Lewis A. (Pete) Heaven Jr.

Partner
Contact
P 913.327.5166 | F 913.345.0736

Overview

Pete Heaven is a partner in the firm’s Real Estate group who helps residential and commercial real estate developers understand the legalese of government in land use by drawing upon his experience as City Attorney of the City of Merriam, Kansas for 18 years.

Pete’s experience in local government provides his clients with an insiders’ perspective and gives him an advantage when presenting proposals to cities and counties for planning, zoning, platting, public incentives, tax abatement, and private activity bonds. He provides counsel to contractors, helping them with contract negotiation, bidding, and construction disputes.

Outside of his practice, Pete frequently presents to professional and civic groups, and has served as co-editor of the Kansas Bar Association’s Real Estate Handbook.

Credentials

Education

  • University of Kansas School of Law, 1977 (J.D.)
  • University of Sydney (Australia), 1974 (Fellowship of Law)
  • University of Kansas, 1972 (B.A.)

Bar Admissions

  • Kansas
  • Missouri

  • Best Lawyers in America, 2003-2024
  • Best Lawyers in America, Lawyer of the Year, Real Estate Law, 2010, 2024; Litigation – Land Use and Zoning, 2012-2021, 2024
  • Chambers USA, 2003-2023
  • Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers, 2005-2022
  • Kansas Bar Association, Outstanding Service Award, 2004
  • Kansas City Magazine, Kansas City’s Top Lawyers, 2002
  • American College of Real Estate Lawyers (ACREL), Fellow
  • American College of Mortgage Attorneys (ACMA), Fellow
  • Kansas Bar Association Foundation, Fellow
  • Martindale-Hubbell, AV Rating

  • American College of Mortgage Attorneys
  • American College of Real Estate Lawyers
  • American Bar Association
  • Johnson County Bar Association; Board of Directors, 1988-1989
  • Kansas Bar Association; Executive Committee, Real Estate, Probate & Trust Law Section, 1986-present
  • Johnson County Airport Commission, Chairman, 1999; Member, 1993-2002
  • Baptist Medical Center; Board of Trustees, 1988-1998; Chairman, 1995
  • Shawnee Mission Rotary Club, Former President
  • Safehome, Inc., Former President
  • Shawnee Rotary Club, Former President
  • Transportation Lawyers Association, 2010-present