Author: splatmin

MSW is proud to announce that partners Kellen Murphy, Chris Murphy, and Matthew Schiller have been recognized in the 2026 NJBIZ Law Power List, an annual distinction honoring attorneys who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, professional achievement, and meaningful contributions to New Jersey’s legal and business communities.

Compiled by the editorial staff of NJBIZ, the Law Power List recognizes legal professionals who have earned public attention and respect through their professional accomplishments, public service, and impact on the state. According to NJBIZ, honorees are selected based on reporting throughout the year, input from industry experts, and recommendations from readers. The list highlights individuals whose efforts help make New Jersey a better place to live, work, and do business.

The recognition comes at a time when the legal profession continues to navigate unprecedented change. In announcing the 2026 Law Power List, NJBIZ noted the growing challenges facing attorneys across the profession, including evolving client expectations, alternative fee arrangements, talent recruitment and retention, advances in artificial intelligence, and an increasingly complex regulatory environment.

“To have three of our partners recognized by NJBIZ is an incredible honor and a testament to the talent, dedication, and leadership that Kellen, Chris, and Matthew bring to our clients and our firm every day,” said Charles Wilkes, Co-Founding Partner and Executive Committee Member. “Their inclusion on this year’s Law Power List reflects not only their professional excellence, but also their longstanding commitment to serving our clients, strengthening our communities, and advancing the legal profession in New Jersey.”

Throughout their careers, all three have built reputations for delivering strategic counsel, achieving successful outcomes for clients, and providing leadership both within the legal community and beyond. Their recognition underscores MSW’s continued commitment to excellence, innovation, and client service.

“We are honored by this recognition from NJBIZ,” said Chris Murphy. “The legal profession is evolving rapidly, and we are fortunate to work alongside outstanding colleagues and clients who challenge us to provide thoughtful, practical solutions every day. This recognition belongs to the entire MSW team.”

The 2026 NJBIZ Law Power List highlights attorneys who have successfully adapted to a legal landscape marked by increasing complexity and change while continuing to provide exceptional counsel and leadership. MSW congratulates Kellen Murphy, Chris Murphy, and Matthew Schiller on this well-deserved recognition.

For more information, please click here: 2026 NJBIZ Law Power List

Murphy Schiller & Wilkes LLP (MSW) is proud to announce that Roosevelt J. Donat, Special Counsel at MSW, secured unanimous preliminary and final site plan approval, including 14 C variances and two related waivers, for a new residential infill development at 53 and 55-57 North 5th Street in Newark’s Fairmount neighborhood.

The approval permits construction of a new three-family dwelling on Lot 31 and a new four-family dwelling on Lot 32, adding seven dwelling units—including studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes—to an underutilized, fenced-in property in the West Ward. The site is located in Newark’s R-3 Residential 1-4 Family/Townhouse Zone, where three- and four-family residential uses are permitted.

The approved relief addresses dimensional, site-design, landscaping, lighting, entrance-orientation, parking, and driveway standards for the two-lot development. Project features include ADA-accessible units on Lot 32, rear-yard parking with an ADA parking space, HVAC equipment, screened trash enclosures, and in-unit laundry closets.

Attorney Donat worked closely with a talented applicant-side project team, including STNG 1 as applicant/owner; Patrick M. Lesbirel, A.I.A of Brick City Reconstruction as architect; Dr. Bahman Izadmehr, Ph.D., P.E. of Development Engineering, LLC as civil engineer; Michael Pronesti of Pronesti Surveying, Inc. as surveyor; and John McDonough of John McDonough Associates. MSW also recognizes the dedicated support of Stephanie McLeish and Mia Lobozzo, whose contributions were essential to the project’s success.

MSW is proud to help advance thoughtful housing opportunities that return underutilized urban properties to productive neighborhood use and support continued investment in Newark’s residential communities.

Newark, New Jersey – Murphy Schiller & Wilkes LLP (“MSW”) is pleased to announce the addition of four attorneys, including two partners and two associates, as the firm continues its strategic growth and commitment to delivering exceptional client service to the commercial real estate and construction industries.

The incoming attorneys bring significant experience in commercial real estate, construction, and land use, further enhancing MSW’s ability to serve developers, investors, lenders, contractors, and other industry stakeholders throughout the region.

Joining the firm as partners are Daniel T. Perlman and Eric Alvarez.

Daniel Perlman focuses his practice on commercial real estate and corporate matters, bringing more than 25 years of legal and business experience. He represents a broad range of clients, including developers, property owners, investors, institutional banks, private lenders, and corporate entities, in complex transactions involving acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, and financing. Mr. Perlman also advises on mortgage, construction, and asset-based lending. In addition to his legal career, he has founded and operated multiple businesses, providing clients with practical, business-oriented counsel. He previously practiced at Sills Cummis & Gross and co-founded Foley Perlman & Campbell.

Eric Alvarez is a partner in the firm’s litigation practice, where he handles complex commercial litigation, real estate disputes, construction litigation, and land use matters. With more than a decade of experience, he represents developers, property owners, contractors, and other construction industry professionals in high-stakes matters across state and federal courts and arbitration forums. His background includes in-house counsel experience with a major developer, providing him with a uniquely practical perspective in resolving disputes.

The firm also welcomes associates Paige M. Guarino and Michael Higgins, further strengthening the firm’s transactional and land use capabilities.

Paige Guarino focuses on commercial real estate and finance, representing landowners, tenants, lenders, borrowers, and developers in complex transactions across a wide range of commercial asset classes. Her experience includes drafting and negotiating purchase agreements, leases, and related real estate documents, as well as managing transactions across multiple jurisdictions.

Michael Higgins joins the firm’s Land Use, Zoning and Redevelopment practice, where he advises developers and property owners on approvals, zoning analyses, and development strategy. He has experience guiding clients through site plan and variance approvals and regularly appears before municipal boards throughout New Jersey.

“These additions reflect our continued focus on thoughtful, strategic growth in the commercial real estate and construction sectors,” said Chris J. Murphy, a founding partner, executive committee member, and chair of the firm’s Land Use, Zoning and Redevelopment practice. “Dan and Eric expand our senior bench with seasoned practitioners who bring both technical excellence and practical business judgment, while Paige and Michael add depth to our next generation of talent. Together, they enhance our ability to deliver sophisticated, efficient, and results-driven counsel to clients in these industries.”

The expansion underscores MSW’s commitment to building a high-quality, multidisciplinary team capable of handling increasingly complex real estate and construction related matters for its clients.

Newark, New Jersey – Murphy Schiller & Wilkes LLP (MSW) is pleased to announce that Michael Higgins has joined the firm as an associate in its Land Use, Zoning and Redevelopment practice group.

Michael focuses his practice on representing developers, property owners, and investors in connection with complex real estate development projects throughout New Jersey. He has experience guiding clients through all phases of the land use approval process, including obtaining site plan, subdivision, and variance approvals for both ground-up developments and redevelopment projects.

“Michael’s significant experience and strong understanding of municipal approval processes, makes him a valuable addition to our team,” said Chris J. Murphy, Chair of the firm’s Land Use, Zoning and Redevelopment practice group. “We are excited to welcome him to the firm and look forward to his contributions to our growing practice.”

In addition to his land use work, Michael represents clients in residential and mixed-use real estate transactions, handling contract negotiation, due diligence, and closings. He has also assisted developers with condominium formation and registration, including the preparation of master deeds, public offering statements, and related filings. Michael regularly appears before planning and zoning boards and collaborates closely with project professionals to advance developments from acquisition through approval.

Prior to joining the firm, Michael served as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Patricia O’Dowd in the Superior Court of New Jersey, where he gained experience drafting opinions, conducting legal research, and managing a high-volume docket.

Michael earned his J.D. from Rutgers Law School and his B.A. in History from Ramapo College of New Jersey. He is admitted to practice in the State of New Jersey.

Newark, New Jersey – Murphy Schiller & Wilkes (MSW) is pleased to announce that Eric Alvarez has joined the firm as a Partner in its Litigation practice group.

Eric brings more than a decade of experience representing clients in complex commercial litigation, with a particular focus on real estate disputes, construction litigation, and land use matters. He has extensive experience advising developers, property owners, contractors, architects, and engineers in high-stakes matters across New Jersey and New York courts, as well as in arbitration proceedings.

“Eric is a tremendous addition to our litigation team,” said Anthony Capasso, Chair of the firm’s Litigation practice and Executive Committee Member. “His deep understanding of the real estate development process, combined with his strong litigation background, enables him to deliver practical and strategic solutions for our clients. We are excited to welcome him to the firm.”

Eric regularly counsels clients on all phases of real estate development and construction projects, including construction defects, delay claims, contract disputes, professional liability issues, and title and easement matters. He also has significant experience in land use and prerogative writ litigation, representing developers and property owners in challenges to municipal zoning, planning, and redevelopment decisions.

In addition to his legal practice, Eric brings valuable perspective through his service on his municipality’s zoning board, where he has served for more than five years.

Prior to joining MSW, Eric served as in-house counsel for one of New Jersey’s largest developers and practiced at Am Law 100 firms. His diverse background allows him to offer clients practical, business-oriented advice tailored to their objectives.

Eric expressed enthusiasm about joining the firm, stating, “I am thrilled to join Murphy Schiller & Wilkes and collaborate with such a talented team. MSW has built a strong reputation for delivering exceptional client service, and I look forward to contributing to the firm’s continued growth and success.”

Eric is admitted to practice in New Jersey and New York, as well as multiple federal courts, including the U.S. District Courts for the District of New Jersey, Southern and Eastern Districts of New York, and the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Second and Third Circuits. He has been recognized by Best Lawyers “Ones to Watch” and named to New Jersey Super Lawyers Rising Stars for Commercial Litigation.