About Us

Neil S. Kessler, is a retired partner in the international law firm, Troutman Pepper LLP (formerly Troutman Sanders LLP). Since his retirement in 2018, he has continued to represent real estate clients in his own firm, Neil S. Kessler Law Office, PLLC, and is a part time legal specialist for the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of General Services in its Division of Real Estate and Facilities Management. He is also currently the vice chair and a commissioner for the Richmond (VA) Redevelopment and Housing Authority. He has extensive experience in all areas of real estate, including the acquisition, development, financing, leasing, construction and sale of apartment projects, office buildings, shopping centers, office parks, hotels, mixed-use projects and residential developments. He has advised banks, contractors, developers and insurance companies on commercial real estate matters, including workouts and foreclosures. He is a Fellow of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers, currently serving as the chair of its Insurance Committee, and has been and continues to be a member of many other local, state and national professional, civic and charitable organizations. Neil is an undergraduate of Washington and Lee University and received his law degree from George Washington University School of Law in 1973. He lives in Richmond with his wife of 47 years and has two daughters and four granddaughters. He joined The Lester Group Board in 2018.