Matthew L. Allee

Matthew L. Allee

Land Use and Zoning Law

5.0 (1 reviews)
Chicago, Illinois
-1+ years experience
Akerman LLP
Updated:

Contact Information

71 South Wacker Drive, 47th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606
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Bio

Matthew Allee focuses his practice on land use and zoning matters, including land use entitlements, development incentives, and zoning and concurrency issues. Matthew has experience representing property owners, developers, and business owners in obtaining land use approvals, including administrative adjustments, special uses, variations, and map amendments before municipal plan commissions, planning departments, zoning board of appeals, zoning committees, and community groups and organizations. He has also represented clients seeking business licenses in the City of Chicago, as well as business licensees in license violation cases.Prior to joining private practice, Matthew worked in various capacities for the City of Chicago, which included serving as the Director of Zoning and Urban Development for 43rd Ward Alderman Michele Smith, Assistant Corporation Counsel with the City’s Law Department, Assistant Commissioner for Hospitality Licensing and Intergovernmental Affairs for the City’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP), and most recently, was appointed Deputy Commissioner for Business Licenses and Permits for BACP. Matthew Allee focuses his practice on land use and zoning matters, including land use entitlements, development incentives, and zoning and concurrency issues. Matthew has experience representing property owners, developers, and business owners in obtaining land use approvals, including administrative adjustments, special uses, variations, and map amendments before municipal plan commissions, planning departments, zoning board of appeals, zoning committees, and community groups and organizations. He has also represented clients seeking business licenses in the City of Chicago, as well as business licensees in license violation cases. Prior to joining private practice, Matthew worked in various capacities for the City of Chicago, which included serving as the Director of Zoning and Urban Development for 43rd Ward Alderman Michele Smith, Assistant Corporation Counsel with the City’s Law Department, Assistant Commissioner for Hospitality Licensing and Intergovernmental Affairs for the City’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP), and most recently, was appointed Deputy Commissioner for Business Licenses and Permits for BACP.

Practice Areas

Land Use and Zoning Law

Awards & Recognition

  • Recognized: Land Use and Zoning Law
  • Recognized: Real Estate Law

Recognized in Ones to Watch since 2026

Reviews

A

Amy Murphy

2 weeks ago

Invaluable guidance on a complex mixed-use development project

Engaging Matthew Allee at Akerman LLP was the best decision we made for our ambitious mixed-use project in Chicago's West Loop. Our venture involved navigating a labyrinth of zoning changes, securing necessary variances, and leveraging available development incentives—a process that felt overwhelmingly complex. From our first consultation, Matthew demonstrated a command of Chicago's intricate land use and zoning landscape that was immediately reassuring. His experience in land use entitlements and concurrency issues was not just theoretical; he provided a clear, strategic roadmap. He adeptly represented our interests before the relevant planning commissions, anticipating challenges and crafting compelling arguments for our project's approval. His background in real estate law was also crucial, as he seamlessly integrated those considerations into the overall entitlement strategy. The recognition he has received in both Land Use and Real Estate Law is clearly well-deserved. What truly set Matthew apart was his ability to translate complex legal and municipal processes into actionable business advice. He was consistently proactive, responsive, and maintained a calm, professional demeanor even when we faced unexpected hurdles. Thanks to his expertise and diligent representation, we secured all necessary approvals on an aggressive timeline, preserving the project's financial viability. For any developer or property owner facing Chicago's regulatory environment, Matthew Allee is an exceptional advocate.

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