Michael J Lipari

Michael J. Lipari is Partner and Chair of the firm’s Land Use, Zoning and Redevelopment Practice Group where he focuses his practice on redevelopment, land use, zoning, eminent domain, and community association law. Michael’s clients include developers, redevelopers, landowners, landlords and tenants involved in the development and use of various types of projects that include residential, commercial, mixed-use, transit-oriented, industrial, commercial, office and retail development projects. Michael counsels clients throughout all aspects of the development project starting with due diligence prior to acquisition.

Michael has successfully represented builders, developers, and community associations before land use boards throughout New Jersey. He routinely reviews, drafts, and negotiates redevelopment agreements and financial (PILOT) agreements on behalf of redevelopers. Michael currently serves as the Zoning Board Attorney for the Borough of Lincoln Park and was previously appointed as Special Redevelopment Counsel for the Borough of Atlantic Highlands and the Township of Belleville where he advised the Mayor and Council on all redevelopment matters.

Michael also has significant experience representing Community Associations having served as general counsel to many associations ranging in size from 5-unit condominiums to 2,100+ unit Homeowners Associations. Additionally, Michael serves as Land Use Counsel to community associations assisting with complex and unique issues that require specialized knowledge in land use and zoning laws.

Michael’s practice is further enhanced by the practical, hands-on real estate experience that he brings to the firm. Earlier in his career, Michael served as project manager for a real estate development firm, where he managed large residential, commercial and mixed-use development projects. In addition, he served as a developer appointed trustee for a homeowners association in a large mixed-use development, as well as president of a 400+ unit homeowners association.

Michael received his law degree from Seton Hall University School of Law, where he was served on the Appellate Advocacy Moot Court Board and provided pro bono tax assistance to low-income individuals at the Center for Social Justice. Following law school, Michael served as a judicial clerk to the Honorable Mark A. Sullivan, Jr. of the Superior Court of New Jersey, Monmouth Vicinage.

 Representative Matters:

• Guides developers through the complex governmental and regulatory approval process.
• Represents property owners in eminent domain disputes.
• Counsels property owners and developers in the development and redevelopment of residential and commercial properties
• Represents businesses, individuals, developers and community associations in complex real estate contract litigation
• Represents individuals and businesses in various types of contract disputes and general civil matters
• Defends challenges to land use approvals on behalf of property owners and developers

Leadership:

• Member, New Jersey Law Journal, Young Lawyers Editorial Board (2014 – 2018)
• Member, Community Associations Institute – New Jersey Chapter, 2015 Editorial Committee (2015)
• Member, Green Building Committee, New Jersey Builders Association
• Member, U.S. Green Building Council, New Jersey Chapter
• Member, New Jersey State Bar Association, Land Use Law Section
• President, The Legends at Knob Hill Homeowners Association (2010-2013)
• Member, Hill Wallack LLP Professional Relations Committee (2008-2013)
•  Trustee, Indian Fields at Hardyston Homeowners Association, Inc. (2003-2007)

Presentations & Publications:

• You Took the Bar Exam … Now What?, New Jersey Law Journal (July 27, 2016)
• The 'Uberization' of Law: The Case Against Limited Licenses, New Jersey Law Journal (November 18, 2015)
• Vertical GDP Legislation Presents New Options and Long Term Certainty as to Development Projects, Builder/Architect

• Vertical GDP Legislation Adds Certainty for Developers Seeking Long Term Development Projects, New Jersey Builders Association Cutting Edge
• Are You Really a "Green" Builder? Considerations before Calling Yourself "Green", New Jersey Builders Association Cutting Edge
• New Legislation Governs Green Construction, Builder/Architect