Polly McLean specializes in real estate, land use, association, business licensing and contract services.  She is an attorney who knows how to work with the government and its process inside and out.  Polly McLean worked for thirteen and a half years at Park City Municipal as an Assistant City Attorney and has on-the-ground knowledge of how the Planning, Building and Engineering departments work.  She also worked closely with the Business Licensing and Code Enforcement teams.    She is an expert in State and Local Land Use Codes and development entitlements.   Polly has extensive experience in real estate and development matters, association law, construction law, administrative law and contract issues.  Polly McLean can assist clients with real estate, entitlements, new construction, business licensing, Foothill and Canyons Overlay Zone Issues (FCOZ – Salt Lake County),  HOA representation, and Park City historic district issues.

As a Park City resident for over 17 years, Polly has in depth knowledge of legal matters in Park City, Summit County and Wasatch Counties.  She was involved in drafting key parts of the Park City Land Management Code, and portions of the Park City Municipal Code.   Additionally, Polly McLean represented Park City in land use litigation before the Utah District Court, Court of Appeals and Supreme Court.

Shen has extensive experience drafting and has reviewed all types of contracts including Construction Contracts, Professional Provider Contracts, and Real Estate Purchase Contracts.   She also has experience negotiating and drafting leases.  Polly  McLean drafted and reviewed procurements, contracts, leases and request for proposals including professional service contracts, equipment purchases and software licenses.  She drafted and negotiated complex development, interlocal and franchise agreements.

Polly has negotiated, reviewed, and drafted Real Property sale, acquisition and leases.  Drafted deed restrictions for affordable housing.  Polly has experience drafting and amending CCRs for affordable housing and commercial property.  She approved subdivision plats for the City.  Polly has experience drafting encroachments, easements, and right of ways and working through related issues.

Polly McLean ensured legal compliance in her time with Park City. She educated and trained Council, Boards, Commissions and staff on the legislative process, general legal issues and the Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA).  She presented at the Utah Land Use Conference in 2017 on business licenses and land use regulation.

With over 23 years of legal experience, Polly has earned her reputation as a highly skilled, capable and pragmatic attorney.    She has an Ivy League pedigree and graduated from Cornell Law School (1996) and University of Pennsylvania (1991) with a degree in political science.   Before working in municipal law, Polly McLean was a felony prosecutor for the Utah Attorney General’s Office in their Criminal Division and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office in the Trial Division.    She clerked for Judge James Z. Davis on the Utah Court of Appeals.   She is admitted to the Utah Bar and the New York Bar.  She is a member of the Real Estate division of the Utah Bar.  Polly grew up in New York City and now enjoys spending time with her family and dogs in the Wasatch Mountains skiing, biking and hiking.

How did you get started in this business? What inspired you to start this business?

From a young age I enjoyed debating and evaluating both sides of an issue.   I love to use my intellect to solve problems and find answers.   Part of being a lawyer is helping people.   For my whole career that is what I’ve done.   First as a prosecutor in New York, then as a State’s attorney for the Utah Attorney General’s Office, as a clerk for a Judge on the Utah Court of appeals, for the citizens of Park City as an Assistant City Attorney for Park City Municipal and now for all types of clients with Peak Law. Representing clients interests motivates me and makes being a lawyer worthwhile.   Having my own solo practice means that I can make sure that I can address each client on a personal level with little overhead.   My rates are reasonable since my expenses are low.

When you were starting out, was there ever a time you doubted it would work? If so, how did you handle that?

Starting my own firm, Peak Law, and being the only attorney, Polly McLean, has made me put it all out on the line.   However, I know that my years of legal experience would serve me well.  My specialization in land use law and real estate law has made it easier to connect with clients.   I have learned to trust myself and being on my own has empowered me.    Although being in a solo practice can be scary, having Peak Law has helped me grow as a lawyer.

How did you get your first customer?

I was speaking to an HOA in which I know many of the managers and they needed some help.  I was able to get up to speed quickly and evaluate their issue and give them an answer.    It was great luck to have my first client be someone I know as I got to figure out all my forms on them.    It was a great accomplishment to get that first client and then be able to move on from there.

What is one marketing strategy (other than referrals) that you’re using that works really well to generate new business?

My main strategy is word of mouth.  Letting people know that Polly McLean is out there and that I am available to help.  Other methods for doing so is attending conferences and meetings, to both learn more and to connect with others in the legal field.

What is the toughest decision you’ve had to make in the last few months?

Being in my own practice makes it hard to stop at the end of the day.   I want to keep working for my clients and get their matters addressed so that they can move forward.    Balancing my work since I can work till all hours and home life has been difficult.

What do you think it is that makes you successful?

I think my pragmatic outlook, my knowledge of land use, real estate and municipal law makes me successful.  Not only do I know the subject matters, but I know how to explain them.   I can talk with the planners and speak their language and speak with clients and help them weigh their options.   The fact that I represent both municipalities and developers is extremely helpful for both representations.   I can see issues from both sides and help each side understand the issues and concerns of the other side.   While at Park City, I gained a lot of knowledge of land use law and administrative law and how those processes work.  That knowledge serves me well.

What has been your most satisfying moment in business?

My most satisfying moment has been getting my clients the answers they need or the result they desire.   Often we don’t have control over the outcomes, but knowing that I did the best job possible representing someone is hugely satisfying and rewarding.   Working with Park City, Summit County and other local jurisdictions has been fun, because the people I work with are great, and I enjoy having them learn about my clients’ matters.

What does the future hold for your business? What are you most excited about?

I am looking forward to many years of success representing municipalities, individuals and developers.    I hope to grow my business but to keep the size manageable so that I can continue to have the personal interaction with each client and understand their needs.

What business books have inspired you?

I have really enjoyed Mindset which isn’t just a business book but a book about how we look at the world.  We make our own reality.   Things happen to all people, its how we deal with what has happened that shows our character.    I enjoy reading and learn a great deal from it.

What is a recent purchase you have made that’s helped with your business?

It may sound silly, but I really enjoy the graph notebooks I bought recently.  I like how they organize my thoughts and help keep everything square.   Also, I invested in a subscription to a continuing education provider.   I love to keep on learning and having the opportunity to learn more about different areas of my legal profession while also going in depth in the areas I am expert in is invaluable.   I always want to be learning and questioning so that I can grow.

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