From zoning and planning to high-value transactions, the firm continues to expand its real estate practice nationwide
WILMINGTON, Del. (Sept. 5, 2025) — Barnes & Thornburg recently added real estate legal project managers Janet Vinc and Brad Shockley to its Real Estate Department in the firm’s Wilmington office. With a focus on managing clients’ planning, zoning and land development needs, Vinc and Shockley’s arrival follows last month’s addition of a five-attorney real estate team in Atlanta, reflecting the firm’s relentless growth in key markets.
“Real estate development is a complex process, and our clients rely on us to help them navigate a range of regulations from the initial proposal through planning, zoning and construction,” said Sal LaViña, chair of the firm’s Real Estate Department. “Janet and Brad’s extensive government experience and regulatory insight provide both our clients and our real estate attorneys a streamlined, effective approach that will create efficiencies.”
Vinc has managed numerous large-scale development projects and coordinated complex planning efforts to ensure regulatory compliance. With over two decades of experience in municipal planning and land use management — including in key positions at the New Castle County Department of Land Use — she provides a valuable outlook on the regulatory and approval processes that are critical to the success of real estate projects. Vinc has also supported economic development initiatives and community revitalization efforts for the town of Smyrna, Del.
“Development is a complex process in every jurisdiction today, and our clients rely on us to help them navigate a range of land use regulations and approvals from start to finish,” said Shawn Tucker, a real estate partner in the Wilmington office and former head of the New Castle County Department of Land Use.
“Janet and Brad’s extensive land use experience and insight will help us reduce application timelines by working proactively with clients and their engineers to shorten it. Indeed, delays in the land use process can result in the death of even the best of projects. Both Janet and Brad bring deep experience, and their skill set will be enormously valuable to our clients when it comes to expediting approvals for their projects.”
Shockley brings more than 25 years of public sector experience in land use planning, zoning and development management. At the New Castle County Department of Land Use, he led key development proposals and oversaw transportation matters, including traffic impact analyses, access management strategies and infrastructure coordination efforts.
Additionally, Shockley’s government experience offers clients a comprehensive perspective when navigating intricate land use proposals, collaborating with municipal and private stakeholders and ensuring compliance with local regulations.
“Both Janet and Brad bring deep experience with key local regulators in Delaware, which will be enormously valuable for our clients managing development projects in the state,” said Thomas McGonigle, managing partner of the firm’s Wilmington office. “Their local market know-how and project management acumen will provide our growing office and Real Estate Department with essential support as we see increased client demand.”
Vinc earned her B.A. from the University of Delaware. Shockley earned his B.S. from Salisbury State University and his M.A. from Towson University.