REAL ESTATE AND LAND USE

The Firm’s Real Estate Department is experienced in a variety of transactions for a diverse group of both commercial and residential clients. The Department has a long established practice in serving the real estate needs of its clients in a broad spectrum of matters, providing advice in the areas of development, financing, leasing, divestitures, acquisitions and management of real estate. The ability to integrate with the Business Law, Tax and Litigation Departments facilitates the objectives of our clients. The diversified experience of our attorneys and professional staff enables us to assist our clients in all aspects of their real estate transactions.

Our attorneys are experienced in drafting and negotiating purchase agreements, brokerage agreements, management agreements, construction contracts with architects and contractors, condominium declarations, loan documents, and easements; conducting due diligence reviews of title and applicable legal and governmental requirements; and negotiating purchase money financing, joint venture agreements and equity participations.

Our commercial real estate practice provides efficient and effective solutions in a vast array of complex issues. In addition to conventional office, retail and mixed-use commercial leasing transactions, our real estate attorneys are experienced in sale and leaseback transactions, ground leases, development and financing transactions, tax-free exchanges, property and asset management issues, construction contracts and real property tax appeals. The Department represents clients in the assemblage, acquisition, construction, operation, financing and disposition of virtually all types of real estate projects, including office buildings, retail centers, hotels, and industrial properties.

The Department represents individuals in connection with the purchase and sale of their homes, including the financing thereof and review of title; construction financing; refinancing of mortgages and subordination of debt; review of local governmental rules and regulations; representation on matters such as zoning approvals, inland/wetlands approvals and requirements of other governmental agencies and departments, as well as in the organization and representation of homeowners associations, condominiums and cooperatives.

The Firm and the attorneys of the Real Estate Department are approved agents and closing counsel for every major title insurer and a significant number of lending institutions. Our longstanding relationships with such insurers, lenders and the real estate brokerage community provide significant ancillary benefits to our clients.

Our Department also engages in zoning and land use matters, particularly in Fairfield County, Connecticut. The attorneys have created and administered tax districts, neighborhood associations, and planned unit developments. Together with the support of the Litigation Department, when applicable, the Department has successfully prosecuted administrative and court appeals of zoning and other land use applications and tax assessments.