TRUSTS, ESTATE PLANNING AND PROBATE

The estate planning process requires a thorough understanding of probate and tax laws, which are frequently changing. We advise our clients on a variety of techniques to reduce or even eliminate the imposition of estate and gift taxes. We help our clients provide for their heirs, preserve their estates and, in some cases, avoid the need for probate. We are experienced in drafting the appropriate documents to address our clients' needs, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, health care proxies, or other estate planning documents. Our firm has extensive experience probating large and small estates and guiding clients through the intricate process of probate. As part of our estate administration practice, we prepare the necessary probate filings, fiduciary income tax returns and Federal and Massachusetts tax returns.


RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

Residential real estate and related matters are a major aspect of our practice. We have extensive legal experience representing individual and business clients in residential and commercial real estate transactions, including those involving condominium projects, subdivisions and development of business property. We negotiate the terms of purchase and sale agreements, review and resolve title issues, and address concerns regarding financing. We represent clients in the development of real estate projects, acquisitions, sales and leasing.


ZONING, LAND USE AND ENVIRONMENTAL

Our firm represents developers, municipalities and individuals in a wide range of zoning, subdivision, permitting and land use matters, including special permits, site plan review, and variances. We regularly appear before local zoning boards, conservation commissions and other regulatory bodies on projects such as gravel mines, residential building projects, siting of cellular towers, and construction of windmills. We advise our clients on a wide range of environmental issues, including compliance with federal and state environmental review requirements, hazardous waste requirements, wetlands and river protection regulations, and other permit requirements.


CIVIL LITIGATION

We provide our clients with effective representation in court. We have represented clients in several Superior Courts, in the Massachusetts Court of Appeals, in Land Court and in Federal court. We have successfully obtained injunctions and other equitable relief. We have mediation training and have represented citizens' groups and other clients in mediation and in arbitration.


COMMERCIAL AND BUSINESS NEEDS

Our firm advises clients who are starting up their own businesses or involved in ongoing business relationships. Our firm has the expertise to help select the right entity for our clients' business transactions. We assist in the negotiation of contract provisions and prepare loan and security documentation. We structure financing and sales of assets. Our firm prepares lending documentation, leases, and the votes required to effectuate business transactions. We represent a number of nonprofit corporations and have successfully obtained tax exempt status for them.


CRIMINAL LAW

We provide our clients with effective representation in court and related proceedings. We have represented clients in motor vehicle and other misdemeanors and felony charges.


LANDLORD AND TENANT MATTERS

We are experienced in the sometimes surprisingly complex areas of residential and commercial tenancies. We advise tenants on their rights and obligations and we represent a number of landlords with commercial and residential properties. We negotiate and draft leases, disclosures, notices and other required documentation, and we represent our clients in court on landlord and tenant issues.