Madeline Shay Williams

Associate

Madeline advises property owners, developers, architects, and engineers on zoning and land use issues in the District of Columbia and Northern Virginia. Madeline regularly counsels clients on zoning and land use issues ranging from site acquisitions, development options, and transfers of development rights to preparing zoning and building code compliance memorandums, including drafting and negotiating easement agreements as well as restrictive declarations.

Before joining Cozen O’Connor, Madeline participated in the firm’s summer associate program in 2020 and 2021, where she conducted legal research and drafted memoranda for a variety of practices including white collar crime, state attorneys general, aviation, zoning, and pro bono matters. She also served as a Bolin Fellow of the National Center for State Courts, Research Division.

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

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