Janet M. Stengle

Janet is an associate in Taft’s Chicago office in the Real Estate group. She focuses her practice on zoning and land use, historic preservation, economic incentives, and commercial leasing and development.

Janet works with real estate developers, corporations, nonprofit organizations, small businesses and local governments in the greater Chicago area on cases involving land use approvals for multifamily, commercial, mixed-use, industrial and affordable housing developments. These approvals include special use permits, variations, zoning amendments, planned developments and municipal licenses. She also works with clients to implement economic and historic preservation incentives. Her land use experience includes approvals for subdivisions, vacations and dedications.

Prior to joining the firm, Janet was a real estate, zoning and land use associate. She worked with developers, cultural institutions, and nonprofit organizations to obtain zoning approvals for various projects and Class L Property Tax Incentives for the redevelopment of Chicago landmark buildings. In addition, she represented major landlords with national portfolios in retail and office leasing. She has negotiated leases with national franchise concepts and retail brands and has handled multiple commercial litigation cases on behalf of real estate development clients.

Janet earned her J.D., cum laude, from Loyola University Chicago School of Law and her bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Notre Dame. While in law school, Janet served as Student Articles Editor for the Loyola University Chicago Law Journal and she was a member of the Business Law Clinic.