Janis Boyarsky Schiff, Real Estate Attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
Washington, DC
Trusted real estate attorney serving Washington.
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Quick answer
Janis Boyarsky Schiff is an attorney based in Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. The practice focuses on Real Estate.
- Based in
- Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Real Estate
- Handles Real Estate matters from Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law (2026).
About Janis Boyarsky Schiff: Janis Boyarsky Schiff is an attorney based in Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. The practice focuses on Real Estate.
Areas of practice
Janis's practice areas in Washington
Janis concentrates on real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Janis handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Real Estate cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Janis takes real estate matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Janis agrees to represent you.
Biography
Janis Boyarsky Schiff, real estate attorney serving Washington
Janis Boyarsky Schiff is an attorney based in Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. The practice focuses on Real Estate. Janis works from Washington, District of Columbia and takes on real estate matters across the region.
Janis B. Schiff has extensive experience representing property owners, asset managers and investors in connection with the development, redevelopment, sale, acquisition and leasing of retail, residential, condominium, office, mixed-use and hotel properties and venues, and represents clients in all facets of commercial real estate, including foreign investment in the United States, public-private partnerships, government leasing, financial workouts and restructurings, acquisition and sales contracts for improved and unimproved properties, and borrower and lender representation.
Within Holland & Knight, Ms. Schiff serves as the firm's client service and development partner. In this role, she works with members of the firm's senior management and clients to develop and implement client initiatives on a firmwide basis. Ms. Schiff coordinates the firm's Rising Stars mentoring and leadership program, which she founded in 2001, and is the immediate past chair of the firm's National Real Estate Section. She has also served as the firm's national marketing partner.
Ms. Schiff has also served as an adjunct professor at the Johns Hopkins University Berman Real Estate Institute, and is a frequent author and lecturer on leasing and general real estate transactional topics.
Janis's approach to real estate cases
Janis B. Schiff has extensive experience representing property owners, asset managers and investors in connection with the development, redevelopment, sale, acquisition and leasing of retail, residential, condominium, office, mixed-use and hotel properties and venues, and represents clients in all facets of commercial real estate, including foreign investment in the United States, public-private…
Clients Janis works with
Janis reviews new inquiries case-by-case for real estate matters in Washington and the surrounding District of Columbia area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Janis studied and practices
Brandeis University
BA
Jurisdictions
Janis's state bar admissions
District of Columbia
ACTIVE
Maryland, Maryland S
ACTIVE
Janis studied at BA in Brandeis University.
Law school and academic background
Janis completed BA in Brandeis University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Janis runs in District of Columbia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Janis's legal honors and published work
Janis has received 17 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Shopping Center Transactions
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Transnational Law Journal, Editor
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Outstanding Achievement Award, Commercial Real Estate Women, District of Columbia Chapter, 2004
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Top Washington Lawyer Finalist, Washington Business Journal, Real Estate, 2005
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Counsel Edition, Super Lawyers magazine, May 2009
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers magazine, 2008-2013
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Woman of Achievement Award, Chicago Alliance of Women, 2009
2026
Best Lawyers in America — The Legal 500 USA, Real Estate & Construction: Land Use/Zoning; Real Estate & Construction: Real Estate, 2011, 2012
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Woman on Top, Washington Women’s Weekly, 2011
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Best Lawyer, Washingtonian Magazine, Real Estate and Zoning/Land Use, 2009, 2011, 2013
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Chambers USA – America's Leading Business Lawyers guide, Real Estate, 2008-2013
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Women Who Mean Business award, Washington Business Journal, 2013
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Washington D.C. Commercial Real Estate Power Women award, Bisnow, Real Estate, 2014
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Shopping Center Transactions (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Transnational Law Journal, Editor (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated (2026).
Locations
Janis Boyarsky Schiff's office in Washington
Janis's primary office is at 800 Seventeenth Street N.W., Suite 1100, Washington, District of Columbia, 20006. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
800 Seventeenth Street N.W., Suite 1100
Washington, District of Columbia 20006
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Client reviews of Janis Boyarsky Schiff
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Janis Boyarsky Schiff — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new real estate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Janis usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Janis charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Janis's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Janis will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a real estate attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
A short list to run through before you commit: How many real estate matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Janis
Janis discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in real estate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every real estate matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Janis confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Janis's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many real estate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Janis Boyarsky Schiff
How much does it cost to hire Janis for a real estate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Janis walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Janis offer a free consultation?
Janis charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Janis's office. Some real estate attorneys offer free consults — check Janis's current terms during booking.
How long do real estate cases in District of Columbia typically take?
Simple real estate matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Janis gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Janis take my case if I'm outside Washington?
Janis is licensed in District of Columbia. Matters governed by District of Columbia law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Janis will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Janis?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Janis will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Janis accepting new real estate clients right now?
Janis's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Real Estate attorneys serving Washington and Belize City in District of Columbia
Janis handles real estate matters throughout District of Columbia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified real estate attorneys in that community.
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