Legal Services
Heath Covington LLC provides comprehensive legal counsel for affordable housing development and community building projects across Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic. From transaction structuring through closing, I guide mission-driven organizations through the complex legal landscape of community development.
Core Legal Services
Development Transactions
Structuring and closing LIHTC, HUD-financed, and bond-financed affordable housing projects. I coordinate with Maryland DHCD, Baltimore City DHCD, and other public funding agencies to navigate regulatory requirements and keep transactions moving forward.
Real Estate and Financing
Negotiating and reviewing acquisition agreements, loan documents, partnership agreements, and regulatory instruments. I work with development teams to structure deals that satisfy lenders, funders, and mission requirements while protecting your organization's interests.
Community Ownership Models
Formation and operation of community land trusts (CLTs), limited equity housing cooperatives (LEHCs), and other community-controlled ownership structures. I help organizations design governance models that balance accessibility, sustainability, and long-term affordability.
Organizational and Corporate Counsel
Entity formation, governance issues, and ongoing corporate maintenance for nonprofit and for-profit development entities. I advise on affiliate structures, board matters, and organizational issues that arise as development organizations grow and evolve.
Mixed-Finance and Complex Transactions
Coordinating deals involving multiple funding sources including federal and state grants, subordinate loans, tax credit equity, and private financing. I manage the legal complexity so your team can focus on development execution.
Types of Projects
Heath Covington LLC has experience across a range of community development initiatives:
Affordable Rental Housing
New construction and rehabilitation projects using LIHTC, HUD financing, and state/local subsidies
Homeownership Programs
Affordable homeownership developments, community land trust programs, and limited equity cooperatives
Acquisition and Preservation
Preservation of existing affordable housing through acquisition and recapitalization
Community Development
Mixed-use projects, community facilities, and neighborhood revitalization initiatives
How We Work Together
Early Engagement
The best outcomes happen when legal counsel is involved early. I work with development teams during project planning to identify issues, structure deals efficiently, and set realistic timelines.
Collaborative Approach
I attend planning meetings, respond to questions as they arise, and work directly with your project managers and executive team. You shouldn't need to translate between "lawyer speak" and real-world development.
Transparent and Predictable
Clear communication about scope, timeline, and costs. I structure engagements to work within organizational budgets and provide predictable fee arrangements where possible.
Long-Term Partnerships
I build relationships that span multiple projects. This continuity means better institutional memory, smoother closings, and legal counsel who truly understands your organization and mission.
About Patrick Jenkins
Patrick Jenkins is an attorney licensed in Maryland and the District of Columbia. He practiced at a national affordable housing law firm before founding Heath Covington LLC to provide mission-aligned counsel to community development organizations in a more accessible and responsive model.
Before law school, Patrick founded and sold multiple technology companies and was inducted into the University of Maryland Computer Science Hall of Fame. He brings that entrepreneurial problem-solving approach to affordable housing law, helping organizations navigate complexity efficiently while building their internal capacity.
Patrick lives in Baltimore City and serves on the Board of the Maryland Community Development Network.
Let's Discuss Your Project
Whether you're starting a new development, navigating a complex transaction, or looking for ongoing counsel, I'd welcome the opportunity to learn about your work and explore how Heath Covington LLC can support your mission.
Schedule a Consultation