Attorney Spotlight – Daniel L. Steinhagen
Today we present the next edition of our “Spotlight Series”, which is designed to help you get to know the team behind Beattie Padovano, LLC.
We are pleased to highlight Daniel L. Steinhagen, Member in the Firm’s Land Use, Redevelopment and Affordable Housing Group, where he specializes in zoning, land use, real estate development, affordable housing and environmental permitting. Dan represents developers, land owners and municipal entities in all phases of land development and was named in Super Lawyer Magazine as a Rising Star in the field of Land Use and Zoning in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, and as a Super Lawyer in Land Use and Zoning in 2023 and 2026. His practice also extends into the fields of commercial real estate, trial and appellate litigation and local government law. Dan currently serves as the attorney for the Borough of Closter Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment and the Borough of Leonia Planning Board.
We recently caught up with him to learn more:
Dan, what inspired you to pursue a career as an attorney?
When I was very young, I wanted to become an astronaut or play baseball. As I got older, I shifted gears and considered following in the footsteps of my father, who is a doctor. When I was a freshman in college, he and I had a conversation about the direction that medicine was taking at that time which made me realize that was not the path for me. Nor was I going to be a professional athlete! And I had no interest in finance, either. What I did know to be true about myself was that I always enjoyed organizing and assimilating data in my head, calling up facts, remembering things I read and the fact that I have always been a strong communicator. When I took a Constitutional Law class in college (which was actually taught by a professor who had never been a lawyer), I discovered that the legal profession would give me the chance to use the skills that came naturally to me. I decided to go to law school, which I really enjoyed. And ever since I became an attorney I have continued to have the opportunity to learn in an ongoing way. I really enjoy what I do, which not everyone can say about their work. I feel lucky for that.
What do you most enjoy about working with your team at Beattie Padovano, LLC?
We never have a day that is the same as yesterday. Every development project brings us into a different community with its own set of people and challenges, so we cannot put ourselves on autopilot. This makes it an intellectually stimulating, interesting work environment which keeps me engaged.
What types of cases are especially meaningful or rewarding for you, and why?
I like working on the tougher battles that come up, which are difficult as you go through them, but reap rewards when you can garner a tangible result that makes people happy. As an example, we represented clients on a contentious, very large project that took a great deal of time, patience and energy, but ended up making their vision a reality. It feels great to know that I could help make that possible.
What is your favorite part about living and working in Northern New Jersey?
Because I live in my hometown, I have never really given this much thought. My wife, my parents, and so many people I know are here so it makes sense. I will say that watching my children enjoy similar experiences to what I had growing up is pretty unique; so much is the same and yet different. Mostly, though, there is familiarity, which makes this a comfortable place to live and work.
Please share a fun fact about yourself: personal or professional!
In my free time, I most enjoy spending time with my family. We especially love going on ski trips to Beaver Creek; we have traveled out there six times in the last four years! Given the fact that I spend so much time sitting, whether in my office or at court, I really appreciate being out in the mountains and feeling invigorated by the cold fresh air. I can really unplug, and our kids love skiing more than just about anything now.
What advice would you give to an aspiring lawyer?
If you are exploring the possibility of becoming an attorney, be sure it is really what you want to do. Some people seem to pick it as a “default” career option, and those are generally the lawyers who end up being very unhappy with their work. It is important to be deliberate about this decision, and to know what you are getting into by shadowing others who are already in this field. There is a rhythm to the days that you should understand before you make the choice to pursue this career.
The great news about a law degree, though, is that it will teach you how to think critically, analyze fact patterns, speak publicly and so much more. These are all skills that translate well to other occupations if you change your mind.
I have also learned through personal experience that you can change course within the field, which is nice. I started as a litigator and ended up in our Land Use, Redevelopment and Affordable Housing Group. This was not a change I had planned, but turned out to be a great one for me. I am glad to be in a profession where it was possible to shift direction like that.
The bottom line is that you should ultimately likewhat you do. Figure out what your regular routine might look like based on the area of practice you are considering, and determine if the daily experiences and responsibilities sound like something you can really enjoy.
Visit Daniel L. Steinhagen – Beattie Padovano, LLC to learn more about Dan’s areas of practice and to contact him directly.
