Claudia N. Shank

Profile

Claudia Shank is an associate in the Firm’s Real Estate, Construction & Procurement Group and the Public Finance & Government Services Group.

In her real estate practice, Claudia focuses on representing individuals and developers before municipalities in land use and permitting matters. Claudia also assists her clients in obtaining zoning relief, including variance, special exception and conditional use approvals. Experienced in the courtroom, Claudia is comfortable litigating land use appeals and other real estate disputes. Claudia also frequently assists clients in transactional matters, such as negotiating agreements for the purchase, sale or lease of commercial property.

In her work with the Government Services group, Claudia uses her experience as a former assistant county solicitor to help counties navigate a broad range of legal issues, including compliance with the County Code, the Sunshine Act and the Right to Know Law.

What is Claudia’s Approach to the Practice of Law?
Claudia believes the practice of law should be collaborative and focuses on problem solving and building consensus to resolve disputes. In situations where an amicable solution cannot be achieved, Claudia is a tireless advocate for her client’s interests. In her real estate practice, Claudia enjoys taking a team approach with clients and their consultants, including land planners and traffic engineers, to streamline the state and municipal approval process.

What does Claudia do for Clients?

• Representing individuals and businesses before municipal zoning hearing boards
• Negotiating agreements of sale and leases for commercial properties
• Litigating zoning and land use appeals and other real estate disputes
• Representing clients before municipal bodies including townships, boroughs and authorities in zoning and land development matters
• Assisting clients in PennDOT permitting matters
• Reviewing and analyzing real estate title issues
• Assisting with matters related to the acquisition of commercial property
• Advising counties on compliance with the County Code and other legal issues unique to counties
• Handling complex matters under the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law, including appeals to the Office of Open Records and enforcement litigation

How does Claudia spend her free time?
Claudia is a lifelong Lancaster County resident who can’t imagine living anywhere else. She is involved in the building industry, serving on the Board of Directors for the Building Industry Association of Lancaster County (“BIA”), the BIA Government Affairs Committee, and on the Legal Action Committee for the National Association of Home Builders. Claudia is also a member of the property committee for the Lancaster YWCA. She is frequently asked to speak on a variety of topics impacting real estate developers and counties. Claudia lives in Pequea Township with her husband and three daughters. She is active in her church, James Street Mennonite Church in Lancaster, and likes to spend time outdoors hiking or gardening. Claudia also enjoys painting, creative writing, reading, and traveling.