- Limited Liability CompaniesLaws that facilitated real estate development (mechanics lien reform, authorization for limited liability companies, permit extension laws, expanded Land Court subject matter jurisdiction, expanded right to withdraw land from the Torrens system);
- Real Estate LitigationFor more than 150 years, REBA’s shared legacy has been advancing the practice of real estate law while upholding and promoting fair dealing, professional networking and collegiality among members of the real estate bar.
- Construction LitigationI am excited to be a new member of REBA. As development and building in Massachusetts continues to boom, it’s more important than ever for construction law practitioners to stay on top of new developments and court decisions impacting owners, developers and contractors. REBA is a great resource toward this end.
- Real Estate TransactionsIn the practice of law, as in most other activities, the best advice is to associate yourself with the people who are the best at what they do. REBA provides just that opportunity to lawyers of all levels of experience and ability. The Board of Directors is an extraordinary group representing the best talent in areas as diverse as Affordable Housing and Commercial Leasing. There is no professional association that provides more comprehensive resources through open meetings, mentoring and individual advice on ethical issues. Membership also provides access to the Association’s invaluable Title, Practice, and Ethical Standards and Forms. On top of all that, REBA is the leading advocate in Massachusetts for the essential role of attorneys in real estate transactions. That is why I am proud to be a member of REBA
- Land Use and ZoningWhen I joined Rackemann, Sawyer & Brewster in 1983, it was simply assumed by the firm’s partners that I would become a member of the Massachusetts Conveyancers Association, now known as the Real Estate Bar Association for Massachusetts. The firm’s connection to the Association goes “way” back and all new lawyers were expected to become members, almost before they got their pencils sharpened at their new desks. But what is most impressive to me is how the Association has evolved, right along with my own practice, and remains every bit as relevant for me today as it was back in those pre-computer dark ages. While it remains the preeminent organization for conveyancing and title lawyers, REBA is so much more. As a commercial transactional lawyer, the growth of the organization to include the Affordable Housing, Commercial Leasing, Commercial Real Estate Financing, Land Use and Zoning, and other Sections has enhanced the value in my day-to-day practice of my REBA membership. As an active and concerned member of the real estate bar, I appreciate the ongoing efforts of the Legislation Section and the Amicus Committee to ensure that the interests of the bar and of our clients are represented and heard on Beacon Hill and in the courts of the Commonwealth. As a parent of future homeowners, I treasure the role played by the Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee in preserving the role of attorneys at the closing table to protect the interests of homebuyers in what, for most, will be the largest transaction of their lives. On top of all of that, some of the finest people I know I have met through REBA activities. My firm’s partners had it right in 1983, and it is every bit as right today. Get involved and see for yourself!
- Condominium LawBecoming actively involved in REBA has made the practice of law a whole lot more fun. I say that for a number of reasons. My involvement started about nine years ago, when Clive Martin and I kicked off the Condominium Law & Practice Section. Since then, there has been a tremendous growth in the popularity of condominiums in Massachusetts, together with an ever-growing number of legal challenges and novel issues. Through REBA, I’ve been able to keep abreast of the law and even help shape its evolution through drafting model documents, authoring amicus briefs, crafting legislation, and debating it vigorously with colleagues. I honestly have to say, in a nerdy sort of way, that these dialogues are fun. I’ve been lucky to have this terrific group of lawyers accessible when a client has a unique situation and have found that REBA members are always happy to help brainstorm. REBA members are not only smart and knowledgeable, but are also a friendly and supportive group of professionals. The Women’s Networking Group is always fun and inspiring, and its annual event at the Women’s Lunch Place is a great way to give back to our community. After having been on the AAA panel for a number of years, I joined the REBA Dispute Resolution panel as a neutral, focusing on condominium, real estate, and construction disputes. REBA has provided me with leadership opportunities, as well as opportunities to write articles and present at conferences. I recommend REBA membership to any attorney whose practice touches on real estate – particularly newly admitted attorneys.
- Estate PlanningAs a real estate attorney, my REBA membership is an essential part of my practice. Membership provides wide-ranging educational opportunities involving title, land use, leasing, litigation, trusts and estates, taxation, and regulatory, to name a few. Through its many (often weekly) seminars, annual conferences, extensive forms and dispute resolution services, REBA is the toolbox for every real estate practitioner. I am also a member for the collegial aspect, where members share knowledge, including being on one or more of the many active sections. If you are not currently a member, I encourage to join.
- TrustsREBA is the bar association of premier real estate attorneys for Massachusetts. The members are the go-to lawyers who are the best at real estate titles, transactions, insurance, permitting, and litigation. In addition, REBA publishes the definitive title standards, convenes well-attended conferences, conducts popular monthly luncheons, broadcasts professional simulcasts and podcasts, and hosts a list-serve on practice tips and opinions. My special interest is environmental law and litigation. In a flash, REBA approved my proposal to create its Environmental & Renewable Energy Law Section, of which I am a co-chair. REBA supports my Section's environmental and land use education and advocacy. Years ago, I knew of the Massachusetts Conveyancers Association (MCA), the predecessor of REBA, which I saw played a major role in important legislation and appellate cases. Wrongly thinking that the MCA was only about titles and closings, I missed becoming a member then. Now I know better. Even if you are not a "title attorney" or "closings attorney," you need REBA and will profit from membership. For example, you can learn about commercial and residential leasing, legislation and litigation, zoning and subdivision law, real estate finance, condominium law and practice, real estate taxation and abatements, construction law, and even estate planning and trusts and estates as related to real estate. You can meet the opinion leaders in the profession as well as the next generation. And you can enjoy (and circulate in your firm, like we do) the valuable semi-annual synopsis of every Massachusetts court decision on real estate, presented by the inestimable Phil Lapatin in his standing-room only sessions at the REBA spring and fall conferences.
- Probate
- ForeclosureTitle-curative/protective legislation (curing titles impacted by the Ibanez Case; lis pendens reform; conclusive effect of foreclosure affidavit);
- Tax Law