Matthew Lawlor

Matthew J. Lawlor

(he/him/his)

Partner

Matthew J. Lawlor

(he/him/his)

Partner

  • Overview

    Biography

    Matthew Lawlor focuses his practice on real estate disposition for public agencies, affordable housing finance, development, permitting, land use, and urban planning matters. He regularly represents public authorities and agencies, lenders, developers, nonprofit organizations, and commercial landlords and tenants. In addition to his law degree, he has a master’s degree in regional planning. Matt serves as Chair of the firm’s Real Estate + Development Group.

    Real Estate Disposition for Public Agencies

    Matt represents municipal and state agencies in the disposition of real property for development and redevelopment. He drafts, negotiates, and closes on long-term ground leases and related documentation.

    He has assisted clients such as municipal and state development agencies in real estate-related matters, including successfully drafting, negotiating and closing on long-term ground leases for construction of a new hotel in Roxbury and a new regional light industrial contractor’s headquarters in South Boston, Massachusetts.

    Affordable Housing Finance

    Matt represents major lenders in affordable housing financing for the construction and major rehabilitation of residential developments. This representation includes drafting all construction loan documentation, undertaking legal due diligence, and closing the loan transactions.

    He has handled numerous affordable housing finance transactions on behalf of a major national bank, including for a public housing redevelopment in East Boston, Massachusetts, and for the rehabilitation of several public housing developments in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

    Development, Permitting, and Land Use

    Matt represents non-profit and for-profit developers, including renewable energy developers, and public agencies on development, permitting, and land use aspects of sustainable, mixed-use and transit-oriented development. This representation includes negotiating acquisition and development documentation, and providing advice and conducting due diligence related to permitting. He assists clients with obtaining all required permits and approvals for their projects. He drafts and negotiates construction and permanent loan documentation and joint venture agreements.

    Matt has handled long-term ground leases of new development, and obtained permits and development rights for developers of large-scale, mixed-use projects. He successfully obtained permits for a 27-unit residential transit-oriented development for a community development organization. For a corporate client, he negotiated a preferred equity investment in a major residential development adjacent to the central railroad station in Providence, Rhode Island. Matt frequently presents at urban planning and real estate industry conferences on the topics of land use regulation, New Urbanism, and smart growth.

    Pro Bono

    Matt has long-standing pro bono commitments. He serves as pro bono counsel for the Congress for the New Urbanism/New England Chapter, a smart growth and active mobility advocacy group. He also regularly provides advice on permitting, acquisition, financing, and corporate matters for the Southwest Boston Community Development Corporation, a non-profit development organization, on a pro bono basis.

    Before attending law school, Matt worked for Comsis Corporation in Silver Spring, Maryland, as a consulting transportation planner for local and state governments.
     

  • Experience
    • Experience

      Experience

      • While representing a national bank, drafted, negotiated, and closed on senior back-to-back construction-to-permanent loan for the first phase of redevelopment for the Orient Heights public housing project in East Boston, Massachusetts.

      • Negotiated preferred equity investment in major residential development adjacent to the central railroad station in central Providence, Rhode Island.

      • Represented solar power investment company in the local permitting and site acquisition aspects of membership interest purchase transaction for 13.5 MW solar generation facilities in Westport, Massachusetts.

      • Represented solar power investment company in initial foray into Massachusetts solar generation market. Areas within scope of assistance included review of local permitting, site acquisition, and PILOT agreement for facility located at Middletown, Massachusetts.

      • Ongoing representation over past several years of municipal redevelopment and economic development authority in all aspects of several new development ground lease transactions for development of parcel in Boston, as follows:

        Southwest Corridor/South End/Roxbury – Melnea Hotel and Residences – 108-room hotel and 50 residential rental units, of which 7 will be affordable, and 4300 SF of ground floor retail, with accessory off-street parking;

        Raymond L. Flynn Marine Park in South Boston – Innovation Square at 6 Tide Street 122,000 SF lab/research facility, half of which has been subleased to Mass. Innovation Labs; the relocation of Cannistraro Industries, a major specialty sheet metal producer, from suburban Boston to 25 Fid Kennedy Way to occupy a previously abandoned industrial structure; and the current negotiations for an approximately 294,000 SF speculative office building to be located at the intersection of Drydock Avenue and Summer Street; and

        Charlestown Navy Yard – Parcel 39A, a new, ground-up building containing 54 residential units; and the Ropewalk, a major historic rehabilitation project with 97 residential rental units and publicly-accessible “flirtation walk” and exhibit space related to the historic rope-making activities at the site.

      • Represented Eurovest Development, the designated redeveloper of a major public-private transit-oriented mixed use development in Revere, Massachusetts, in all aspects of the development, including negotiation of the Master Development Agreement with the City of Revere, negotiation of air rights and ground lease rights lease with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority for a portion of the project site, coordination of the procurement and construction of a 1,955 space garage to serve MBTA riders and the development, and coordination of all due diligence, permitting, and financing of the project.

      • Represented borrower/developer/guarantor team on the development, permitting, and then construction to permanent senior financing and soft subordinate financing for a 27-unit all affordable transit-oriented development in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Boston. The project, adjacent to the Fairmount station on the MBTA’s Fairmount/Readville Commuter Rail line, is the first new transit-oriented development in this part of Boston in several decades and the first ground-up construction project for long-term firm client Southwest Boston CDC.

      • Represented developer of multiunit condominium project in the Allston neighborhood of Boston in successful proceedings before the Boston Landmarks Commission under the city's demolition delay ordinance. Developer ultimately obtained demolition permit and avoided landmarking petition by neighbors.

      • Represented hotel owner/operator in obtaining necessary municipal approvals for a major interior renovation of a property located in Boston’s Groundwater Conservation Overlay District.

      • Represented national self-storage company in obtaining necessary local approvals for location of moving vehicle rental at an existing facility in a Boston suburb.
      • Represented a major real estate investment trust in land use permitting analysis in connection with the acquisition of an under-construction, 330-unit multifamily development in a southern suburb of Boston.
      • Represented start-up litigation support company in initial lease and subsequent expansion for approximately 6,700 square feet at financial district location.
      • Represented high-tech personnel evaluation software and service provider in relocation from South Shore to approximately 14,000 square feet of space in downtown Boston.
      • Represented residential property owners on the development of new roof decks on abutting property in the South End of Boston.

      • Represented lender on the workout related re-phasing and re-positioning of a major mixed-use development in the northern suburbs of Boston.

      • Advised the City of Lowell, Massachusetts, regarding the development of the Hamilton Canal District Form-Based Code (HCD FBC). Robinson & Cole’s primary responsibilities included reviewing and suggesting revisions to the code as it was developed, drafting and advising the City on administrative and implementation procedures, and providing a legal analysis of the final HCD FBC’s consistency with state zoning and subdivision law.

      • Advised transportation authority on title and transactional matters related to acquiring certain temporary and permanent interests in real estate with certain municipalities in eastern Massachusetts for accessibility improvements, including new elevators, in connection with the authority's settlement of a disabled patron accessibility class lawsuit. Work included extensive title research, preparation of title reports delineating the authority’s current and proposed interests at the stations, and successful completion of contract negotiations through memorandums of agreement with each municipality.

      • Advised transportation authority regarding title and transactional aspects of acquisition of real estate rights from public and private owners for construction of new elevators and station renovations regarding selected station accessibility program. This project included negotiation of memorandums of agreement and preparation of in-depth title reports on the statutory and record title basis for authority’s interests at the stations.

      • Advised transportation authority regarding release by a municipality in eastern Massachusetts of certain Article 97 lands in public parkland for the construction of the new surface-to-subway elevator in connection with the authority's settlement of a disabled patron accessibility class lawsuit.

      • Representation of developer in the zoning relief process for a 22-unit, mixed-income residential development in the Roslindale neighborhood of Boston on behalf of the Roslindale Field Development Corporation, a joint venture of Southwest Boston Community Development Corporation and Urban Edge Housing Corporation.

      • Collaborated with a community foundation in a Midwestern U.S. city on implementation of urban design element for the city's master plan, including substantial amendments to the city's zoning and subdivision codes to produce better urban design and development forms.

      • Assisted local counsel in successful defense of final plan approval for 20-story high-rise development in the town center of Columbia, Maryland. Zoning Board of Appeals hearing examiner ruled that neighbor appellants (some of whom were direct abutters) lacked standing.
      • Represented commercial landlord in a 42,000-square foot lease to a major national clothing and accessories retailer in western Massachusetts. In related transactions, represented landowner in finalizing tax increment financing and negotiating a parking agreement for the property.

      • Represented a national bank in its role as a lender for the Cambridge Housing Authority's (CHA) first four Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) conversion deals. The bank closed the tax-exempt bond financing for 511 units of public housing conversions under HUD's RAD program. The RAD program was created to give public housing authorities a tool to preserve and improve public housing properties by restructuring HUD subsidies into long-term contracts that facilitate the private financing of improvements. These first four transactions were part of a long-term project to convert all 2,129 of CHA's public housing units to RAD. 

      • Drafted, negotiated, and closed on acquisition and financing of existing 8-unit multi-family property in Roslindale, Massachusetts, representing the first real estate acquisition by the client.

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    • Professional Associations

      Professional Associations

      Boston Bar Association
      Council Member (2022 - Current)
      Past Co-Chair Real Estate Law Section, Member of Section Steering Committee

      Congress for the New Urbanism
      Board Clerk of New England Chapter

      Citizens' Housing and Planning Association

      Form-Based Codes Institute
      Member, Steering Committee

      Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce
      Leadership Program Fellow (2019) and Member, Regional Real Estate Development Leadership Council
    • Honors + Awards

      Honors + Awards

      Recognized by Boston magazine as a Top Lawyer in 2022 and 2021. 

      Board Distinguished Service Award, Southwest Boston Community Development Corporation

      Selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© in the area of Real Estate Law since 2019 and in the area of Land Use and Zoning Law for 2021 and 2022.

      Selected to the Massachusetts Super Lawyers list from 2018 to 2021.

      Selected as a Rising Star to the Massachusetts Super Lawyers list in 2008 and from 2010 to 2011.

      Robinson+Cole Pro Bono Service Award Recipient, 2016

      WalkBoston Golden Shoe Award, 2018

    • Community Involvement

      Community Involvement

      City of Boston
      Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (2023)

      WalkBoston
      Board Clerk

      Walkable Urban Place Roslindale, Inc.
      Co-Founder and Board President

      StreetsblogMASS, Inc.
      Co-Founder and Board Member
  • NEWS + PRESS
    • Publications

      Publications

      "Massachusetts enacts H. 4647 during COVID-19 state of emergency," co-authored with Kristen E. Spirou and Kendra L. Berardi, published in the New England Real Estate Journal (5/8/2020)
      • » more info

        • Massachusetts enacts H. 4647 during COVID-19 state of emergency

        "Massachusetts enacts H. 4647 during COVID-19 state of emergency," co-authored by Kristen E. Spirou, Matthew J. Lawlor and Kendra L. Berardi, published in the New England Real Estate Journal (5/8/2020)

        The article gives an overview of the statewide moratorium in Massachusetts covering a broad swath of evictions and foreclosures during the COVID-19 state of emergency. The moratorium implemented through House Bill No. 4647 applies to all non-emergency evictions and foreclosures on occupied residential properties and certain small business premises unit properties throughout the Commonwealth in response to the governor’s COVID-19 emergency declaration.

      • View article

      "Getting down to specifics for Boston's growth zones," published in REBA News, a publication of the Real Estate Bar Association of Massachusetts (March 2015)
      • » more info

        • Getting down to specifics for Boston's growth zones

        "Getting down to specifics for Boston's growth zones," published in REBA News, authored by Matthew J. Lawlor, a publication of the Real Estate Bar Association of Massachusetts (March 2015)

        In response to the prediction of strong population growth in Boston over the next 15 years, requiring almost 53,000 new housing units—senior, student, workforce, and affordable—the idea of growth zones, starting with areas along two major transit lines, has emerged. Mr. Lawlor outlines four critical regulatory questions that need to be answered for the growth zones to have a positive effect: as of right residential density, inclusionary affordable housing requirements, off-street parking requirements, and large project review.

      • View article

      "Tweaking the System: Getting Projects Built and Codes Changed within the Existing Framework," coauthor of chapter 3 in A Legal Guide to Urban and Sustainable Development, Wiley & Sons, Inc. (2008)

      "LEED-ND Pilot Rating System Establishes New Building Guidelines," published in Banker & Tradesman (2/11/2008)

      A Legal Guide to Urban and Sustainable Development for Planners, Developers, and Architects (2008)

      "Helping Communities Make Their Regulations Work for Mixed Use" (Parts 1 & 2) coauthored with Brian Blaesser (12/2007 and 1/2008) published in Retail Law Strategist
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        • authored by Matthew J. Lawlor, "Helping Communities Make Their Regulations Work for Mixed Use" (Parts 1 & 2) coauthored with Brian Blaesser (12/2007 and 1/2008) published in Retail Law Strategist
        The article provides a definition of mixed-use development, notes trends in the retail development industry that have led to mixed-use development becoming a major new business platform for retail space construction, identifies the regulatory impediments to developing mixed-use projects at the local level, and presents strategies and practice tips for overcoming these impediments.

      "Governor Patrick Signs Legislation to Exempt Landlocked Tidelands from Chapter 91 Licensing," published in New England Chapter of the Congress for the New Urbanism, co-authored with Karl P. Baker (Winter 2007)

      "Helping Communities Make Their Regulations Work for Mixed Use," published in Retail Law Strategist, co-authored with Brian W. Blaesser, (Parts 1 & 2) (12/2007 and 1/2008)

      "Chapter 40R: A Good Law Made Better Finally Starts Showing Results," (Fall 2006)
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        • Chapter 40R: A Good Law Made Better Finally Starts Showing Results

        "Chapter 40R: A Good Law Made Better Finally Starts Showing Results," authored by Matthew J. Lawlor (Fall 2006)
        published in the quarterly Webzine of the New England Chapter of the Congress for the New Urbanism

      "Legal Issues in Land Development/Recent Developments in the Law," comments offered to the Boston Society of Civil Engineers, focusing on eminent domain and regulatory takings, Boston, Massachusetts (5/31/2006)

      "Chapter 40R: A New Mechanism for Encouraging Housing Construction," published in Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, co-authored with Michael S. Giaimo (12/2004)

    • Presentations

      Presentations

      "Reimagining The Urban Footprint: Meeting The Needs Of The New World," (1/26/2021)
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        • Reimagining The Urban Footprint: Meeting The Needs Of The New World

        "Reimagining The Urban Footprint: Meeting The Needs Of The New World," presented by Matthew J. Lawlor (1/26/2021)

        Real Estate + Development Group member, Matt Lawlor, moderated the panel on “Reimagining The Urban Footprint: Meeting The Needs Of The New World,” during the Bisnow Digital Summit Boston 2021 Forecast on January 26, 2021. The digital summit discussed the impact of national and local policy initiatives on investment and development, financial strategies to overcome market volatility, and design and planning insights for meeting evolving urban space needs going forward. Matt’s panel specifically addressed several forward-looking questions, including how the intersection of the COVID-10 pandemic, climate change, equity, and the quest for net carbon zero buildings will impact the future of cities.


      "Focus on Housing II: Views from the Practitioner, Grassroots, and Advocate Perspective," at the Boston Bar Association's 2020 Real Estate Conference (2/6/2020)
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        • Focus on Housing II: Views from the Practitioner, Grassroots, and Advocate Perspective

        "Focus on Housing II: Views from the Practitioner, Grassroots, and Advocate Perspective," presented by Matthew J. Lawlor, at the Boston Bar Association's 2020 Real Estate Conference (2/6/2020)

        Real Estate + Development Group member Matt Lawlor moderated the panel discussion “Focus on Housing II: Views from the Practitioner, Grassroots, and Advocate Perspective” at the Boston Bar Association’s inaugural 2020 Real Estate Conference in Boston on February 6, 2020. The conference welcomed top firm practitioners and in-house counsel, real estate industry leaders, government officials, and advocates. They discussed some of the key issues, challenges and opportunities facing Boston’s commercial real estate and development landscape in areas including regional planning, housing, and working with municipalities. Attendees also heard updates from developers on major area projects and their perspectives on industry trends.

         

        Boston Bar educational programs are sponsored in part by the Joan B. DiCola fund of the Boston Bar Foundation. This fund provides support for Boston Bar Association programs and initiatives that foster the education and professional development of lawyers. Matt served on the conference planning committee and Robinson+Cole was pleased to be a conference sponsor.


      "Speed Networking with Real Estate Lawyers," co-presented with Timothy C. Twardowski, at the Boston Bar Association-hosted event. (11/18/2019)
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        • Speed Networking with Real Estate Lawyers

        "Speed Networking with Real Estate Lawyers," co-presented by Matthew J. Lawlor and Timothy C. Twardowski, at the Boston Bar Association-hosted event. (11/18/2019)

        The Boston Bar Association (BBA) hosted the program “Speed Networking with Real Estate Lawyers” at its Boston office on November 18, 2019. The event provided an opportunity for young lawyers and law students interested in real estate law to meet guest practitioners in small groups to learn about their career paths and legal opportunities available in Boston's real estate landscape.  Real Estate + Development Group member Alicia Selman, who was recently appointed Chair of the New Lawyers Liaison Committee for the Real Estate Section of the BBA, co--moderated the panel of speakers at the event. As guest speakers at the speed networking event, which rotated groups every 15 minutes, Real Estate + Development Group members Matt Lawlor and Tim Twardowski discussed their career paths and other relevant topics, including what they like most about their work, what they would like to have known about being a real estate attorney before they started, and any job search or career advice they might offer to younger associates or law students.


      "How Can the Federal Government Encourage Housing Development?” and “YIMBY as a political movement," during the 2018 YIMBYtown conference in Roxbury, Massachusetts (9/20/2018)
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        • How Can the Federal Government Encourage Housing Development?” and “YIMBY as a political movement

        "How Can the Federal Government Encourage Housing Development?” and “YIMBY as a political movement," presented by Matthew J. Lawlor, during the 2018 YIMBYtown conference in Roxbury, Massachusetts (9/20/2018)

        YIMBY (Yes In My Back Yard) is a pro-development grassroots movement and YIMBYtown 2018 was the third annual national YIMBY gathering for community organizers, political leaders, educators, and everyday people to identify problems, create solutions, and share resources on the issues that impact housing on the local, state, and national levels. YIMBYtown 2018’s goal was to advance a model of organizing that builds bridges to new allies, promotes racial diversity and equity, and wins housing campaigns. Matt’s first session was a discussion on “How Can the Federal Government Encourage Housing Development?” The program examined how the federal government can play a role in encouraging the type of development that will create vibrant and walkable communities across the country for people of all income levels. He also facilitated a discussion on “YIMBY as a political movement,” which focused on developing a movement-wide strategy on increasing YIMBY influence in electoral politics.


      "Ground Leasing with Governmental Entities," co-panelist at CLE event sponsored by the Boston Bar Association in Boston, MA. (6/18/2018)
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        • Ground Leasing with Governmental Entities

        "Ground Leasing with Governmental Entities," presented by Matthew J. Lawlor, co-panelist at CLE event sponsored by the Boston Bar Association in Boston, MA. (6/18/2018)

        Panelists included governmental entity in-house counsel, governmental entity outside counsel, and developers' counsel who have worked on ground leases of government-owned real estate. This CLE provided attendees with insight into the most common issues encountered when leasing government-owned real estate, and outlined effective ways to navigate through them.


      "Ground Leasing," co-presenter, hosted by the Real Estate Finance Association (4/24/2018)
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        • Ground Leasing

        "Ground Leasing," presented by Matthew J. Lawlor, co-presenter, hosted by the Real Estate Finance Association (4/24/2018)

        The program reviewed the basic principles of ground leasing, including the purpose and functionality of Ground Leases, the important concepts that Ground Landlords and Ground Tenants should focus on when negotiating them, and the key provisions that lenders look for and require when providing financing for Ground Lease transactions.


      "Anatomy of a Development Project, Session II: State and Local Permitting," panelist, with David Linhart, Goulston & Storrs, P.C., Boston Bar Association. (2/23/2018)

      "Equitable Transportation: Improving Mobility Without Moving People Out," presenter and panel moderator, with Stacy Thompson, Livable Streets Alliance; Adi Nochur, WalkBoston; and Tiffany Cogell, Boston Project Ministries, at the CNU New England Urbanism Summit, Boston, MA. (3/31/2017)

      "Citizen-led and Citizen-supported Change: There’s No Substitute for Showing Up," presenter and panel moderator, with Jesse Kanson-Benanav, A Better Cambridge; Mandana Moshtaghi, WalkUP Roslindale; and Sandy Levine, Conservation Law Foundation, at the CNU New England Urbanism Summit, Providence, RI. (4/28/2016)

      "BBA/CLE - Commercial Leasing Basics," Instructor, with Peter Cahill, FisherBroyles LLP, and Susan Kincaid, WilmerHale LLP, Boston Bar Association, Boston, MA. (10/17/2015)

      "Negotiating & Drafting Office & Retail Leases," presented MCLE seminar; examined similarities, differences, issues, and negotiated solutions of office and retail leasing transactions (4/23/2013)

      "Context-Based Zoning and Other Innovative Tools," at Southern New England American Planning Association Conference: Planning at the Crossroads, Panelist (9/2012)

      "The ABCs of Form-Based Codes & FBC301: Completing, Adopting, and Administering Code," Course Instructor (May 2011)

      "Affordable Housing Law (Chapter 40B)," at Boston Bar Association Real Estate Section, moderator (September 2010)

      "An Introduction to Form-Based Codes," at the Zoning Reform Working Group of the Massachusetts Smart Growth Alliance, Boston, Massachusetts (11/25/2008)

      "Omaha by Design," at the Annual Conference of the American Planning Association (4/2008)

      "Site Acquisition: Negotiating and Drafting the Purchase and Sale of Real Property," at Lorman Education Seminar on Real Estate Development in Massachusetts from Beginning to End in Dedham, Massachusetts (11/16/2007)

      "Site Selection and Due Diligence," at Lorman Education Seminar on Real Estate Development in Massachusetts from Beginning to End in Dedham, Massachusetts (11/16/2007)

      "New Urbanism, Conventional Zoning, and Form-Based Codes," at the CNU 101 seminar in Peterborough, New Hampshire, sponsored by the New England Chapter of the Congress for the New Urbanism (10/2007)

      "Chapter 205 of the Acts of 2006 - The Expedited and Streamlined Permitting Law," at roundtable discussion with David Sterrett, Boston Bar Association's Land Use Development Committee (10/3/2006)
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        • Chapter 205 of the Acts of 2006 - The Expedited and Streamlined Permitting Law

        "Chapter 205 of the Acts of 2006 - The Expedited and Streamlined Permitting Law," at roundtable discussion with David Sterrett, Boston Bar Association's Land Use Development Committee, presented by Matthew J. Lawlor (10/3/2006)
        Assistant Corporation Counsel, City of Boston, at the monthly meeting of the Boston Bar Association's Land Use and Development Committee.

      "Smart Growth Overlays Join Chapter 40B: Massachusetts Goes for the Carrot to Encourage Denser Housing Development," at Lorman Education Seminar on Advanced Zoning and Land Use in Massachusetts, Worcester, Massachusetts (8/4/2006)
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        • Smart Growth Overlays Join Chapter 40B: Massachusetts Goes for the Carrot to Encourage Denser Housing Development

        "Smart Growth Overlays Join Chapter 40B: Massachusetts Goes for the Carrot to Encourage Denser Housing Development," at Lorman Education Seminar on Advanced Zoning and Land Use in Massachusetts, Worcester, Massachusetts, presented by Matthew J. Lawlor (8/4/2006)
        Smart Growth Overlays Join Chapter 40B: Massachusetts Goes for the Court to Encourage Denser Housing Development presented at Lohrman Education Seminar on Advanced Zoning and Land Use in Massachusetts, Worcester, MA.

      "Special Zoning Districts and Provisions in Boston," at Lorman Education Seminar on Advanced Zoning and Land Use in Massachusetts (Boston Focus), Boston, Massachusetts (12/2/2005)

      "New Urbanism, Smart Growth, TOD and Form-Based Coding: Can They Really Work in Massachusetts," at Lorman Education Seminar on Advanced Zoning and Land Use in Massachusetts, co-presented with George Proakis, City of Lowell (8/2005)

      "Anti-Snob Zoning and Smart Growth Overlays: The Yin and Yang of Multifamily Housing Development in Massachusetts," at Lorman Education Seminar on Advanced Zoning and Land Use - Massachusetts (8/2005)

      "The New Chapter 40R: Massachusetts Tries to Encourage Smart Growth through Incentives for Higher Density Residential and Mixed-Use Zoning," at Smart Policies for Smart Design Session at the Congress for New Urbanism - New England Chapter First Annual Conference, Placemaking in New England, co-presented with Sarah Young, deputy director of policy, Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (4/2005)

    • News

      R+C in the News

      • April 13, 2023

        Matt Lawlor Selected to Serve on Mayor Wu’s Advisory Committee on Affordable Housing

        • » more info

          Matt Lawlor Selected to Serve on Mayor Wu’s Advisory Committee on Affordable Housing

          Real Estate + Development Group Chair Matt Lawlor has been named, along with a number of other real estate professionals, public officials, and civic leaders, to a new City of Boston affordable housing advisory committee. Stemming from an executive order signed at the end of 2022 by Mayor Michelle Wu, the committee will seek to guide the city’s efforts to increase the speed at which new affordable housing projects are approved for development through a comprehensive five part plan. Specifically, the executive order aims to reduce that time in half. Matt’s practice includes representing major lenders and developers in affordable housing financing for the construction and major rehabilitation and new construction of residential developments. Read more from the City the of Boston.

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      • December 13, 2022

        Boston Magazine Names Six R+C Lawyers as Top Lawyers 2022

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          Boston Magazine Names Six R+C Lawyers as Top Lawyers 2022

          Six Robinson+Cole lawyers—Kendra Berardi, Amanda Eckhoff, Michael Giaimo, Matthew Lawlor, Seth Orkand and Timothy Twardowski— were designated as Top Lawyers 2022 by Boston magazine. Now in its second year, the list was issued in the December 2022 edition of the magazine and included 1,211 best lawyers in the region, as chosen by their peers. The feature aims to serve readers as a valued resource for finding the best and most widely recognized lawyers in the Greater Boston area for their excellence in legal work. Lawyers were invited to nominate up to three of their peers in a select number of law specialty categories. Learn more and view the list.

      • September 8, 2022

        Matt Lawlor Elected to Boston Bar Association Council

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          Matt Lawlor Elected to Boston Bar Association Council

          Real Estate + Development Group chair Matthew J. Lawlor has been elected to serve as a member of the Boston Bar Association (BBA) Council. Matt’s three-year term on the BBA’s governing council of 34 leaders from the legal profession began September 1, 2022. The BBA is the Commonwealth’s premier legal association, home to over 15,000 members and 140 institutional partners consisting of law firms, corporations, government agencies, legal aid organizations, and law schools. The Council is charged with advancing the mission of the BBA to promote the highest standards of excellence for the legal profession, facilitate access to justice, foster a diverse and inclusive professional community, and serve the community at large.

      • December 13, 2021

        Boston Magazine Names Seven R+C Lawyers as a Top Lawyer 2021

      • July 21, 2021

        Professional Development Committee Presents Alumnae In-House Counsel Panel

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          Professional Development Committee Presents Alumnae In-House Counsel Panel

          On July 14, 2021, Robinson+Cole’s Professional Development Committee (PDC) presented a “virtual fireside chat” with an in-house counsel panel of R+C alumnae. The panelists included Cara Bilotta, Senior Counsel, North America, Products and Platforms, Mastercard; Cynthia Christie, Lead Counsel, Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation, MassMutual; Nicole Najam, Chief Employment Counsel, Hubbell, Incorporated and Elizabeth Wright, Associate Director, Real Estate Legal Services, MIT Investment Management Company. Moderated by PDC members Matthew J. Lawlor and Jonathan H. Schaefer, the panelists discussed their roles and responsibilities, current business priorities, and how COVID-19 has impacted their roles and the way they work, both internally and externally. Diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) efforts and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) awareness were also among the topics covered during the open discussion. In addition, Cara, Cynthia, Nicole, and Elizabeth offered insight on seeking and maintaining outside counsel relationships as well as tips for effectively working with in-house counsel.

      • August 19, 2020

        Matt Lawlor Featured in Best Lawyers 2020 New England Article on Affordable Housing Shortage in Boston

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          Matt Lawlor Featured in Best Lawyers 2020 New England Article on Affordable Housing Shortage in Boston

          Real Estate + Development Group lawyer Matthew J. Lawlor was included in an interview feature as part of the article “Gimme Shelter” published in the “In the Law” section of Best Lawyers 2020 New England. The article examines what can be done, legally and politically, to combat the affordable housing shortage in Boston and in other desirable cities like it. Matt shares ways in which people can legally fight the housing-affordability crisis, including legal measures that can be taken, and offers insight on the repercussions there may be if the issue is unaddressed. Best Lawyers 2020 New England is one of the regional Best Lawyers supplements containing exclusive coverage of "Lawyers of the Year," news and events, and the current list of recognized lawyers in more than 25 locations in the U.S. Read the article on page 5.

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      • May 10, 2020

        Matt Lawlor, Kendra Berardi, and Kristen Elia Author Article on Massachusetts Moratorium Published in New England Real Estate Journal

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          Matt Lawlor, Kendra Berardi, and Kristen Elia Author Article on Massachusetts Moratorium Published in New England Real Estate Journal

          Real Estate + Development Group lawyers Matthew J. Lawlor and Kristen E. Elia and Business Litigation Group lawyer Kendra L. Berardi authored the article “Massachusetts enacts H. 4647 during COVID-19 state of emergency” published in the New England Real Estate Journal on May 8, 2020. The article gives an overview of the statewide moratorium in Massachusetts covering a broad swath of evictions and foreclosures during the COVID-19 state of emergency. The moratorium implemented through House Bill No. 4647 applies to all non-emergency evictions and foreclosures on occupied residential properties and certain small business premises unit properties throughout the Commonwealth in response to the governor’s COVID-19 emergency declaration. Read the full article.

      • February 8, 2019

        Boston Office Attends Annual John & Abigail Adams Benefit Ball

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          Boston Office Attends Annual John & Abigail Adams Benefit Ball

          On Saturday, January 26, 2019, Kendra L. Berardi, Julianna M. Charpentier, Melissa A. Frost, Matthew J. Lawlor, Andrew W. Monthey, Alicia R. Selman, Melissa (Lisa) Thompson, and Derek Valentine, accompanied by their significant others, attended the annual John & Abigail Adams Benefit Ball at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Hosted by the Boston Bar Foundation, the event is the largest of its kind in the Boston area, with 100 percent of the proceeds funding direct grants awarded to local organizations that serve thousands of individuals and families struggling with critical issues such as homelessness, domestic violence, and various forms of injustice. This year’s event raised a record breaking $725,000+ for the work of the Foundation. View a photo from the event.

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      • January 29, 2019

        Matt Lawlor Accepted into Greater Boston Chamber Fellowship Program for Advanced Leaders

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          Matt Lawlor Accepted into Greater Boston Chamber Fellowship Program for Advanced Leaders

          Real Estate + Development Group lawyer Matthew J. Lawlor was recently selected to participate in the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Fellowship (Chamber Fellows) for Advanced Leaders program. The six-month leadership program for senior-level professionals gives Chamber Fellows the opportunity to explore the topic of leadership through a deep dive into a civic issue facing the region’s business community. The theme for the January to June 2019 session is transportation, featuring a curriculum focused on the region’s pressing public transit needs and opportunities. The program will provide an opportunity to learn systems thinking and distributed leadership through classroom sessions with the MIT Sloan School of Management, an experiential project with Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, and through a peer cohort of about 25 advanced leaders across industries, who are facing similar challenges at the executive level. Each year, the Chamber Fellows program accepts up to 40 senior executives with 15+ years of management experience from Chamber member organizations, such as Robinson+Cole. 

      • October 18, 2018

        51 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

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          51 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

          A total of 51 Robinson+Cole attorneys were named Super Lawyers® in the states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island for 2018. In addition, 32 attorneys at the firm were recognized as “Rising Stars.” The Super Lawyers designation is based on regional balloting by attorneys, third-party research, and a peer review process encompassing myriad practice areas. An explanation of the Super Lawyers methodology can be found here. View the list of recognized attorneys and their areas of practice.

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      • October 4, 2018

        Matt Lawlor Moderates Two Programs During Boston YIMBYtown

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          Matt Lawlor Moderates Two Programs During Boston YIMBYtown

          Real Estate + Development Group lawyer Matthew J. Lawlor moderated two programs during the 2018 YIMBYtown conference held September 20-23, 2018 at Roxbury Community College in Roxbury, Massachusetts. YIMBY (Yes In My Back Yard) is a pro-development grassroots movement and YIMBYtown 2018 was the third annual national YIMBY gathering for community organizers, political leaders, educators, and everyday people to identify problems, create solutions, and share resources on the issues that impact housing on the local, state, and national levels. YIMBYtown 2018’s goal was to advance a model of organizing that builds bridges to new allies, promotes racial diversity and equity, and wins housing campaigns. Matt’s first session was a discussion on “How Can the Federal Government Encourage Housing Development?” The program examined how the federal government can play a role in encouraging the type of development that will create vibrant and walkable communities across the country for people of all income levels. He also facilitated a discussion on “YIMBY as a political movement,” which focused on developing a movement-wide strategy on increasing YIMBY influence in electoral politics.

      • August 20, 2018

        52 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2019

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          52 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2019

          52 Robinson+Cole lawyers were selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2019 (Copyright 2018 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, SC).

          See a complete listing of all Robinson+Cole's ranked lawyers.

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      • June 26, 2018

        Matt Lawlor Presents CLE Program on Ground Leasing with Governmental Entities

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          Matt Lawlor Presents CLE Program on Ground Leasing with Governmental Entities

          Real Estate + Development Group lawyer Matthew J. Lawlor was among the speakers that presented during a CLE program on “Ground Leasing with Governmental Entities” on June 18, 2018. Presented and hosted by the Real Estate Section of the Boston Bar Association, the program offered insight into the most common issues encountered and effective ways to navigate through them.

      • April 30, 2018

        Matt Lawlor Presents Program on Ground Leasing for Real Estate Finance Association

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          Matt Lawlor Presents Program on Ground Leasing for Real Estate Finance Association

          Real Estate + Development Group lawyer Matthew J. Lawlor co-presented a program on Ground Leasing with the Real Estate Finance Association (REFA) on April 24, 2018, in Boston, Massachusetts. The program reviewed the basic principles of ground leasing, including the purpose and functionality of Ground Leases, the important concepts that Ground Landlords and Ground Tenants should focus on when negotiating them, and the key provisions that lenders look for and require when providing financing for Ground Lease transactions.

      • February 14, 2018

        Boston Lawyers Attend Annual John & Abigail Adams Benefit

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          Boston Lawyers Attend Annual John & Abigail Adams Benefit

          On Saturday, January 27, 2018, Nadine L. Ebersole, Matthew J. Lawlor, Andrew W. Monthey, and Derek Valentine, accompanied by their significant others, attended the annual John & Abigail Adams Benefit at the Museum of Fine Arts. Hosted by the Boston Bar Foundation, the event is the largest of its kind in the Boston area, with 100 percent of the proceeds funding direct grants awarded to local organizations that serve thousands of individuals and families struggling with critical issues such as homelessness, domestic violence, and various forms of injustice. View a photo from the event.

      • January 31, 2017

        Boston Lawyers Attend Annual John & Abigail Adams Benefit

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          Boston Lawyers Attend Annual John & Abigail Adams Benefit

          On Saturday, January 28, 2017, J. Michael Wirvin, Matthew J. Lawlor, and Kendra L. Berardi accompanied by their significant others, attended the annual John & Abigail Adams Benefit at the Museum of Fine Arts. Hosted by the Boston Bar Foundation, the event is the largest of its kind in the Boston area, with 100 percent of the proceeds funding direct grants awarded to local organizations that serve thousands of individuals and families struggling with critical issues such as homelessness, domestic violence, and various forms of injustice. Click here to view a photo from the event.

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      • October 10, 2016

        Matt Lawlor Selected by the Boston Bar Association as “The Most Interesting Lawyer of the Week”

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          Matt Lawlor Selected by the Boston Bar Association as “The Most Interesting Lawyer of the Week”

          Real Estate + Development Group lawyer Matthew J. Lawlor was chosen by the Boston Bar Association to be featured in a new series called “The Most Interesting Lawyer of the Week.” In the feature, Mr. Lawlor reflects on what inspired his interest in urban planning and how that interest eventually led him to the practice of law. He also shares his impressions on Boston’s current development policies and activity.

          Read the complete article here.

      • December 18, 2015

        Boston Lawyers Participate in 2015 WomenUp Event

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          Boston Lawyers Participate in 2015 WomenUp Event

          Boston lawyers Katherine C. Bailey, J. Michael Wirvin, Kathleen M. Porter, and Matthew J. Lawlor, together with clients and friends of the firm, attended the 2015 WomenUp: Local Women of Influence Celebration breakfast in Boston on December 8, 2015. Sponsored by the Boston Business Journal, Webster Bank, Care.com, Robinson+Cole, and Emirates Airlines, the event recognized 23 Boston-area women of influence, business leaders, innovators, and visionaries, who have demonstrated entrepreneurial success at their companies and in the community. Before an audience of more than 300 professionals and entrepreneurs, business and intellectual property lawyer Kathleen Porter provided an overview of Robinson+Cole and then introduced four of the honorees. 

          The national WomenUp.org's mission is "to increase women's role in the global economy by providing leadership training, mentorship, and support to girls and women through every stage of their lives and careers."

      • April 17, 2015

        Robinson+Cole Represents National Bank in HUD Rental Assistance Demonstration Conversion Deals with Cambridge Housing Authority

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          Robinson+Cole Represents National Bank in HUD Rental Assistance Demonstration Conversion Deals with Cambridge Housing Authority

          Robinson+Cole real estate lawyers Andrew L. Kramer, Matthew J. Lawlor, Jerome L. Garciano, and Katherine C. Bailey represented a national bank in its role as a lender for the Cambridge Housing Authority's (CHA) first four Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) conversion deals. In April 2015, the bank closed the tax-exempt bond financing for 511 units of public housing conversions under HUD's RAD program. The RAD program was created to give public housing authorities a tool to preserve and improve public housing properties by restructuring HUD subsidies into long-term contracts that facilitate the private financing of improvements. These first four transactions are part of a long-term project to convert all 2,129 of CHA's public housing units to RAD. The bank is the top affordable housing finance provider in the country, lending $3.2 billion in 2014.

           

      • April 6, 2015

        Matt Lawlor Publishes Article for REBA News

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          Matt Lawlor Publishes Article for REBA News

          Matthew J. Lawlor, real estate lawyer in the Boston office, wrote the article "Getting down to specifics for Boston's growth zones," which appeared in the March 2015 issue of REBA News, a publication of the Real Estate Bar Association for Massachusetts. In response to the prediction of strong population growth in Boston over the next 15 years, requiring almost 53,000 new housing units—senior, student, workforce, and affordable—the idea of growth zones, starting with areas along two major transit lines, has emerged. Mr. Lawlor outlines four critical regulatory questions that need to be answered for the growth zones to have a positive effect: as of right residential density, inclusionary affordable housing requirements, off-street parking requirements, and large project review. To find out more, please click here.  

      • December 19, 2014

        Boston Lawyers Address WomenUp Event

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          Boston Lawyers Address WomenUp Event

          Business and intellectual property lawyer Kathleen M. Porter and real estate lawyer Carla M. Moynihan participated in the WomenUp – Local Women of Influence awards breakfast in Boston on December 11, 2014. The event profiled 22 Boston-area women of influence, visionary entrepreneurs who are making a mark in Boston's economic environment. Before the audience of more than 500 women professionals and entrepreneurs, Ms. Porter and Ms. Moynihan provided an overview of Robinson+Cole and then introduced four of the honorees. Boston lawyers Amanda S. Eckhoff, Caitlin M. Healey, Elizabeth W. Kaloyanides, Katherine C. Bailey, Misha K. Daha, Matthew J. Lawlor, and J. Michael Wirvin also attended the event, together with clients and friends of the firm.

          WomenUp.org's mission is "to increase women's role in the global economy by providing leadership training, mentorship, and support to girls and women through every stage of their lives and careers."

           

      • August 14, 2014

        Robinson+Cole Lawyers Host Networking Event at 2014 ABA Annual Meeting

      • November 4, 2013

        Boston Lawyers Represent R&C at CHAPA's Annual Dinner

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          Boston Lawyers Represent R&C at CHAPA's Annual Dinner

          Real estate lawyers Matthew J. Lawlor and Carla M. Moynihan represented Robinson & Cole's Real Estate Group at the Citizens' Housing and Planning Association's (CHAPA) Annual Dinner on October 29, 2013. The firm sponsored the event at the Supporter level. Before a packed house of over one thousand attendees at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center in South Boston, keynote speaker Professor John McDonough, from the Harvard School of Public Health, talked about opportunities in merging housing, health, and health reform.

          A nonprofit umbrella organization for affordable housing and community development activities in Massachusetts, CHAPA is the only statewide group that represents all aspects of the housing field, including nonprofit and for-profit developers, municipal officials, local housing providers and advocates, lenders, property managers, architects, consultants, homeowners, tenants, local planners, foundations, and government officials. Its mission is "to encourage the production and preservation of housing that is affordable to low and moderate income families and individuals and to foster diverse and sustainable communities through planning and community development."
      • May 15, 2013

        Real Estate Lawyer Chairs MCLE Seminar

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          Real Estate Lawyer Chairs MCLE Seminar

          Real estate lawyer Matthew J. Lawlor recently chaired a half-day Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) seminar entitled "Negotiating & Drafting Office & Retail Leases in Massachusetts." The session examined and compared all aspects of office and retail leasing transactions and identified their key similarities and differences. The program was developed for both novice and experienced practitioners looking to improve their lease drafting and negotiating skills. Mr. Lawlor co-chaired the seminar with four of the region's most experienced leasing lawyers, including firm client Mike Strauss from Ahold USA, Inc. (Stop & Shop).
      • September 18, 2012

        Land Use Lawyers Speaking at 2012 Southern New England American Planning Association Conference

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          Land Use Lawyers Speaking at 2012 Southern New England American Planning Association Conference

          Seven land use lawyers will serve on panel discussions at the 2012 Southern New England American Planning Association Conference at the Connecticut Convention Center September 20 and 21.

          The Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island chapters of the American Planning Association organize this annual regional planning conference. The 2012 theme is “Planning at the Crossroads.”

          Timothy D. Bates will be a panelist for the discussion “Land Banking: An Opportunity for Southern New England?” Panelists will discuss how land banks have helped communities with vacant properties. Sorell E. Negro and Evan J. Seeman will moderate the discussion.

          Matthew J. Lawlor will be a panelist for the discussion “Context-Based Zoning and Other Innovative Tools.” The panel will discuss how municipalities use form-based codes for development projects and for establishing relationships with the public.

          Dwight H. Merriam and Brian R. Smith will be panelists for the discussion “Land Use Law: What you Don’t Know WILL Hurt You – The Most Important Land Use Law Developments of the Last Year.” Mr. Merriam also will moderate the discussion.

          Thomas P. Cody will present one of the conference’s three mobile workshops. Mr. Cody, chair of the Riverfront Recapture board of directors, and Joseph R. Marfuggi, president and chief operating officer of Riverfront Recapture, will present “Riverfront Recapture – Park Development Along the Connecticut River,” which involves a walking tour of riverfront parks in Hartford and East Hartford.

          Land use analyst Linnea C. McCaffrey served on the conference’s planning committee and organized the conference’s three mobile workshops.
      • November 14, 2011

        Robinson & Cole Client Breaks Ground on New Medical Facility in Boston

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          Robinson & Cole Client Breaks Ground on New Medical Facility in Boston

          Robinson & Cole represented the developer, The Beal Companies, for the new Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary’s (MEEI) medical office and outpatient facility, which broke ground October 26, 2011. The facility will be constructed at 800 Huntington Avenue in Boston’s Mission Hill section. Peter Spellios, senior vice president and general counsel for Beal, was master of ceremonies for the event, which was headlined by Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino. The Robinson & Cole team that helped Beal bring the project to reality included Matthew J. Lawlor, Carla M. Moynihan, and Gregory S. Sampson as the land use and zoning lead lawyers, and Lisa M. Boyle and Kimberly E. Troland as the health care law lead lawyers. Ms. Boyle and Ms. Troland helped Beal land MEEI as the tenant for 800 Huntington. Robinson & Cole received special mention at the ceremony along with the rest of Beal’s design and development team.
      • May 17, 2011

        Land Use Attorney Teaches the ABCs of Form-Based Codes

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          Land Use Attorney Teaches the ABCs of Form-Based Codes

          Land use counsel Matthew J. Lawlor taught two courses at a three-day training program, “The ABCs of Form-Based Codes & FBC301: Completing, Adopting and Administering Code,” at the Portland Public Library in Portland, Maine, May 2 to May 4, 2011.

          The first course covered the basic principles and components of form-based codes. Mr. Lawlor’s presentation focused on legal issues raised by this new type of land development regulation. The second, more advanced course, focused on completing, adopting, and administering the form-based codes. Mr. Lawlor reviewed the adoption and implementation approach for the Hamilton Canal District Form-Based Code, which Robinson & Cole acted as special legal advisor to the City of Lowell, Massachusetts.

      • October 19, 2010

        Land Law Attorney Delivers Presentation on Form-Based Code Legal Issues at American Planning Association Conference

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          Land Law Attorney Delivers Presentation on Form-Based Code Legal Issues at American Planning Association Conference

          The Northern New England Chapter of the American Planning Association held its annual planning conference in Portsmouth, NH, October 7 and 8. As part of the conference’s track on integrating land use, natural resources, and transportation planning, Boston office land use attorney Matthew J. Lawlor delivered a presentation on selected legal issues raised by form-based codes adopted in New England. His presentation was in conjunction with a background presentation on form-based codes and New England examples by George Proakis, planning director for the City of Somerville, MA, and with a how-to presentation on the downtown Dover, NH, form-based code district by Chris Parker, the Dover planning director, and Steve Whitman, an architect and urban designer with Jeffrey Taylor Associates. Among the form-based codes reviewed and analyzed concerning characteristics and legal issues were Hamilton Canal District in Lowell, MA, and the Tri-Town Development Area in Andover, Tewksbury, and Wilmington, MA, two codes on which Mr. Lawlor has worked for the firm.
      • October 5, 2010

        Attorneys Help Launch Boston Bar Association Real Estate Section Season

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          Attorneys Help Launch Boston Bar Association Real Estate Section Season

          The Boston Bar Association (BBA) Real Estate Section recently kicked off its 2010-2011 event season thanks to the efforts of Robinson & Cole attorneys Brian W. Blaesser, Matthew J. Lawlor, and Carla M. Moynihan. The first program focused on the state’s affordable housing law (Chapter 40B) and the public policy issues facing Massachusetts voters in light of the November ballot question to repeal the statute.

          Mr. Lawlor, counsel in the firm’s Land Use and Real Estate Development Practice Groups, organized the three-hour, three-panel session, moderating the first one. Mr. Blaesser, a LandLaw partner well-known for his 40B development work and affordable housing appeals practice, was a panelist in the second panel. Ms. Moynihan, a partner in the Real Estate Practice Group, is cochair of the BBA Real Estate Section, which addresses specific substantive areas of law ranging from bankruptcy to zoning, including land use, environmental issues, development, financing, and eminent domain matters.

      • June 10, 2010

        Robinson & Cole Land Use Attorneys Host “Smart Growth” Webinar

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          Robinson & Cole Land Use Attorneys Host “Smart Growth” Webinar

          Land use attorneys Matthew J. Lawlor and Gregory S. Sampson recently presented a webinar entitled “Smart Growth - Sustainability in Land Use Planning: Development Rating Systems and Regulatory Approaches,” to approximately 450 members of the American Planning Association (APA). Land use analyst Linnea McCaffrey organized and moderated the webinar. Mr. Sampson discussed the recently released Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Neighborhood Development rating system, and Mr. Lawlor reviewed the use of form-based codes as a regulatory tool to address sustainability goals in planning. Robinson & Cole's Land Use Practice Group is registered with the APA as a provider of continuing education courses for members of the American Institute of Certified Planners.
      • September 17, 2009

        Robinson & Cole Attorneys Participate in Panel Discussion for Boston Bar Association

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          Robinson & Cole Attorneys Participate in Panel Discussion for Boston Bar Association

          Michael S. Giaimo, Land Use group partner and managing partner of the Boston office, participated in a panel discussion September 10, 2009, that addressed practical and legal challenges to projects proposed under Chapter 40R, a statute for promoting production of housing in "smart growth" developments. The discussion was part of the brown bag lunch meeting of the Boston Bar Association's Land Use & Development Committee, cochaired by Land Use counsel Matthew J. Lawlor. Mr. Giaimo’s fellow panelists were planning consultant Angus Jennings of Concord Square Planning and Development and municipal attorney Jonathan Silverstein of Kopelman & Paige. The discussion addressed how the statute has lived up to the hopes of its proponents with a particular focus on two appeals involving the statute: (i) 2007 declaratory judgment actions challenging Kingston town meeting’s adoption of the Kingston Place 40R overlay district; and (ii) the appeal undertaken this spring from the Natick Planning Board’s 40R project approval for the Natick Paperboard redevelopment, which includes a challenge to the constitutionality of 40R’s appeal record and bonding requirements.
      • October 27, 2008

        Robinson & Cole Land Use Attorney Participates at 2008 Fall Council Meeting of ABA Section

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          Robinson & Cole Land Use Attorney Participates at 2008 Fall Council Meeting of ABA Section

          Matthew J. Lawlor, of the Land Use Practice Group, recently participated as a session panelist at the 2008 Fall Council Meeting of the ABA Section of State and Local Government Law in Chicago. The session, entitled "Smart Growth and Green Growth: Land Use Planning in a Time of Climate Change," focused on new ideas in land use planning and regulation that are both smarter and greener in the advent of climate change and the growing list of states and local governments adopting greenhouse gas emissions reduction mandates.
      • September 5, 2008

        Robinson & Cole Attorney Appointed Co-Chair of BBA's Land Use & Development Committee

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          Robinson & Cole Attorney Appointed Co-Chair of BBA's Land Use & Development Committee

          Land Use group attorney Matthew J. Lawlor was recently appointed the co-chair of the Boston Bar Association's (BBA) Land Use & Development Committee.
      • May 13, 2008

        Robinson & Cole Attorney Serves as Panel Member and Presenter at Omaha by Design

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          Robinson & Cole Attorney Serves as Panel Member and Presenter at Omaha by Design

          LandLaw Attorney Matthew J. Lawlor recently served as a panel member and presenter for the Omaha By Design Session at the Annual Conference of the American Planning Association, held in Las Vegas, Nevada, on April 27, 2008. Mr. Lawlor spoke regarding legal issues encountered in the firm's efforts (led by LandLaw Partner Brian W. Blaesser) and coordination with local Nebraska municipal attorneys in assisting the City of Omaha with the adoption of major revisions to the municipal zoning and subdivision codes to implement a new city-wide urban design plan. The plan and code amendments can be viewed here.
      • February 15, 2008

        Robinson & Cole Land Use Attorney's Article Featured in Banker & Tradesman

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          Robinson & Cole Land Use Attorney's Article Featured in Banker & Tradesman

          Matthew J. Lawlor recently authored the article "LEED-ND Pilot Rating System Establishes New Building Guidelines" for the February 11th, 2008 issue of Banker & Tradesman. The article discusses the new development project rating system entitled "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design - Neighborhood Development" or LEED-ND. The system, developed by the US Green Building Council in collaboration with the Congress for the New Urbanism and the Natural Resources Defense Council, seeks to rate entire development projects, instead of just buildings, with regard to their environmental sustainability and energy use. Please click here to read article.

      R+C News Releases

      • August 18, 2022

        74 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America 2023

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          74 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America 2023

          74 Robinson+Cole lawyers were selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2023. Of the 74 lawyers from across the firm’s practice groups and offices named to the list, 54 are from Connecticut. The firm continues to have the highest number of recognized lawyers in the state. Robinson+Cole also has the highest number of listed lawyers in Connecticut in the areas of environmental law insurance law and construction litigation. Only the top 5.3 percent of all practicing lawyers in the U.S. were selected by their peers for inclusion in the 29th edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.

          Additionally, the following five lawyers were named the Best Lawyers® 2023 “Lawyer of the Year” in Hartford, Connecticut, in the noted practice areas: Brian R. Smith in Land Use and Zoning Law, Christine E. Bromberg in Tax Law, James P. Ray in Litigation – Environmental, Joey Lee Miranda in Energy Regulatory Law, Norman H. Roos in Banking and Finance Law, Rachel V. Kushel in Employment Law – Management, Theodore J. Tucci in  Health Care Law and Virginia E. McGarrity – in Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law.

          The third edition of Best Lawyers: “Ones to Watch” was also released, includes 23 Robinson+Cole lawyers. The “Ones to Watch” recognition is given to attorneys early in their careers for their outstanding professional excellence in private practice in the United States. The firm has the highest number of lawyers to receive this designation in Hartford, Connecticut. Read more in the press release.

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      • October 14, 2021

        Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

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          Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

          A total of 42 Robinson+Cole attorneys were named to Super Lawyers® lists in the States of Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island for 2021. In addition, 29 attorneys at the firm were recognized as “Rising Stars.”

          Bruce B. Barth and Jeffrey J. White were named to the Top 50: 2021 Connecticut Super Lawyers list. Linda L. Morkan appears on the Top 25: 2021 Women Connecticut Super Lawyers list and, similarly, Natalie D. Ramsey was included in the Top 50: 2021 Women Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list. Read more in the press release.

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      • August 19, 2021

        65 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2022

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          65 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2022

          65 Robinson+Cole lawyers were selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2022. Of the 65 lawyers from across the firm’s practice groups and offices named to the list, 49 are from Connecticut. The firm continues to have the highest number of recognized lawyers in the state. Robinson+Cole also has the highest number of listed lawyers in Connecticut in the areas of environmental law and insurance law.

          Additionally, the following five lawyers were named the Best Lawyers® 2022 “Lawyer of the Year” in Hartford, Connecticut, in the noted practice areas: Patrick M. Birney in Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Michael F. Maglio in Banking and Finance Law, Robert S. Melvin in Environmental Law, Joey Lee Miranda in Energy Law and Jacqueline Pennino Scheib in Trademark Law. Peter V. Lacouture was also named a Best Lawyers® 2022 “Lawyer of the Year” in Providence, Rhode Island in the area of Energy Law.

          The second edition of Best Lawyers: “Ones to Watch” was also released, of which 17 total Robinson+Cole lawyers are listed in. The “Ones to Watch” recognition is given to attorneys who are earlier in their careers for their outstanding professional excellence in private practice in the United States. Read more in the press release.

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      • October 15, 2020

        47 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized in Super Lawyers®

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          47 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized in Super Lawyers®

          A total of 47 Robinson+Cole attorneys were named to Super Lawyers® lists in the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island for 2020. In addition, 29 attorneys at the firm were recognized as “Rising Stars.”

          Also, Bruce B. Barth was named to the Top 50: 2020 Connecticut Super Lawyers list and Linda L. Morkan appears on the Top 25: 2020 Women Connecticut Super Lawyers list.

          The Super Lawyers designation is based on regional balloting by attorneys, third-party research, and a peer review process encompassing myriad practice areas. An explanation of the Super Lawyers methodology can be found here. Read more in the press release.

        • View article
      • August 20, 2020

        61 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2021

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          61 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2021

          61 Robinson+Cole lawyers were selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2021. Of the 61 lawyers from across the firm’s practice groups and offices named to the list, 46 are from Connecticut. The firm continues to have the highest number of recognized lawyers in the state. Robinson+Cole also has the highest number of listed lawyers in Connecticut in the areas of environmental law and insurance law.

          Additionally, the following six lawyers were named the Best Lawyers® 2021 “Lawyer of the Year” in Hartford, Connecticut, in the noted practice areas: Michael R. Enright in Litigation – Bankruptcy, Gregory R. Faulkner in Litigation – Construction, Virginia E. McGarrity in Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, Joey Lee Miranda in Environmental Law, James P. Ray in Litigation – Environmental and Theodore J. Tucci in Health Care Law. Michael S. Giaimo was also named a Best Lawyers® 2021 “Lawyer of the Year” in Boston, Massachusetts, in the area of Land Use and Zoning Law.

          The inaugural edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch was also released, of which 17 total Robinson+Cole lawyers are listed in. The “Ones to Watch” recognition is given to attorneys who are earlier in their careers for their outstanding professional excellence in private practice in the United States. Read more in the press release.

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      • October 19, 2019

        52 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

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          52 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

          A total of 52 Robinson+Cole attorneys were named to Super Lawyers® lists in the states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island for 2019. In addition, 32 attorneys at the firm were recognized as “Rising Stars.”

          The following lawyers were named to the Top 50: 2019 Connecticut Super Lawyers list: Denis C. Cavanaugh, Gregory R. Faulkner, Linda L. Morkan, Todd R. Regan, and Jeffrey J. White. Linda also appears on the Top 25: 2019 Women Connecticut Super Lawyers list.

          The Super Lawyers designation is based on regional balloting by attorneys, third-party research, and a peer review process encompassing myriad practice areas. An explanation of the Super Lawyers methodology can be found here. Read more in the press release.

        • View article
      • August 15, 2019

        57 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2020

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          57 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2020

          57 Robinson+Cole lawyers were selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2020. Of the 57 lawyers from across the firm’s practice groups and offices named to the list, 44 are from Connecticut. The firm continues to have the highest number of recognized lawyers in the state. Robinson+Cole also has the highest number of listed lawyers in Connecticut in the areas of environmental law, insurance law, and litigation-construction.

          Additionally, the following four lawyers were named the Best Lawyers® 2020 “Lawyer of the Year” in Hartford, Connecticut, in the noted practice areas: Thomas P. Cody in Real Estate Law, Michael R. Enright in Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, John B. Lynch Jr. in Mergers and Acquisitions Law, and Theodore J. Tucci in Insurance Law. Kathleen M. Porter was also named a Best Lawyers® 2020 “Lawyer of the Year” in Boston, Massachusetts, in the area of Information Technology Law. Read more in the press release.

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      • April 18, 2018

        Matt Lawlor Recognized for Commitment to Enhancing Boston Walking Environment

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          Matt Lawlor Recognized for Commitment to Enhancing Boston Walking Environment

          WalkBoston, an organization that strives to make walking safer and easier in Massachusetts in an effort to encourage better health, a cleaner environment, and more vibrant communities, presented Real Estate + Development Group lawyer Matthew J. Lawlor with its Golden Shoe Award during the organization’s annual celebration held at the Fort Point Room - Atlantic Wharf in Boston, Massachusetts on March 29, 2018.

          Mr. Lawlor currently serves as President of WalkBoston. “He has been a committed leader for our organizational work; helping to engage other Board members, leading the charge on fundraising and seeing WalkBoston through the completion of a new strategic plan,” said Wendy Landman, Executive Director of WalkBoston. “Matt’s steady hand, ready availability, and strong relationships with all of the staff have been a wonderful asset.” Read more and view a photo in the press release.

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      • September 13, 2016

        Robinson+Cole Presents Annual Awards for Dedication and Outstanding Contributions

      • June 11, 2015

        Robinson+Cole Lawyer To Serve as Co-chair of Boston Bar Association Section

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          Robinson+Cole Lawyer To Serve as Co-chair of Boston Bar Association Section

          Robinson+Cole real estate lawyer Matthew J. Lawlor has agreed to serve a two-year term as co-chair of the Boston Bar Association’s (BBA) Real Estate Section, effective June 16. The BBA’s Real Estate Section addresses various areas of real estate law, from bankruptcy to zoning, and hosts programs and discussions on issues including land use, environmental, development, financing, and eminent domain. Over the years, Mr. Lawlor has served in multiple capacities on several committees of the BBA’s Real Estate Section, including the Land Use and Development Committee and the Pro Bono Committee, and as CLE coordinator. He was asked to serve as co-chair of the section this spring.

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      • December 11, 2013

        Robinson & Cole Elects Four New Partners and Promotes Six Counsel

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          Robinson & Cole Elects Four New Partners and Promotes Six Counsel

          Robinson & Cole is pleased to announce the election of four new partners and the promotion of six new counsel. The new partners are Matthew J. Lawlor, Brian D. Nichols, John E. O'Brien, Jr., and Todd R. Regan. The new counsel are Adam Anderson, Stephen O. Clancy, Dana M. Horton, Leigh K. Hughes, Benjamin C. Jensen, and Timothy C. Twardowski. The promotions are effective January 1, 2014.

          "I am thrilled to congratulate our new partners and counsel," said John B. Lynch, Jr., managing partner. "These accomplished lawyers, from varied practice areas in our major markets, all have demonstrated a deep knowledge of their respective legal fields and a strong commitment to delivering exceptional service and value to our clients. Their promotions position the firm to strengthen our client relationships even further and continue to enhance the depth of our practices."
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    • Legal Updates/Newsletters

      Legal Updates/Newsletters

      "Massachusetts SJC Sheds Light on Zoning Protection for Solar Facilities in Tracer Lane II Realty, LLC v. City of Waltham" co-authored with Jessica D. Bardi and Michael S. Giaimo (6/7/2022)

      "Multi-Family Zoning Requirement for MBTA Communities" co-authored with Jessica D. Bardi, Timothy C. Twardowski, Michael S. Giaimo and Kurt S. Stiegel (2/2/2022)

      "Massachusetts Extends Moratorium on Certain Evictions and Foreclosures" co-authored with Kristen E. Spirou (7/27/2020)

      "Massachusetts Enacts H. 4647 – Establishing Broad Eviction and Foreclosure Moratorium During COVID-19 State of Emergency" co-authored with Kendra L. Berardi and Kristen E. Spirou (4/21/2020)

      "An Act to Address Challenges Faced by Municipalities and State Authorities Resulting from COVID-19" co-authored with Jessica D. Bardi, Michael S. Giaimo and Timothy C. Twardowski (4/13/20)