2025 Ones to Watch - Rising Stars: Hansley Mohan, Farrell Fritz

“We are proud to call Hansley a colleague, as his professionalism, care for clients, and passion is crystal clear. He is a true rising star in the real estate, development, and land use space.” - Lee Peretz, Director of Marketing & Business Development, Farrell Fritz.

What recent professional milestone or project are you most proud of, and why? I recently obtained a variance approval from the Brookhaven Board of Zoning Appeals for the development of a new home on a vacant parcel of land near the water. The project raised various concerns with the board as well as the surrounding property owners. In the end, the Board saw fit to grant the requested variances. I am particularly proud of this recent victory because of the relief expressed by the client upon hearing the good news. Her kind words of thanks are a powerful reminder of the most rewarding part of being an attorney — helping clients find solutions.

What is your top advice for someone just starting out in your field? Advocating for a new development before a municipal zoning board can seem daunting at first but being well prepared gives you the best opportunity for success. Working with your project’s design professionals will help you identify the strengths and weaknesses in your application. Speaking with the municipality’s planning staff and the local civic associations will provide you with insight into what concerns the community may have. Ultimately, your understanding of the project you are advocating for will allow you to determine the best strategy for obtaining a favorable determination.