Baltimore, (May 14, 2026) – Saul Ewing LLP has expanded its Real Estate and Land Use Practices in Maryland with the hiring of Partner Brian Shepter, who will advise clients seeking local and state government approvals for mixed‑use, housing, commercial, industrial and energy developments. Mr. Shepter brings insight to this work from his nearly two decades of experience in and around county and city governments as well as engagement in the state legislative process. He will be resident in the firm’s Baltimore office.
Mr. Shepter’s knowledge of the land use and zoning review process and regulatory frameworks stems in part from his recent role overseeing the Howard County Planning and Zoning Department as deputy chief of staff to County Executive Calvin Ball and before that as deputy director of the department. His accomplishments during his tenure include: the county’s adoption of a comprehensive vision for the mixed-use redevelopment of Columbia Gateway business park; the establishment of a regulatory framework for accessory dwelling units (ADUs); and the expansion of agritourism to allow farmers additional commercial uses of their land. He also contributed to the development of the county’s most recent General Plan – HoCo By Design.
"We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Brian to the firm," said Baltimore Office Managing Partner Jonathan Havens. “Brian brings our clients an outstanding combination of experience in both senior public‑sector leadership and private‑sector advocacy. His extensive background working with government decision‑makers and advising developers and investors allows him to anticipate regulatory concerns, navigate the technical and political dimensions of land use approvals, and design practical strategies for seeking entitlements for complex, high‑profile development projects.”
Mr. Shepter helps developers, investors, and property owners manage community input and build consensus for legislative action needed to move their projects forward. He advises them on navigating site plan review, permitting, and environmental issues and on seeking land development project approvals before planning boards and county councils. He also advocates on their behalf for economic development incentives.
Before Mr. Shepter worked in Howard County government, he served as general counsel and director of external relations for the Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC), the regional planning agency for greater Baltimore. His role there included managing legal and public affairs for the organization and working closely with the region’s elected executives on transportation, housing, water supply, environmental and other issues—insight that now informs his work on projects requiring coordination within and across multiple jurisdictions and agencies.
Mr. Shepter also previously served as a special assistant for past Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, as a senior advisor to gubernatorial candidates Anthony Brown and Ken Ulman, and in private legal practice representing clients before state and local governments in Maryland.
Mr. Shepter has a J.D. from University of Baltimore School of Law and a B.A. from University of Maryland, College Park.
About Saul Ewing
Saul Ewing is a full-service, national law firm with more than 400 attorneys and a team of top-notch business professionals, all working together to deliver practical, proactive advice and excellent client service. Our diversity of thought, focus on innovation, cross-serving practices, and culture of coaching create a collegial and supportive environment that inspires us to deliver inspired solutions. This is The Saul Approach.
