John F. McManus

John F. McManus is the chair of Hirschler’s Real Estate Section and serves clients from the firm’s Fredericksburg, Virginia, office. His practice focuses on commercial real estate development, acquisitions, sales, leasing, finance, land use, and zoning. McManus represents developers, investors, lenders, home builders, contractors, nonprofit organizations, property owners, and business users. He also advises business owners on entity formation, operating agreements, shareholder agreements, and other transactional and operational matters.

McManus earned his J.D. from Washington and Lee University School of Law, an M.S. in Real Estate from Johns Hopkins University, and a B.A. in History from Bowdoin College. His legal and real estate education supports his ability to assess development opportunities, financing structures, title matters, environmental reports, surveys, zoning requirements, and project feasibility. Before entering private practice, he gained experience as in-house counsel for a national title insurer.

McManus guides clients through the full real estate process, from initial contract negotiations and due diligence to financing, governmental approvals, construction, leasing, and disposition. His representative work includes mixed-use developments, industrial property portfolios, residential communities, office and retail projects, distribution centers, sports facilities, and airplane hangars. He also prepares covenants, restrictions, easements, wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advance medical directives for individuals and business owners.

John F. McManus has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America for real estate law and closely held companies and family businesses law, including selection as the 2026 Lawyer of the Year for Real Estate Law. He has also received recognition from Virginia Business and Martindale-Hubbell. McManus serves on Hirschler’s Board of Directors and chairs its Information Technology Committee. By combining industry knowledge with practical judgment, he helps clients structure transactions, manage risk, and advance long-term real estate and business goals.

Law Office Affiliations

• Chair, Hirschler Fleischer, a Professional Corporation
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, Virginia State Bar, Real Property Section
• Member, Fredericksburg Bar Association
• Member, Urban Land Institute
• Member, Fredericksburg Area Builders Association

Licensed State

• Virginia

Education

• Washington and Lee University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Johns Hopkins University
  Master of Science (MS)
• Bowdoin College
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)