Mohammed S. Burny is an associate in Strassburger McKenna Gutnick & Gefsky’s Real Estate, Litigation, and Public Sector & Nonprofit practice groups. He represents developers, businesses, municipalities, and nonprofit organizations in matters involving land use, zoning, municipal law, real estate development, and commercial litigation. Drawing on his experience in both private practice and local government, Mohammed helps clients navigate complex regulatory processes, resolve disputes, and advance development projects from planning through approval.
Before joining the firm as an associate, Mohammed served as Chief of Staff to Pittsburgh City Councilor Bobby Wilson, where he played a key role in developing legislation affecting economic development, housing, and public policy. He also previously served as a law clerk at Strassburger McKenna Gutnick & Gefsky, where he conducted legal research, drafted memoranda on complex Pennsylvania legal issues, and assisted with client matters. After gaining additional experience in public service and private practice, Mohammed returned to the firm as an associate, bringing with him a unique understanding of the legal, legislative, and regulatory landscape.
Mohammed earned his J.D. from the Thomas R. Kline School of Law at Duquesne University after receiving an A.L.B. in Government from Harvard University. Beyond his legal practice, Mohammed remains actively involved in the community as a board member at New Sun Rising and the City of Pittsburgh Ethics Hearing Board and as vice president of the Board of Reading Ready Pittsburgh, reflecting his longstanding commitment to civic engagement and public service.
Experience and Representative Matters
- Drafted and prepared land development plans, variance and special exception applications, and Findings of Fact & Conclusions of Law for submission to municipal zoning boards; researched City of Pittsburgh’s zoning ordinance and prepared materials for Pre-Application Meetings, Development Activities Meetings, CDAP reviews, and the City’s Planning Commission hearings
- Drafted pleadings including land use appeals, preliminary objections, and briefs in support in Court of Common Pleas litigation; assisted in prosecuting a formal complaint before the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission
- Prepared Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and Transit Revitalization Investment District (TRID) applications for submission to Pittsburgh’s Urban Redevelopment Authority in support of financing structures for major developments in Pittsburgh’s Bakery Square and South Side neighborhoods
- Drafted a Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance (LERTA) ordinance incentivizing office-to-residential conversions in Downtown Pittsburgh after leading stakeholder discussions with Downtown developers, property owners, the URA, and the Office of the Mayor, and a second LERTA ordinance expanding the program to Pittsburgh’s North Side; prepared and filed successful LERTA applications to Allegheny County and Pittsburgh Public Schools on behalf of multiple large residential development projects
- Drafted zoning ordinances regulating vape and smoke shops across the City of Pittsburgh and permitting childcare facilities and attached housing in single-family residentially zoned Pittsburgh neighborhoods
- Obtained a personal income tax credit of $170,000+ on strength of novel legal argument distinguishing entitlement to credits, as opposed to refunds, under Pennsylvania law
Professional Affiliations
- Allegheny County Bar Association
- American Bar Association
- Pennsylvania Bar Association
- City of Pittsburgh Ethics Hearing Board, Board Member, Apr. 2026 – Present
- New Sun Rising, Board Member, Oct. 2024 – Present
- Reading Ready Pittsburgh, Board Member, Vice President, Dec. 2024 – Present
