Richard Goldberg, Retired Ballard Spahr Partner, Receives Prestigious Lane Award From the American College of Real Estate Lawyers

Richard R. Goldberg, a retired Ballard Spahr partner known for his dedication to the practice and teaching of real estate law, will be presented the Frederick S. Lane Award from the American College of Real Estate Lawyers (ACREL) at the group's conference this weekend in Orlando, Florida.

The Lane Award is the highest honor bestowed by ACREL, a premier organization of U.S. real estate lawyers. The award is presented in recognition of exceptional service by a Fellow to the public, the profession, and the College. Only 12 Fellows have received the award in 25 years since it was established in honor of the late Frederick Lane, one of the College's founders and its first President.

"This recognition is well-deserved and indicative of the high degree of respect and esteem for Dick Goldberg within ACREL and the real estate legal community as a whole," said Roger Winston, a Ballard Spahr real estate partner and immediate past President of ACREL. "Dick's leadership within ACREL spans decades. He has made extraordinary contributions to ACREL, the profession, and the public through his professional accomplishments and dedication to sharing his knowledge and insights through teaching."

Mr. Goldberg, who retired from Ballard Spahr in 2011, is a former ACREL President, served as Chairman of several ACREL committees, has taught hundreds of continuing legal education (CLE) courses for ACREL and other organizations, and is a former adjunct professor at Temple University James E. Beasley School of Law. In his retirement, he continues to teach CLE courses.

"I enjoy teaching and have a real passion for improving the practice of real estate law, so having my peers recognize me with the Lane Award is a great honor," said Mr. Goldberg, a Philadelphia resident. "And I am truly grateful to the organization for the award and all ACREL has meant for me and my career."

In nearly five decades in the practice of real estate law, Mr. Goldberg handled a series of deals for landmark properties, large shopping malls, and hotels. He practiced for 18 years in Ballard Spahr's Real Estate Department, concentrating in real estate development, financing, leasing, and acquisition. Before joining Ballard Spahr, Mr. Goldberg served for 23 years as Vice President and Associate General Counsel of The Rouse Company, a major Maryland-based developer.

Mr. Goldberg counts redevelopment of the Loews Philadelphia Hotel among the most rewarding projects he worked on because it revived an iconic Center City building that had fallen into disuse. He also played a major role in legal work on Faneuil Hall in Boston, Harborplace in Baltimore, and South Street Seaport in New York City, among many other major projects.

Ballard Spahr is one of the most active firms in ACREL, with a history of membership, service, and leadership within the organization. Three members of the firm have served as ACREL President: in addition to Mr. Goldberg and Mr. Winston, retired partner Morton P. Fisher, Jr., also held the organization's highest office. Mr. Fisher, a longtime friend and colleague of Mr. Goldberg, recruited him to Ballard Spahr.

"Lawyers that I met through ACREL have been instrumental in mentoring me and have contributed to my success," Mr. Goldberg said. "I feel like ACREL did more for me than I did for ACREL."