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Raymond D. Burke

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Raymond Burke concentrates his practice in construction and real estate development and is noted for numerous cases relating to condominium and other multi-use developments.

Professional Biography


One of the region's top construction and real estate development lawyers, Mr. Burke has built a substantial trial and appellate practice, and is noted for numerous cases relating to condominium and other multi-use development.

Mr. Burke brings a client-oriented perspective to his practice. He shares his insight on topical real estate and development issues facing condominium and homeowners associations and their members through his popular blog, www.marylandcondolaw.com.

He frequently represents condominium and homeowner associations and property managers in connection with building-related issues, particularly involving code compliance, deviations from industry standards, structural integrity, and water intrusion. He works with skilled engineering and architectural consultants in the identification of building defects, the specification of proper repairs, the pursuit and resolution of claims relating to improper construction, the implementation of repairs, and the remediation of mold and environmental contamination. He also represents developers, architects, builders, contractors, manufacturers, and insurers in resolving construction related claims, and developing solutions to building issues.

Most recently, Mr. Burke secured judicial confirmation from the Circuit Court for Baltimore City of a significant arbitration award on behalf of a condo unit owner. The unit owner had suffered substantial damages stemming from water infiltration into a penthouse condominium unit and was able to obtain both a monetary damages award and an order of specific performance for repairs to the building’s roof system and exterior facade. The award is believed to be Maryland's largest judgment against a condo board for failure to maintain, repair and replace the common elements of a condominium building.

Mr. Burke is a certified mediator and experienced arbitrator who works with clients to handle disputes through alternative dispute resolution (ADR) procedures. In addition, he represents clients in all facets of real estate development and operation, including land acquisition, planning and zoning, creation of condominium regimes and homeowner associations, development of contact documents, design and construction, sales, leasing, maintenance, and repairs. He also negotiates and prepares agreements relating to real estate transactions, corporate activities and employment matters.

Active in professional, community and civic affairs, Mr. Burke has taken a leading role in several prominent organizations dedicated to the Baltimore area’s economic growth. In addition to writing an opinion/commentary column for The Baltimore Sun, he is also a frequent lecturer on real estate and construction issues and civil practice and procedure.

  • Represented a leading apartment investment and management company in the more than $75 million purchase of a Maryland apartment and retail complex and the more than $39 million purchase of interests in a Maryland condominium development, including controlling interest in the condominium's unit owner council.

  • Secured confirmation in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City of an arbitration award on behalf of a unit owner against a condominium council for damages arising from a deficient and misleading resale disclosure certificate provided by the condominium prior to the unit owner's purchase. The resale certificate failed to properly disclose information concerning extensive defects in the common elements, which ultimately resulted in water intrusion and the need for a full scale repair of the exterior cladding of the 27-story residential high-rise on the Baltimore Harbor, as well as significant water damage to the unit itself.
  • Obtained a favorable verdict on behalf of a condominium association in a dispute involving a parcel of property. After a developer attempted to transfer the property to another entity, Baker Donelson litigated on behalf of the association and ultimately secured a court order declaring the developer's transfer of the parcel to be null and void, and determining that the parcel is the property of the association.
  • Successfully represented a condominium unit owner in federal bankruptcy court, where the client was suing for damages and loss of use. Baker Donelson secured a judgment in favor of the client, resulting in a significant financial compensation and additional monthly compensation until the unit was fit for occupancy.
  • Represented an investment company in the sale of its ownership interests in twelve condominium and other properties across multiple states, for a total sale price of more than $1 billion.

  • Won a declaratory judgment and jury verdict lawsuit on behalf of a condominium unit owner whose request to construct a third-floor addition was denied by the condominium association.

  • Represented a realty group in a discrimination case in which the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development alleged that a condominium and its management company violated the Fair Housing Act because of disability. Secured a consent order requiring payment of cash damages to the unit owner, for whom the realty group served as agent.

Professional Memberships

  • Certified Mediator
  • Member – American Bar Association
    • Section on Litigation
    • Section on Business Law
  • Baltimore Metropolitan Leadership Conference
    • Chair (1988 – 1990)
  • Member – Leadership Baltimore County (1984 – present)
    • Alumni Member (1985 – present)
    • Participant (1984 – 1985)
  • Member – Maryland State Bar Association
    • Section on Litigation
    • Section on Business Law
  • Member – Community Associations Institute
    • Chesapeake Chapter
  • Member – Towson Development Corporation (1980 – present)
    • Executive Board (1986 – present)
    • President (1989 – 1993)
    • Vice President (1988 – 1989)
    • Board of Directors (1987 – 1996)
    • Legislative Committee (1980 – 1989)
    • Committee Chair (1986 – 1989)

Community Service

  • Opinion/Commentary Columnist – The Baltimore Sun (2000 – present)
  • Member – Community Assistance Network
    • Treasurer & Finance Committee Chairman (1986 – 1989)
    • Board of Directors (1986 – 1991)
    • President (1989 – 1991)
    • Planning Committee (1991 – 1996)
  • Consumer Council of Maryland, Office of the Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division, Consultant (1996 – 1997)
  • Member – Easter Seal Society
    • Lawyers Fundraising Committee (1989 – 1991)
    • Committee Chair (1992)
  • Special Education Liaison – Hereford High School PTSA (2007 – 2009)
  • Sparks and Fifth District Recreation Councils, Baltimore County
    • Coach (1997 – 2000)

Honoraries

  • Listed in Maryland Super Lawyers, Construction and Real Estate (2014); Construction Litigation (2007 – 2013, 2015 – 2023) 
  • AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
  • Listed in The Best Lawyers in America® for Construction Law (2021 – 2024)
  • Partner and Trial Attorney, Freishtat, Burke, Mullen & Dubnow, LLC
  • Consulting Attorney, Baltimore County Office of Planning and Zoning
  • Corporate Counsel, McCormick & Company, Inc.
  • Assistant County Attorney, Baltimore County Attorney's Office

Click here to read Baker Donelson's Maryland condo law blog

Education

  • University of Maryland, J.D., 1978
    • Law Clerk and Research Supervisor, Baltimore County Attorney's Office, 1975 – 1978
  • The Johns Hopkins University, B.A., 1974
    • Curriculum for Political Leadership
    • Administrative and Legislative Aide Intern, Baltimore City Council

Admissions

  • Maryland
  • Court of Appeals of Maryland
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland
  • U.S. Supreme Court

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