2025 Ones To Watch - Industry Leaders: Gregory Kalnitsky, Forchelli Deegan Terrana LLP

“Greg is an excellent municipal attorney who has successfully made the transition from the public sector to being an excellent private sector land use attorney. His experience and talent have made him a first-rate addition to our firm and he is a good role model and mentor for our younger attorneys. He is able to highlight the municipal perspective in our private clients’ matters, making us that much more effective and valuable to our clients.” - Kathleen Deegan Dickson, Partner & Co-Chair, Land Use and Zoning Department, Forchelli Deegan Terrana LLP. 

Recent goal and impact: 

A recent goal that I achieved is transitioning from a career in government to my current role. While I practiced zoning and land use in the public sector, private sector work is different. In zoning and land use matters, it is often the case that the municipality has all of the leverage. It is a big change to go from serving a municipality to serving individual clients. Instead of having all the leverage, we have to consider the best possible way to advocate for clients and persuade municipal officials that granting the necessary approvals is just as much in their interest as the client’s.

Sharing knowledge and expertise: 

I have found that knowledge sharing is most effective after you have earned the respect of the person with whom you are sharing it. I try to earn respect through hard work and doing the best job possible. Earning respect in that manner builds trust, while also making it more likely that the insights I share will be valued and well received.

Best advice for new leaders:

Never stop listening and support your peers and co-workers to the best of your ability.