Kaitlin A. Gauthier
Kaitlin Gauthier is an associate in the Land Use & Zoning practice at Lerch, Early & Brewer, a full-service law firm serving clients throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. Over the past year, she has provided strategic support to more than a dozen partners, assisting with complex real estate development projects through every stage of the entitlement process.
Her practice spans Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties, as well as Washington, D.C., where she collaborates with partners to advise developers, institutions, and property owners on a broad spectrum of land use matters. Kaitlin supports clients in securing approvals and entitlements at every stage of development—including due diligence and zoning analyses; affordable housing matters; concept and sketch plans; preliminary and site plans; subdivisions, resubdivisions, and record plats; conditional uses and special exceptions; mandatory referrals and commercial-to-residential redevelopments; expedited approval plans; variances; local map amendments and zoning text amendments; major and minor amendments; administrative and special exception modifications; permitting; appeals; and master and sector plan updates.
She values the opportunity to contribute to projects, whether modest or expansive, that enhance the communities they serve. Known for her meticulous research, precise drafting, and ability to distill complex zoning codes into practical strategies, Kaitlin is regarded as a reliable advocate for clients navigating challenging regulatory frameworks.
Before joining Lerch, Early & Brewer, Kaitlin refined her skills as a Judicial Extern with the United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana and as a Postgraduate Law Fellow at Georgetown University Law Center’s Federal Legislation Clinic. These experiences provided a strong foundation in legal research, drafting, and legislative advocacy—expertise she now applies to advancing client development objectives.
Outside the office, Kaitlin brings the same focus and energy to her personal pursuits. She is a dedicated runner training for the Chicago Marathon, a lifelong skier who often returns west to visit family, and an explorer at heart—whether backpacking, traveling abroad, or discovering Washington, D.C.’s world-class museums. Her curiosity and drive for excellence extend well beyond her legal practice, reflecting the same commitment she brings to every client matter.
• Bar Admission, D.C. Bar
• Bar Admission, Maryland Bar
• Georgetown University Law Center - JD
• Bar Association of Montgomery County
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute much of my success and inspiration to my grandmother, Molly Eldred Abbott, who earned her Juris Doctor in 1948 from the University of Chicago. At a time when few women pursued law, she was one of only six women in her class—all while raising six children alongside my grandfather, also an attorney. Her resilience, intellect, and trailblazing spirit instilled in me a deep respect for the profession and a lifelong commitment to excellence. I am equally grateful for the unwavering support of my family, mentors such as Robert Hayes and Amy Kurson, my peers at Georgetown Law, and the colleagues and friends who have shaped my journey. Beyond these influences, I credit my success to qualities I strive to bring to every client matter: precision, creativity, and reliability. I work to ensure nothing is overlooked, even under tight deadlines, and I focus on understanding each client’s unique needs while delivering practical, innovative solutions that help their projects advance with confidence.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to approach every challenge with preparation and perspective. A mentor once told me that the strongest attorneys pair rigorous analysis with the ability to see the bigger picture. That guidance continues to shape my work—being meticulous in the details while keeping sight of long-term goals, and delivering solutions that are both practical and strategic for clients.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
To young women entering the legal field, I would say: trust your preparation and don’t be afraid to take up space. Law can feel intimidating, but your perspective is both valuable and needed. Seek out mentors, build a support network, and lean on it, especially the women who have walked the path before you. And remember, success isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room; it’s about being the voice clients and colleagues can rely on for precision, insight, and integrity.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the most significant opportunities in land use and zoning today is the ability to reimagine how our communities grow. With rising demand for housing, evolving environmental standards, and a focus on mixed-use and transit-oriented development, jurisdictions in Maryland and D.C. are modernizing their codes and master plans. These changes can be complex to navigate, but they create new pathways for projects that are more sustainable, adaptable, and aligned with community needs. For clients, this means projects require thoughtful planning and creative strategies, but it also means there is real momentum behind innovative development. Whether converting underutilized commercial properties into housing, pursuing expedited approvals, or meeting ambitious environmental and community goals, today’s regulatory landscape offers opportunities to deliver projects that not only achieve entitlements but also make a lasting, positive impact.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me most are integrity, excellence, and service. In my work, integrity means clients can rely on me to be meticulous and candid in addressing their challenges. Excellence reflects my commitment to approaching every project with both rigor and creativity—identifying not only the immediate path forward but also long-term solutions that position clients for success. Service extends beyond clients, whether it’s supporting colleagues, mentoring students, or contributing to causes close to my heart. These same values shape my personal life, where I am inspired by family, sustained by an active lifestyle, and driven to leave every place better than I found it.