Douglas J. Sawyer

Doug’s legal practice focuses on real estate development and transactions, as well as land banks and public land transactions. Doug has unique experience with statutorily dictated construction procurement procedures that enhance the foundation of MD’s local government and political subdivision practice. Doug also has significant experience in legislative drafting and policy development.

Doug brings more than fifteen years of experience advising county land reutilization corporations, municipalities, and affiliated nonprofit organizations on real estate transactions, governance structures, statutory authority, and risk management. He joins MD from the renowned Cuyahoga Land Bank, where he gained hands-on experience at the intersection of law, policy, practice, and the public-sector realities inherent in redevelopment. In his role as General Counsel, he advised on complex property acquisitions and dispositions, environmental risk allocation, tax foreclosure matters, and the formation and oversight of subsidiary and affiliated entities.

Doug provides subject-matter perspective that informs transaction structure, regulatory compliance, and risk assessment, particularly where redevelopment projects involve land banks or other governmental actors. He is widely consulted on land bank authority and policy and frequently speaks at Ohio Land Bank Association conferences and events.

Doug is admitted to practice in the State of Ohio, the United States District Court, Northern District of Ohio, the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, and the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.

Doug received a BA in philosophy from Cleveland State University and his JD from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law.  While pursuing his JD, Doug also earned his MA in Environmental Studies from the Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University.

Ohio State Bar Association, Member

“Cuyahoga Land Bank: Its statutory powers and authority and how it can serve local government,” Northeast Ohio Law Director’s Association, February 27, 2025

“Legislative Landscapes,” with Gus Frangos, Ohio Land Bank Association Annual Conference, April 24, 2024

“Collaborative Strategies: Bridging the Gap Between Prosecutors and Land Banks,” with Susanne Mandros, David Mann, and Adam Jutte, Ohio Land Bank Association Annual Conference, April 24, 2024