Daniel joined Birchwood Law after practicing zoning and land use at a boutique zoning firm, where he handled zoning matters for developers, investors, and property owners. There, he worked with architects, developers, expediters, city staff, neighborhood groups, and elected officials to move projects through the zoning and entitlement process.
Prior to his role as a zoning attorney, Daniel worked for a boutique administrative law firm. He assisted licensees and businesses before various municipal tribunals, where he reduced their regulatory exposure while mitigating administrative penalties.
Bar Admission: Illinois
Education:
University of Illinois Chicago School of Law, J.D., cum laude
St. Norbert College, Bachelor of Arts (Economics & Political Science)
Please provide a summary of your work experience.
Before joining Birchwood Law, I practiced zoning law at Acosta Ezgur, LLC, a boutique zoning firm, where I handled rezonings, special use permits, variances, and affordable housing compliance for developers and property owners. Before that, I represented licensees and businesses in licensing and administrative matters at 1818. Earlier in my career, I interned in the general counsel’s office at the Chicago Transit Authority, externed for a federal magistrate judge in the Northern District of Illinois, and assisted veterans through the UIC Veterans Legal Clinic. I began my professional life in political consulting, campaign work, and B2B sales before going to law school.
Can you highlight some of your most significant professional achievements?
As a zoning attorney, I co-led a zoning change for a 7-story, 79-unit mixed-use development in the West Loop, guiding it through the city’s zoning requirements and resolving the regulatory obstacles along the way. I also assisted in securing the variations necessary to allow the construction of a 9-story, 52-unit mixed-use building in downtown Chicago, bringing much needed residential units to the area.
Were there any stories or experiences in your life that significantly influenced you to become an Attorney?
I initially went into politics and campaigning to change my community for the better. After attending various public hearings and policy lectures, I realized that being an attorney allowed me to make greater, more impactful change.
What guiding principles or legal philosophies do you prioritize in your practice?
My guiding principles are sincerity and open-mindedness. Sincerity, because zoning work runs on trust with clients, city staff, commissioners, and neighbors you’ll see again on the next project. Open-mindedness, because the first plan is rarely the one that gets approved. The best outcomes usually come from staying flexible and finding a path that works for everyone at the table, not just digging in on the original ask.
Are there lessons from your journey that would benefit aspiring lawyers?
The path to becoming a lawyer is a challenging but rewarding process, and it doesn’t look the same for everyone. Going to law school later in my career, during a global pandemic, and with a young child at home came with a unique set of challenges. But those same challenges also made me more focused, resilient, and practical. They taught me how to manage pressure, prioritize what mattered, and bring real-world perspective to the practice of law. The path to becoming an attorney is not a straight line. Mine certainly wasn’t. There are highs and lows. The things that look like detours can often end up being the things that make you a better lawyer.
Our attorneys know Chicago area zoning laws inside and out. Whether you need approvals, permits, or legal guidance, we’re the team to call.
We assist business owners, investors and property owners throughout Cook, Lake, DuPage, Kane and Will Counties, including but not limited to:
