Real Estate Management and Transactions

Our Environmental Real Estate Management and Transactions Team is comprised of a group of attorneys and paralegals with significant experience in evaluating, analyzing and solving virtually all environmental issues which arise with respect to the day-to-day management of real estate and with the transfer of real estate.  With respect to the day-to-day management of real estate, the members of our Environmental Real Estate Management and Transactions Team have significant experience in advising clients on:  (1) federal, state and local issues arising from accidental releases of hazardous and/or harmful chemicals; (2) defending environmental claims associated with the ownership of real estate (including natural resource damages claims and cost recovery claims); (3) complying with federal, state and local orders to remediate contaminated property; and (4) obtaining appropriate permits or zoning variances when necessary to alter and/or develop property.  In addition, our Environmental Real Estate Management and Transactions Team routinely assists clients with the purchase and sale of real estate and the development of real estate projects.  As part of this process, our clients receive counseling on:  (1)  due diligence associated with historical and current contamination (including satisfying the evolving “all appropriate inquiry” standard and the preparation of Phase 1 and Phase 2 Site Assessments) in preparation for the purchase or sale of real estate; (2) legal options and funding opportunities available under federal, state and local laws to support the purchase of contaminated property and/or to remediate localized contamination of soil or groundwater; (3) the redevelopment of contaminated “brownfield” properties; and (4) actions which may be necessary in order to “clean up” the chain of title prior to purchase (the members of our Real Estate Management and Transactions Team have extensive experience in conducting title searches and identifying impediments to the transfer of real property).