Strategic Legal Counsel You Can Trust

Trusted by investors, developers, and business leaders for 40+ years of real‑estate, tax‑structure, and equity‑access expertise.

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Focused Legal Strategy for Exceptional Clients

Chess Law Firm partners with real estate owners and operators facing high-stakes decisions

$150M+

Real estate portfolios seeking access to equity capital

$450M+

Firms navigating leadership, governance, and government relations

$1M+

Owners of business or property preparing to exit and minimize tax impact

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My Strategic Focus

TRANSACT

✔ $1.5B+ REIT Growth – First Potomac Realty Trust

✔ Sell or recapitalize your business

✔ Raise equity or debt capital from qualified investors

“Smart transactions are built on sound structures. We make sure yours are deal-ready and tax-efficient.”

TRANSFORM

✔ Advise C-suites and boards

✔ Structure governance and compliance

✔ Manage political and public-facing risks

“I help you lead, manage, and govern your growing enterprise—with strategy and stability.”

TRANSITION

✔ Checkmate your tax exposure

✔ Prepare your team, co-owners, and stakeholders

✔ Plan for life after the deal closes

“Exits aren’t just financial. We prepare you for the human, legal, and emotional complexity of what’s next.”

Meet Rick Chess

Rick Chess has over 35 years of experience as a strategic advisor and legal counsel. A Marine Corps veteran and former state legislator, Rick has led over $1 billion in real estate transactions and served as President of ADISA (formerly REISA) during its critical post-recession turnaround.
Known as the “Realty Transaction Sherpa™,” Rick brings deep insight and calm leadership to every complex deal, from acquisition to exit.

✔ $1.5B+ REIT Growth – First Potomac Realty Trust

✔ 50,000+ Apartment Units Acquired – United Dominion Realty

✔ Industry Leadership – Former President, ADISA

✔ $100M+ Raised – Capital Square 1031

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What Clients Say

For over 20 years, Rick Chess has provided me with sound business and legal advice. …His insights have been particularly helpful on real estate, tax structure, and equity access issues. …I have turned many client projects over to him for fulfillment and can trust that it will get done correctly without oversight.

— Rick Provost
Principal at First Verify