2025 Ones To Watch - Industry Leaders: Rachel-Anne Scelfo, Farrell Fritz

Turning problems into opportunities: 

In land use and zoning, there are often challenges, but our job as attorneys and strategic planners is to turn them into opportunities. When a client proposes a multifamily, mixed-use development to address housing needs, we need to coalesce the community, developers, local government, and stakeholders to gain support. If a client seeks to change a property’s use, we build consensus around the vision. An underutilized retail site, for example, could become a more valuable community asset. It’s our responsibility and privilege to make these transformations a reality.

Sharing knowledge and expertise: 

OPEN. DOOR. POLICY. You need to be approachable, open and available to share your knowledge and expertise. We all need some quiet time for thoughtful reflection on a thorny issue, or for drafting something complicated, but in general, your colleagues need to be able to talk to you and to collaborate with you, in order to learn from you. As a young attorney, I had access to a number of land use and real estate “greats,” which was central to my own growth and development. So, when you can, doors open, please!

Best advice for new leaders: 

You are uniquely you. No one else brings your particular experience or perspective to the table.

Who was/is your role model and/or leadership mentor? 

My role model is and will always be my mother. She raised my sisters and me to be both independent and kind