Miles & Stockbridge Expands Richmond Presence with Key Legal Hires to Strengthen Real Estate and Environmental Practices

Miles & Stockbridge, an Am Law 200 firm, has expanded its Richmond office with the addition of three lawyers, including veteran commercial real estate finance attorney Matt Murcko as a principal. Emily Bittner and Phoebe Brannock have joined as counsel and associate, respectively, to support growth in the firm's real estate and environmental practices. This move underscores the firm's strategic focus on meeting client needs in the expanding Richmond market, following the recent hire of construction lawyer Andy Mathews just one month prior.

Murcko brings over 30 years of experience in commercial real estate finance, regularly assisting lenders with construction and term loans, working capital loans, and floor plan lines of credit for automobile dealership facilities nationwide. His expertise includes secured and unsecured commercial credit facilities, real estate construction and permanent financing, workouts, and restructurings. Previously a partner at Troutman Pepper Locke's Richmond office, Murcko reunites with former colleague Chris Vinyard, who joined Miles & Stockbridge as a principal in April. Murcko stated, "Miles & Stockbridge provides the perfect platform to serve my clients, who also will benefit from the resources and services available at the firm. I’m excited to be part of this strong real estate finance team and help the firm extend its presence in Richmond and other parts of Virginia."

Bittner advises clients on environmental regulatory issues, real estate transactions, and development projects, having previously worked in the county attorney's office for one of Virginia's largest jurisdictions, where she oversaw environmental matters. Brannock assists with various real estate matters, including transactions, zoning, land use, and environmental issues, joining from Gentry Locke. John Badman IV, managing principal of the Richmond office, emphasized the significance of these hires: "We’re thrilled to welcome Matt, Emily and Phoebe to our team. Matt brings more than three decades of commercial real estate finance experience, further enhancing the legal services we provide to clients across Virginia and beyond. At the same time, adding Emily and Phoebe brings valuable and diverse real estate and environmental experience, further strengthening our team’s capabilities."

Nancy W. Greene, chairman, president and CEO of Miles & Stockbridge, highlighted the firm's disciplined approach to expansion, noting, "Our continued growth in Richmond reflects our disciplined, client-focused approach to expansion. As we grow, we remain committed to maintaining our strong culture and aligning closely with our clients’ goals. We are thrilled to have added Matt, Emily and Phoebe through this process." For more information, visit https://www.milesstockbridge.com.