Firm News

Capes Sokol is proud to announce that David Lemkemeier has joined the firm as a Shareholder in its Real Estate and Banking & Finance practices effective Monday, September 22, 2025.

David brings over 25 years of industry insight and strategic experience, guiding clients through complex commercial real estate transactions and development projects. He regularly advises business owners, institutions, developers, investors, lenders, and community partners on acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, financing, entity formation and corporate governance, entitlements/incentives, environmental and construction matters.

“What most attracted me to Capes Sokol is its tight-knit community of high-quality lawyers and people with a client-centric approach and a deep commitment to the St. Louis Community,” said Lemkemeier. “It’s a great fit for me professionally and personally.”

Lemkemeier’s portfolio spans industrial, office, retail, multifamily, mixed-use, and higher education developments nationwide. He has extensive experience structuring and negotiating purchase and sale agreements, leases, easements, public-private partnerships, and redevelopment districts. His work includes multi-family apartment projects utilizing HUD/FHA-insured financing, multi-tenant office and lab buildings, flex-industrial office parks, and large-scale retail and restaurant developments, covering more than 500 properties in 30 states. Locally, he has played a key role in urban redevelopment projects that have helped revitalize the City of St. Louis.

Recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® for Real Estate Law every year since 2014, Lemkemeier is known for his pragmatic, business-focused approach and ability to efficiently navigate complex transactions.

“We are thrilled that David decided to join Capes Sokol,” said Douglas Dove, Managing Shareholder of Capes Sokol. “His broad expertise designing and implementing redevelopment districts, including master development agreements, district declarations and indentures, public-private partnership agreements, and incentive packages, serves as a wonderful compliment to the scope and breadth of our real estate practice and provides an invaluable resource for our clients.”

Beyond his legal practice, David is deeply involved in the St. Louis Community. He chairs the Board of Trustees for KIPP St. Louis Public Charter Schools and serves on the board of John Burroughs School.

David earned his J.D. from Washington University in St. Louis School of Law and his B.A. in History, Government, and Economics from Connecticut Wesleyan University.