, eminent domain and inverse condemnation matters.

David has broad knowledge involving real estate transactions including purchase, sale, leasing, construction and financing. He has represented clients in the structuring, negotiation and documentation of both secured and unsecured loan and credit facilities. David also handles a variety of tax credit matters, including state and federal historic tax credits, low income housing tax credits and New Markets Tax Credits.

In addition to counseling clients, David frequently speaks on land use and real estate issues at conferences and seminars. He has presented to a variety of organizations including the National Business Institute, the League of Kansas Municipalities, the North Central Texas Section of the American Planning Association, and both the Missouri and Texas Chapters of the American Planning Association.

Awards & Recognitions

  • The Best Lawyers in America, Lands Use & Zoning Law, Real Estate Law, 2007-2012; St. Louis Land Use & Zoning Lawyer of the Year, 2012
  • Lafayette Square Restoration Group President's Award, 2002
  • Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers, Real Estate, Land Use/Zoning, 2009-2011
  • St. Louis Business Journal, "40 Under 40", 2003

Professional Associations & Memberships

  • American Bar Association, Governmental Incentives Committee, Co-Vice Chair, Section of Real Property, Trust and Estate Law
  • American Institute of Certified Planners 
  • American Planning Association, Planning and Law Division 
  • The Missouri Bar 
  • National Association of Bond Lawyers

Civic Involvement

  • Attorneys for Big Brothers Big Sisters, Founding Member 
  • City of St. Louis, Board of Preservation, Commissioner 
  • Gateway Greening, Inc., Board of Advisors 
  • Grace Hill Settlement House, Presidents’ Council 
  • Lafayette Park Conservancy, Founding Member and Former Board of Directors 
  • Landmarks Association of St. Louis, Inc., Former Board of Counselors 
  • National Trust for Historic Preservation, Board of Advisors 
  • Old North St. Louis, Advisory Board 
  • Preservation Action, Board of Directors, Federal Historic Preservation Program Task Force 
  • St. Margaret of Scotland School, Former Board President