Joseph L. Stiles

Counsel
blank image Joseph L. Stiles

Joseph L. Stiles

Counsel
Richmond T: 804.793.8637 F: 804.807.7390
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Joseph L. Stiles

Joseph L. Stiles

COUNSEL
jstiles@whitefordlaw.com
RICHMOND
T: 804.793.8637
F: 804.807.7390
Biography
BIOGRAPHY
Mr. Stiles is an experienced advisor on commercial real estate, business and corporate matters. He regularly advises on real estate strategies, financing and construction for clients ranging from small businesses to multinational corporations. He has, in addition, significant experience with general corporate legal matters including corporate formation and structuring, corporate finance, project financing, mergers and acquisitions, and investor relations, as well as a background as in-house counsel.
 
Mr. Stiles advises owners, developers, utilities, energy and renewables companies, and contractors on all stages of construction and development. He helps marshal complex multiparty development projects through financing, acquisition, planning and zoning, development, tax strategy, final sale and leasing. His experience extends to risk audits and risk management monitoring programs for multi-industry clients under various regulatory schemes, and he has done a significant amount of real estate work for major and regional airports. He often works closely with state and local organizations and authorities to help make zoning and development processes more efficient and equitable.
 

Memberships & Activities

  • Member: Virginia State Bar
    • Real Property Section
    • Business Law Section
    • Corporate Counsel Section
  • Member: Virginia Bar Association
    • Real Estate Section
    • Business Law Section
  • Member: The Bar Association of the City of Richmond
    • Real Estate Section Executive Committee (2024-present)
    • Business Law Section
  •  Member: Hampden-Sydney Bar Association (2016-present)
  •  Member: GRACRE (2023-present)
  •  Hampton Roads Association for Commercial Real Estate
    • Local Affairs Committee (2020-present)
  •  Member: North Carolina State Bar
  • Member: North Carolina Bar Association
  • Norfolk Historical Society (2020-present)
  • Member: Historic Richmond Foundation
    • Junior Board (2015-2018)
  • Provided advice on commercial property acquisition, portfolio management, real estate strategies and financing.
  • Assisted commercial and residential clients with property and tenant management concerns and regulatory compliance efforts.
  • Served as lender’s counsel to regional and national banks’ commercial investment groups.
  • Assisted public and private entities on general business and corporate matters including formation, restructuring, transaction approaches, tax planning, contract drafting and negotiation.

ARTICLES

October 4, 2024

Client Alert: Implications of the Arlington Circuit Court's Decision on the “Missing Middle” Policy

On September 27, 2024, a Virginia Circuit Court Judge invalidated Arlington's “Missing Middle” zoning policy, which allowed for the by-right construction of up to six dwelling units on properties in districts zoned for single-family residential dwellings. The policy is codified as “Arlington County Zoning Ordinance (ACZO) §10.4 Expanded Housing Option Development” (the “EHO”) and effectively does away with single-family only zoning restrictions. The judge found that the Arlington County Planning Commission violated procedural requirements, failed to consider environmental impacts, and did not account for compliance with state and local tree canopy requirements in its passage of the EHO. As a result of the judge’s ruling, Arlington County cannot issue any more permits under the EHO.