Title: Attorney and Consultant
Company: GreenVest LLC and Law & Land, LLC
Location: Riva, Maryland, United States
V. Paul Zanecki, Attorney and Consultant at GreenVest LLC and Law & Land, LLC, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Lawyers for dedication, achievements, and leadership in Environmental Law.
Mr. Zanecki has established a distinguished career as a land use and environmental lawyer, advocating for balanced land use growth, and specializing in clean water and the implementation of the Clean Water Act. His expertise in environmental law, land use and property has been honed over decades of dedicated service. Since 2015, Mr. Zanecki has served as an attorney and consultant with GreenVest LLC in Annapolis, Maryland, where he advises on land rules and permitting requirements, and conducts negotiations for conservation easements. His role involves working closely with landowners, farmers, counties, municipalities and other stakeholders to restore streams and wetlands, and mitigate water-borne pollution. Additionally, Mr. Zanecki serves on the board of the non-profit Scenic Rivers Land Trust, identifying and assisting environmental staff in acquiring tracts of forests and wetlands for permanent preservation.
From 2000 to 2008, Mr. Zanecki served at the pleasure of the Maryland Governor in many roles including as Chairman of the innovative imitative known as the Maryland Smart Growth Commission. During this time, he was instrumental in defining and supporting the goal of the organization, which was to develop legislation that effectively saved green areas and forests by reducing urban sprawl, while balancing the need for growth by allowing and incentivizing development within government-targeted growth areas, including infill development.
Mr. Zanecki’s earlier career included serving as the co-managing partner of law firms in Washington, D.C., between 1991 and 1995, with his primary activities being carried out in the Western Pacific Islands and Vietnam. Prior to 1991, he was a part owner and general counsel at Recreational Wildlife Park Associates and Wild World Inc. from 1980 to 1986 and as the manager of his law firm, Zanecki & Associates PC in Annapolis between 1979 and 1991. This period marked a significant chapter in his career as he built a reputation for excellence in legal practice.
Leveraging his foundational success, Mr. Zanecki held roles that laid the foundation for his future success. As an associate general counsel for the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission from 1970 to 1972, he gained early exposure to land use and zoning laws. He then served as an assistant public defender in Maryland while also engaging in private practice between 1972 and 1975. His work during these formative years provided him with invaluable experience in drafting ordinances and legislation.
In addition to his legal career, Mr. Zanecki has made significant contributions to various projects and initiatives. Among them, he developed the Woodmore Golf Club with Arnold Palmer, a golf course and residential community. He also was part owner with James Fowler, of television’s Animal Kingdom Show fame, and served as general counsel in the development of that prestigious wild animal park, featuring hundreds of animals from diverse locations.
Mr. Zanecki’s academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts in economics and economic history from Franklin & Marshall College in 1965 and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the Columbus School of Law at Catholic University of America in 1970. His education has been instrumental in shaping his legal expertise and success in navigating complex environmental issues.
Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Zanecki’s civic involvement has been extensive, including roles such as special advisor to the Office of the Governor since 2004 and membership on various committees focused on smart growth and wetlands restoration. A talented writer, Mr. Zanecki published works such as “The Arnold Palmer Links” for the Prince George’s County Historical Society and made significant contributions to real estate practice literature.
Mr. Zanecki has received numerous accolades for his work, including a Partnership Award from the Maryland Clean Energy Center in 2011 and recognition with an AV Preeminent Attorney rating from Martindale-Hubbell in 2021. Looking ahead, he remains committed to restoring waters and ecosystems, driven by a sense of humor, resilience and an open heart for collaboration.
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