Dorsey Expands Phoenix Team with Real Estate Attorney Marcie Shuman
Dorsey & Whitney LLP, an international law firm with a strong reputation for guiding clients across complex business and legal landscapes, has announced the addition of Attorney Marcie Shuman as Of Counsel in its Real Estate practice group in Phoenix. The appointment strengthens Dorsey’s foothold in one of the fastest-growing real estate markets in the United States and reflects the firm’s ongoing commitment to building a robust team of legal professionals who can deliver comprehensive services to developers, investors, and organizations engaged in real estate projects of varying scale and complexity.
Shuman’s Areas of Expertise
Marcie Shuman’s practice is deeply rooted in real estate transactions, with a particular focus on homebuilders, master-planned communities, and commercial developments. Over the course of her career, she has developed a versatile portfolio that covers every stage of the real estate development cycle—from initial land acquisitions to final closings and long-term management considerations.
Her work often includes due diligence assessments, title review, and transactional closings, all of which are critical components to ensuring that developments are legally sound and strategically positioned for success. In addition to her transactional experience, Shuman drafts and negotiates a wide array of legal instruments fundamental to real estate projects, such as sale and development agreements, CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions), easements, leases, and public reports. These documents form the backbone of any successful acquisition and provide the legal framework for both residential communities and commercial hubs.
Shuman also has notable experience in land banking—a strategy in which investors and developers acquire and hold land for future development. In fast-expanding regions like Phoenix, land banking is an essential mechanism to stay ahead of demand while carefully managing risk and capital. Her capabilities in this area, combined with her familiarity with state land patents and finished lot sales, allow her to provide valuable guidance for both large-scale homebuilders and boutique developers alike.
Corporate and Nonprofit Advisory Experience
Beyond her direct real estate practice, Shuman integrates corporate advisory services into her work, giving her clients an added dimension of legal support. She has assisted with joint ventures, entity formation and organization, independent service contracts, and regulatory compliance, as well as conducting internal audits to ensure businesses remain aligned with industry standards.
Another unique aspect of her background is her role in negotiating and drafting government service agreements on behalf of nonprofit organizations. This experience not only highlights her versatility as a legal advisor but also showcases her ability to work across sectors that intersect with real estate, urban development, and community-building initiatives.
Academic and Professional Background
Shuman’s academic journey reflects her long-standing commitment to law, governance, and community engagement. She earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the Syracuse University College of Law, one of the oldest law schools in the United States. Complementing her legal education, she pursued a Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) at the Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs, which is recognized globally for its excellence in public policy and governance education.
Her academic foundation was first built at the University of Utah, where she earned her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. This combination of law, public administration, and undergraduate training provides her with a rare interdisciplinary perspective, enabling her to address issues not only from a legal standpoint but also through the lens of public affairs, governance, and long-term community impact.
Prior to joining Dorsey & Whitney, Shuman practiced at Gammage & Burnham PLC, a highly respected Phoenix-based law firm. At Gammage & Burnham, she worked with a diverse array of clients and honed her skills in navigating Arizona’s competitive real estate and commercial markets.
Dorsey & Whitney’s Expansion in Phoenix
Dorsey & Whitney LLP has been steadily growing its Phoenix office, recognizing the city as a critical hub for legal services tied to real estate, business development, and corporate expansion. Phoenix has consistently ranked as one of the top-performing real estate markets in the United States, with demand surging for both residential and commercial projects due to rapid population growth, a favorable business climate, and ongoing infrastructure investments.
In response to this dynamic environment, Dorsey now maintains a team of 10 dedicated real estate lawyers in Phoenix, enabling the firm to provide clients with both depth and breadth of expertise. The addition of Marcie Shuman enhances this already formidable team, particularly in areas such as master-planned community development, land acquisition strategies, and commercial expansion projects.
Broader Context: Real Estate in Phoenix
The timing of Shuman’s appointment is significant, given that Phoenix continues to be a magnet for developers, investors, and corporate relocations. According to recent market reports, the city has experienced record-breaking population growth, with businesses and individuals relocating from higher-cost states. This influx has led to rising demand for housing, office space, industrial facilities, and mixed-use developments.
For law firms like Dorsey & Whitney, this environment presents both opportunities and challenges. Clients increasingly need counsel who can navigate complex zoning laws, environmental regulations, and financing arrangements while also anticipating long-term trends in urban planning and community development. Shuman’s skill set, which blends transactional expertise with corporate advisory experience, positions her as a valuable resource for clients seeking not only immediate solutions but also sustainable strategies for growth.
