Storzer & Greene

For religious organizations and institutions across the United States, particularly those navigating complex zoning and land use regulations, finding legal counsel with a deep understanding of religious freedom law is essential. Storzer & Greene, P.L.L.C., a prominent law firm based right here in Washington, D.C., stands out as a national leader in this highly specialized field. Formed in 2006 by Roman P. Storzer and Robert L. Greene, the firm brings together extensive talent and experience in representing religious organizations of all traditions. Their principled commitment is to defend the right to practice one's faith without undue governmental interference, a mission particularly vital in a nation founded on religious liberty.

Storzer & Greene are widely recognized for their expertise in cases involving the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) and the First Amendment. They frequently assist religious groups facing challenges related to zoning, historic preservation, and eminent domain when seeking to build, expand, or operate their facilities. Their work extends beyond land use to include tax exemptions, non-profit incorporation, bylaws and governance disputes, employment issues within religious organizations, and general non-profit corporate matters. The firm often collaborates with an institution's local or general counsel, leveraging their specialized knowledge to achieve favorable outcomes. For any religious organization or individual in the District of Columbia or nationwide seeking dedicated and expert representation in religious freedom matters, Storzer & Greene offers a wealth of experience and a strong track record of success.

Storzer & Greene's Washington, D.C. office is conveniently located at 1025 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA. This prestigious address places the firm in the heart of the nation's capital, ensuring excellent accessibility for clients within the District of Columbia and those traveling from other parts of the country. Connecticut Avenue NW is a well-known thoroughfare in D.C., synonymous with professional services and prime commercial real estate.

The firm's location boasts superb public transportation links, making it exceptionally easy for clients to reach their office. It is situated just a short walk from several major Metro stations, including Farragut North (Red Line) and Farragut West (Blue, Orange, and Silver Lines). This extensive Metro access provides convenient and efficient connections from all corners of D.C. and its surrounding suburban areas in Maryland and Virginia, eliminating concerns about navigating city traffic or finding parking.

For those who prefer to drive, while on-street parking in downtown D.C. can be limited, there are numerous commercial parking garages available in the immediate vicinity of 1025 Connecticut Ave NW. These garages offer various hourly and daily rates, providing reliable parking solutions for visitors. The building itself is a professional and prominent structure, making it easy to locate for first-time visitors. The strategic and highly accessible placement of Storzer & Greene underscores their commitment to being readily available to serve their diverse clientele, ensuring that expert legal services are both top-tier and convenient.

Storzer & Greene, P.L.L.C. specializes primarily in representing religious organizations and individuals in matters related to religious freedom and institutional operations. Their practice areas are highly focused, reflecting their deep expertise in this niche but critical field.

• Zoning, Land Use, and Eminent Domain: Assisting religious institutions with navigating complex local zoning laws, obtaining land use approvals for new construction or expansion of churches, temples, mosques, synagogues, religious schools, and other facilities. This also includes defending religious properties from governmental attempts to seize them through eminent domain.

• Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) Litigation: A core area of their practice involves litigating cases under RLUIPA, a federal statute designed to protect religious assemblies and institutions from discriminatory or unduly burdensome land use regulations and to protect the religious exercise of institutionalized persons.

• First Amendment and Constitutional Law: Defending the rights of religious organizations and individuals under the Free Exercise Clause and other provisions of the First Amendment, ensuring protection against governmental interference with religious practices.

• Church Landmarking and Historic Preservation: Advising and representing religious organizations when their properties are designated as historic landmarks, ensuring that historic preservation efforts do not unduly burden their religious exercise.

• Tax Exemptions: Assisting religious and non-profit organizations in securing and maintaining their tax-exempt status.

• Non-Profit Incorporation and Governance: Providing legal guidance on the formation of non-profit entities, drafting bylaws, and resolving governance disputes within religious and other non-profit organizations.

• Employment Issues for Religious Organizations: Offering counsel on employment matters unique to religious organizations, considering the interplay between religious freedom and employment laws.

• General Non-profit Corporate Matters: Addressing a range of corporate legal needs specific to non-profit entities.

The firm's concentrated focus allows them to provide highly specialized and effective representation to religious groups seeking to defend their rights and operate freely.

Storzer & Greene, P.L.L.C. distinguishes itself through several compelling features and highlights, primarily rooted in its deep specialization and national impact in religious freedom law:

• Leading Expertise in Religious Land Use and RLUIPA: The firm is widely recognized as one of the nation's foremost authorities on the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA). Both Roman P. Storzer and Robert L. Greene have been involved in RLUIPA cases since its enactment in 2000, making them highly experienced litigators in this complex field. Roman Storzer, in particular, is frequently cited by media and legal scholars as a leading RLUIPA advocate.

• Pioneering Advocacy for Diverse Faiths: Storzer & Greene has represented a vast array of religious organizations across Christian (various denominations), Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Native American, Sikh, and other traditions. This broad client base underscores their commitment to universal religious liberty and their ability to navigate diverse religious practices.

• Significant National Impact: Their work has shaped religious freedom law nationwide, involving cases in numerous states and at various levels of the federal judiciary, including appearances before the United States Supreme Court. They are a "high-profile, Washington law firm that specializes in religious land-use cases throughout the United States," as noted by The Star-Ledger.

• Notable Case Victories: The firm has secured significant victories, preventing governmental authorities from shutting down religious facilities, defending against eminent domain actions targeting churches, and achieving favorable outcomes in challenging zoning disputes. Examples include successful litigation against the Village of Pomona, N.Y., preventing the County of San Diego from shutting down the Vietnamese Buddhist Meditation Congregation, and securing a $1.1 million settlement in an eminent domain action for First Pentecostal United Holy Church.

• Deep Understanding of Government and Policy: Located in Washington, D.C., and with attorneys who are deeply engaged in legal scholarship and public discourse on religious freedom, the firm possesses a nuanced understanding of governmental processes and policy development, which is crucial in their advocacy efforts.

• Collaboration with Local Counsel: Storzer & Greene frequently works in conjunction with an institution's local or general counsel, providing their specialized expertise to bolster existing legal teams and enhance the likelihood of success.

These features collectively position Storzer & Greene as an unparalleled resource for religious organizations and individuals seeking to protect their rights to religious exercise and property.

As a highly specialized law firm focusing on complex religious land use and religious freedom litigation, Storzer & Greene, P.L.L.C., does not typically offer "promotions" or "special offers" in the way a retail business might. Their value proposition is rooted in their deep expertise, extensive experience, and proven track record in a very niche and critical area of law. Legal services are customized to the specific facts and legal intricacies of each case, and therefore, generalized discounts or bundled deals are not applicable.

However, prospective clients in the District of Columbia and nationwide can expect certain professional practices that benefit individuals and religious organizations seeking their counsel:

• Initial Consultation: It is common for law firms specializing in complex areas like religious freedom to offer an initial consultation. This session allows potential clients to discuss their specific land use or religious freedom challenge, receive a preliminary assessment of their situation, and understand the firm's approach and potential fee structures. Such consultations may be offered at no charge or a reduced fee, allowing organizations to explore their options without significant upfront financial commitment. It is always advisable to inquire about their consultation policy when you first contact the firm.

• Tailored Legal Strategy: The primary "offer" from Storzer & Greene is a highly customized and expert legal strategy designed to address the unique constitutional and statutory challenges faced by religious organizations. Their in-depth knowledge of RLUIPA and First Amendment law ensures a robust and effective defense of religious rights.

• Transparent Fee Structure: Like all reputable law firms, Storzer & Greene will discuss their fee arrangements clearly and transparently once they understand the scope of the legal work involved. This ensures clients have a clear understanding of the financial commitment.

For religious organizations and individuals in D.C. facing challenges to their religious exercise or land use rights, the opportunity to engage with a firm recognized as a national leader in this field is the most compelling "offer" they can receive. Their specialized knowledge often leads to more efficient and effective resolution of complex issues.

For religious organizations and individuals in the District of Columbia and across the United States seeking expert legal counsel in religious freedom and land use matters, Storzer & Greene, P.L.L.C., can be contacted using the following details:

• Address: 1025 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA

• Phone: (202) 857-9766

• Mobile Phone: +1 202-857-9766 (This is likely the main office line, providing direct numerical contact)

When contacting the firm, it is beneficial to have a concise overview of your legal challenge, particularly regarding religious land use, zoning, or other religious freedom concerns. This will help the firm's team understand the nature of your inquiry and facilitate the scheduling of an initial consultation with the appropriate attorney. Their prominent and accessible location in downtown D.C. ensures convenience for local and visiting clients alike.

For religious organizations and individuals within the District of Columbia facing challenges related to religious freedom, land use, or zoning, Storzer & Greene, P.L.L.C., offers an exceptionally suitable and uniquely qualified legal partner. Their firm is not just located in D.C.; it is a national leader whose expertise directly addresses critical needs within the local community and beyond.

Firstly, the firm’s strategic location at 1025 Connecticut Ave NW places it in the heart of Washington, D.C.'s legal and political hub. This central position ensures unparalleled accessibility for local religious institutions and their congregants. With major Metro stations (Farragut North and Farragut West) just steps away, navigating to their office is convenient, saving valuable time and reducing logistical burdens. This ease of access makes it practical for D.C.-based religious groups to engage with and regularly consult their attorneys.

Secondly, and most crucially, Storzer & Greene's highly specialized focus on religious land use and religious freedom law is precisely what many D.C. religious organizations require. The District, with its diverse array of faiths and its often-complex urban planning and historical preservation regulations, frequently presents unique challenges for religious groups seeking to build, expand, or simply exist without undue governmental interference. Having a law firm on hand that is nationally recognized for its expertise in RLUIPA and First Amendment cases, and which has a proven track record of fighting for the rights of diverse religious communities, is an invaluable asset for locals. They understand the specific legal doctrines that apply, and they possess the strategic insight needed to navigate local D.C. zoning boards and regulatory bodies.

In essence, Storzer & Greene provides D.C. locals with a highly specialized, accessible, and deeply committed legal team ready to defend the fundamental right to religious exercise. For any religious entity in the District of Columbia looking for robust and expert advocacy in matters affecting their property or practice, this firm is not merely a local option, but a preeminent national authority right in their backyard.