Building on Legacy: Sam Spiritos Leads Shulman Rogers' Evolution in Commercial Real Estate
Few legal professionals can claim real estate is truly in their blood, but for Sam Spiritos, Managing Shareholder at Shulman Rogers, it’s a heritage that spans generations. His grandfather built the base of the Statue of Liberty and numerous buildings at West Point, later partnering with Spiritos’ father in the construction business. Today, the family’s real estate legacy continues to expand – his brother works in timber development, while his son has entered real estate investment. This deep-rooted understanding of the built environment brings an unusual perspective to his legal practice.
What sets Spiritos apart is his comprehensive approach to client service. “I’m a good lawyer, I’m smart, I’m a very good negotiator, but the thing that separates me is I have a strong desire to help people,” he explains. “This motivates me to understand my clients’ business needs and goals, and allows me to not only be a lawyer for them, but a trusted advisor and consultant to their business.” This investment in understanding has paid dividends – many of his clients have stayed with him for over three decades, with professional relationships naturally evolving into friendships.
Having practiced real estate law in DC for over 35 years, Spiritos has built an extensive network that brings additional value to his clients. “This involves making meaningful introductions to deals, investors and finance sources,” he notes. His ability to connect clients with opportunities has become a hallmark of his practice, creating value beyond traditional legal services. This approach becomes particularly valuable in complex markets like today’s, where relationships and market knowledge can make the difference in getting deals done.
Since taking leadership in 2013, Spiritos has led a remarkable transformation at Shulman Rogers. “We’ve evolved from a Montgomery County-based firm to be a regional, national and international law firm, offering a full suite of legal services,” he reflects. The practice has expanded strategically, developing a vibrant venture and private equity practice, and launching an innovative startup practice called NEXT powered by Shulman Rogers. Throughout this evolution, technology has played a crucial role, with the firm leveraging new tools to deliver legal services more efficiently while maintaining their client-centric approach.
His market insights reflect decades of experience navigating market cycles. In today’s challenging environment, Spiritos sees unique opportunities across asset classes. “Office buildings are pretty empty these days, with a lot of work from home, so there’s a fair amount of office building restructures and workouts,” he notes. “This may create below-market acquisition opportunities.” Some of his clients are taking a contrarian approach, actively acquiring office properties in the current environment. Similar opportunities exist across retail, multifamily, hotels and industrial properties, particularly as owners navigate refinancing challenges in a higher-rate environment.
The shift in how deals are made has been dramatic over his career. When Spiritos began his practice, in-person meetings and negotiations were the norm, fostering relationships between opposing parties and counsel. While digital communication now dominates, he maintains his commitment to personal connection, finding ways to build relationships even in a more virtual environment.
The firm continues to strengthen its position through strategic growth. Recent additions include Neil Hood from Fried Frank leading office building leasing and Steve Levey, formerly of JBG SMITH, enhancing the retail leasing practice. Looking ahead, the firm will expand its land use practice in Montgomery and Howard Counties by adding a new attorney in January. These additions reflect the firm’s commitment to depth and expertise across all aspects of real estate law.
Community impact remains central to the firm’s mission. Since its founding in 1972, Shulman Rogers has supported regional businesses through innovative legal services and community involvement. This commitment continues through initiatives like their Black Owned Business Program, now in its third year, providing free legal services to selected Black-owned businesses in the DMV area, furthering economic growth and opportunity in the region.
With new offices in Baltimore, Tysons and Alexandria, the firm is positioning itself to better serve an expanding client base while maintaining the personal touch that has defined Spiritos’ career. Under his leadership, Shulman Rogers continues to prove that even as markets evolve and technology advances, understanding client goals and building lasting relationships remain at the heart of successful real estate law practice.
