Schlesinger & Buchbinder - Newton, MA

Leading Real Estate Development and Land Use Counsel in Newton

Navigating commercial property development, municipal approvals, and corporate growth requires deep statutory knowledge and strong community relationships. Established in 1978 and located at 1200 Walnut Street in Newton Highlands, Schlesinger and Buchbinder, LLP has served as a central pillar of the Massachusetts real estate and business landscape for nearly five decades. Founding partners Alan J. Schlesinger and Stephen J. Buchbinder bring unparalleled experience in guiding landmark developments, having represented owners and developers of major mixed-use projects and most of the affordable housing developments across Newton. Operating as trusted commercial real estate lawyers and business and real estate lawyers, the practice pairs extensive regulatory acumen with practical business strategy. Developers, business owners, and property investors seeking to hire a commercial real estate lawyer who commands respect before municipal boards rely on the firm for successful outcomes.

Comprehensive Zoning, Special Permits, and Municipal Permitting

Securing municipal approvals in Massachusetts demands intricate understanding of local zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, and public hearing procedures. Schlesinger and Buchbinder, LLP guides developers and property owners through complex administrative hurdles, including:

• Securing special permits, site plan approvals, and zoning variances from municipal city councils and boards of appeal.
• Guiding projects through Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40B comprehensive permit processes for affordable housing.
• Representing commercial property owners before historic district commissions and conservation commissions.
• Negotiating host community agreements and municipal operating licenses for specialized commercial entities.
• Structuring public-private partnerships and municipal development agreements for commercial revitalizations.

By anticipating neighborhood concerns and collaborating proactively with municipal planners, the firm facilitates timely project approvals while minimizing regulatory delays.

Commercial Transactions, Financing, and Business Law

Behind every successful property venture lies sound contractual drafting and strategic financial structuring. Functioning as skilled contract lawyers and business formation lawyers, the attorneys counsel regional companies, lenders, and non-profit corporations. The firm structures limited liability companies, joint ventures, and equity partnerships, while negotiating construction contracts, design agreements, and commercial leases. Additionally, the team represents regional financial institutions in commercial lending, construction loans, and refinancing packages, ensuring that client transactions close on sound legal foundations.

Strategic Real Estate Litigation and Administrative Appeals

When development approvals are contested or contractual breaches arise, resolute courtroom representation is critical. As veteran business litigation lawyers, the firm defends clients before Massachusetts Land Courts, Superior Courts, and administrative appellate panels. The practice litigates abutter appeals, zoning challenges, title defects, and commercial leasing disagreements. When project deadlines are jeopardized or developers need a lawyer urgently to defend against emergency injunctions, Schlesinger and Buchbinder, LLP delivers swift, authoritative intervention.

Decades of Recognized Community and Legal Leadership

Schlesinger and Buchbinder, LLP has earned enduring respect throughout New England, distinguished by Martindale-Hubbell 30-year AV Preeminent ratings and selections to Massachusetts Super Lawyers. With firm partners regularly serving on civic committees, community development corporations, and regional nonprofit boards, the practice combines elite institutional capabilities with responsive boutique advocacy that consistently drives economic progress across Newton and Greater Boston.