Danielle B. Meltzer Cassel
Vedder Price, PC • Chicago, IL
L Use ZoningJoint VenturesManufacturingPersonal InjuryReal Estate
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Contact
Email
dcassel@vedderprice.com
Phone
(312) 257-2977
Address
222 North La Salle Street., Chicago, IL, 60601, US
Professional
About
Danielle B. Meltzer Cassel serves as a Shareholder in the Real Estate group at Vedder Price, where she specializes in transactional real estate, land use, and public incentives law. With a career spanning over two decades, Danielle has extensive experience in managing diverse real estate transactions across various property types, including mixed-use developments, retail and office spaces, hotels, educational institutions, and both single-family and multifamily residential projects. Her comprehensive approach encompasses every stage of real estate transactions, from initial due diligence and joint venture formation to construction oversight, ongoing operations, and property redevelopment. Danielle is adept at representing a wide range of clients, including buyers, sellers, landlords, tenants, developers, and financial stakeholders. Danielle has successfully secured governmental approvals for numerous land use and development initiatives, including planned developments, subdivisions, and special use permits. Her expertise extends to negotiating economic incentive agreements for over 100 projects nationwide, encompassing tax increment financing, utility cost reductions, and various state and federal tax credits. Recognized as a "Leading Lawyer" in Real Estate and Construction-Land Use/Zoning by The Legal 500 United States, Danielle's accolades also include selections for The Best Lawyers in America and recognition by Chambers USA for her exceptional client service and expertise in Illinois commercial real estate. A committed educator, Danielle co-taught zoning and land use law seminars at Northwestern University and the University of Chicago Law School. She is an active speaker for prestigious organizations such as the Urban Land Institute and the American Bar Association. Beyond her legal practice, Danielle contributes to her community through board memberships with the Primo Center for Women and Children and The Law Project. She previously spent 13 years in the Real Estate Department at DLA Piper US LLP and has a robust background in urban development and public sector service enhancement. Danielle B. Meltzer Cassel is based in Chicago, IL, and offers her expertise in joint ventures, manufacturing, personal injury, real estate, and transportation law.
About L Use Zoning Law
Land use and zoning attorneys help property owners navigate regulations affecting how land can be used and developed. They handle permits, variances, and disputes. Common matters include zoning variances, land use permits, development approvals, property disputes.
Credentials
Education
1996 Harvard University Law School JD - Juris Doctor 1996 John F. Kennedy School of Government Masters in Public Policy 1992 Yale University BA - Bachelor of Arts
Languages
English
Recognition & Involvement
Awards
2006 LGC Fellow, Leadership Greater Chicago 2004 Special Recognition, Partnership to End Homelessness 2001 Tomorrow’s Leaders Today, Public Allies Chicago
Associations
2014 - Present Commercial Real Estate Women Member, Panel Moderator 2014 - Present Lambda Alpha International Member 2006 - Present International Council of Shopping Centers Member 2003 - Present Yale Club of Chicago. Director 2000 - Present The Law Project Advisory Board
Speaking
2011 Local Government Law Tax Increment Financing 2010 Local Government Law Tax Increment Financing 2008 Law School Seminar Land Use and Zoning Law 2007 Law School Seminar Land Use and Zoning Law 2007 Law School Seminar Land Use and Zoning Law
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Updated: Jun 09, 2026