Madeline Shay Williams

Associate

Madeline represents property owners and developers in securing zoning and land use entitlements in the District of Columbia. She regularly advises clients and larger development teams on a variety of zoning and land use issues ranging from site acquisitions, development options, and transfers of development rights to preparing zoning analysis and compliance memorandums. She is also experienced in drafting and negotiating easement agreements and purchase and sales agreements. Madeline advocates for clients before local Advisory Neighborhood Commissions throughout the District in seeking support for zoning relief and development-related legislation.

Before joining Cozen O’Connor, Madeline participated in the firm’s summer associate program in 2020 and 2021. During law school, she completed internships at the Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Policy and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Office of Enforcement. Madeline was also selected as a William & Mary Bolin Fellow and worked in the Research Division of the National Center for State Courts throughout her fellowship.

Madeline earned her dual Juris Doctor/Master of Public Policy degree from William & Mary and her undergraduate degree, magna cum laude, from George Mason University.

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Experience

Publications

Financial Incentives May Alleviate Affordable Housing Crisis

September 10, 2024

Eric DeBear and Madeline Shay Williams co-authored a Law360 article on the significance of financial incentives as a government tool to address affordable housing.

Zoning Reform May Alleviate The Affordable Housing Crisis

July 02, 2024

Evan Pritchard and Madeline Shay Williams co-authored a Law360 article on the significance of zoning reform as a first step toward resolving the affordable housing crisis.

Education

  • William & Mary Law School, J.D., 2022
  • William & Mary Law School, M.P.P., 2022
  • George Mason University, B.S., 2017
  • District of Columbia

Washington Bar Association

African-American Real Estate Professionals (AAREP DC)