Deborah D. D. Zielinski

Representation by Debbie in your real estate and title matters brings the distinctive benefit of additional protection from her industry insight, knowledge and experience. Having spent years working in the title insurance industry, combined with her years as a private practice attorney, Debbie has a unique understanding and perspective in real estate matters and the title process. Her experience delivers a level of confidence and comfort that any surprises from real estate, development, or transfer will be minimized, solved, or non-existent. She has conducted due diligence on hundreds of properties and projects, which allows her to recognize early on, and then resolve, any title problems, environmental or zoning issues, or complications from liens, encumbrances, historical or pending defects, or claims that might impact the property or transaction. Debbie collaborates with all parties involved, providing counsel in the acquisition, disposition, development, and finance of commercial and residential property, in all types of real estate/title matters, including:Purchase, Sale, Construction, Development, and Management Agreements Easements and Land Use Agreements Tenant-In-Common Agreements Sale/Leasebacks Commercial and Residential Leases1031 Exchanges Land Contracts Entity Formation (including partnerships, limited partnerships, limited liability companies and joint ventures)Conventional, Construction, Interim and Permanent Mortgage Financing, Bond Financing Brownfields and Historic Tax Credits Zoning and Land Use Planned Unit Developments Condominiums/Homeowner Associations Platting and Land Division, Consolidation, and Street Vacations Construction and Broker Liens Evictions Condemnations Property Tax Appeals and Exemption Applications Foreclosure and Receivership Sales Debbie is well-versed in the compliance requirements of the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Expanding upon her vast real estate experience, she also provides counsel with respect to workouts, landlord/tenant issues in bankruptcy, cognovit judgments, foreclosures, and receiverships. Throughout her career, Debbie has represented landlords, tenants, investors, subtenants, management companies and real estate brokers in all aspects of leasing, including structuring the transaction, lease negotiations, build-out, and occupancy. She provides leasing services for numerous office, retail and warehouse properties and is adept at negotiating and drafting space leases, ground leases, amendments of leases, subleases, lease assignments, lease consents, work letters for tenant improvements, options to lease, subordination/nondisturbance/attornment agreements, and lease termination agreements. Articles + Presentations Complying with Ohios Professional Conduct Rule in the Sale of a Law Practice (Moderator, CMBA 46th Annual Real Estate Law Institute, November 2024)Distinctions + Awards Best Lawyers in America (2025) - Recognized in Real Estate Law Women in Law Honoree - Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association (2014)Milestones Parent Recognition Award - Milestones Autism Organization Civic Involvement Milestones Autism Organization - Board of Trustees (Lifetime Member)Professional Affiliations Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association - Vice President, Real Estate Law Section