Category: Events

Newark, NJ — January 19, 2026 — Murphy Schiller & Wilkes LLP (MSW), a leading boutique law firm servicing the commercial real estate and construction industries, announced today that David A. Roth has joined the firm as Counsel in its Environmental Law practice group.

Roth brings more than 25 years of experience advising companies, developers, investors, and individuals on complex environmental, health, and safety matters. His practice spans federal and state regulatory compliance, enforcement defense, site remediation, brownfields redevelopment, and environmental aspects of real estate and corporate transactions.

“We are thrilled to welcome David to MSW,” said Kellen Murphy, Managing Partner of the firm. “Environmental issues increasingly shape the trajectory of real estate development and infrastructure investment across New Jersey and beyond. David’s depth of experience and practical, solutions‑oriented approach strengthen our ability to guide clients through these challenges with clarity and confidence.”

Roth advises clients on compliance and enforcement matters involving major environmental statutes, including New Jersey’s Industrial Site Recovery Act (ISRA) and Site Remediation Reform Act (SRRA), the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the Clean Water Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), and various Right‑to‑Know laws. He regularly works with environmental consultants and technical experts to develop cost‑effective strategies for site investigation and remediation under the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Technical Requirements for Site Remediation (TRSR), Administrative Requirements for the Remediation of Contaminated Sites (ARRCS), and the Licensed Site Remediation Professional (LSRP) program.

Roth also represents clients in the environmental components of business transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, mergers and acquisitions, and financing. His work includes environmental due diligence, liability allocation, contract negotiation, and structuring post‑closing remediation and long‑term compliance obligations.

In addition, Roth has extensive experience representing owners, operators, generators, and other potentially responsible parties (PRPs) in litigation, cost allocation proceedings, and other disputes under the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA/Superfund), New Jersey’s Spill Compensation and Control Act (Spill Act), and analogous state superfund laws.

“MSW’s integrated platform and its leadership in real estate, construction, and redevelopment make it an ideal home for my practice,” Roth said. “I look forward to contributing to the firm’s continued growth and helping clients navigate the increasingly complex environmental landscape.”

Roth earned his J.D. from the University of Maryland School of Law and his B.S. from Rutgers University. He is admitted to practice in New Jersey and Maryland.

Murphy Schiller & Wilkes LLP (MSW) recently sat down with Invest: to discuss the evolving commercial real estate landscape and how the firm continues to meet the increasingly sophisticated needs of developers, investors, and owners across New Jersey and beyond. Chris Murphy, a founding partner of the firm and head of MSW’s Land Use, Zoning & Redevelopment and Tax Credits & Incentives practices, offered insights into market conditions, client expectations, and the firm’s strategic priorities for the years ahead.

A Market in Transition – And a Firm Built for It

The past several years have brought significant headwinds to the commercial real estate industry: higher interest rates, rising construction costs, and persistent market uncertainty. Yet MSW has continued to grow.

“As a boutique firm dedicated exclusively to commercial real estate and development matters, we’ve built a practice that is resilient in any market cycle,” Murphy said. “Clients today expect more from their legal advisors than ever before, and we have consistently risen to that challenge.”

With 30 attorneys and 42 total team members, MSW provides end‑to‑end legal services across acquisitions, sales, leasing, finance, environmental, land use and zoning, construction, and litigation. The firm’s integrated model—purpose‑built for the real estate and construction sectors—has become a defining advantage as deals grow more complex and clients seek a true one‑stop solution.

Development Momentum in New Jersey’s Urban Cores

Despite broader market volatility, development activity in New Jersey’s urban centers remains strong. Elevated residential and commercial rents, combined with proximity to New York City, continue to drive interest in cities like Hoboken, Jersey City, and Newark.

“We’ve seen a surge in client activity on this side of the river,” Murphy noted. “Municipalities are eager for thoughtful, well‑planned development, and we’re proud to have secured approvals for some of the most transformative projects in the state.”

MSW’s land use and redevelopment team has played a central role in advancing major residential, industrial, and mixed‑use projects across New Jersey’s densest corridors.

Evolving Client Expectations and Sector Trends

As the market cooled from the historically low interest‑rate environment of 2021–2022, clients became more selective, seeking advisors who can deliver strategic, value‑added guidance.

“Clients expect more from their attorneys, and we’ve been able to meet and exceed those expectations,” Murphy said.

Key trends include:

• Industrial demand remains robust, fueled by e‑commerce and the need for modern logistics facilities.
• Multifamily development continues to grow, particularly in transit‑oriented and urban locations.
• Affordable housing requirements are shaping project feasibility, with many municipalities—including Newark—requiring 20% affordable components in new developments.

Developers who can structure financially viable projects in this environment are finding significant opportunities.

The Aspire Tax Credit Program: A Critical Tool for Project Feasibility

Murphy, who leads MSW’s Tax Credits & Incentives group, highlighted the transformative impact of the Aspire Tax Credit Program on multifamily development statewide.

“In today’s high‑interest‑rate environment, many projects simply would not be feasible without Aspire,” he explained. “Our team has secured over $300 million in tax credits for multifamily projects across New Jersey.”

Virtually every major urban project is now evaluating Aspire as part of its capital stack, and MSW continues to guide clients through the evolving monetization process.

Navigating New Environmental Regulations

New Jersey’s Environmental Justice Law and related regulatory changes are reshaping redevelopment, particularly in urban and historically overburdened communities.

“The intent is commendable, but the practical impact can be significant,” Murphy said. “We’ve seen projects become infeasible due to the added regulatory burden, especially in the affordable housing sector.”

MSW is working closely with clients to navigate these complexities while helping shape solutions that balance environmental goals with the need for continued development.

Legal and Political Challenges in Industrial and Multifamily Development

From warehouse resistance at the municipal and state levels to ongoing debates over parking requirements in downtown areas, developers face an increasingly intricate approval landscape.

“Our role extends beyond legal navigation,” Murphy emphasized. “We’re deeply involved in managing public relations, community engagement, and stakeholder communication. That work must begin early.”

MSW’s collaborative approach with planning professionals and municipal leaders has been key to achieving balanced, workable outcomes.

Looking Ahead: Strategic Growth and Continued Focus

Over the next two to three years, MSW’s priorities remain clear:

• Expand the firm’s national transactional practice
• Recruit top talent to support thoughtful, organic growth
• Continue investing in technology and innovation
• Remain laser‑focused on commercial real estate and construction law

“We have no plans to diversify into other industries,” Murphy said. “We know what we do exceptionally well, and we’re committed to elevating that work every day.”

To read the full interview, please click here.

Chris J. Murphy is a founding partner of Murphy Schiller & Wilkes LLP (MSW) and a member of the firm’s Executive Committee. He chairs both the Land Use, Zoning & Redevelopment Practice, and the Tax Credits & Incentives Practice, overseeing two of the firm’s core statewide platforms. In these roles, he has helped clients secure approvals for over 5M square feet of industrial warehouse development throughout New Jersey and over $1B in tax credits and incentives administered by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA).

In another banner year for the transactional team at Murphy Schiller & Wilkes LLP (MSW), the firm guided clients in closing more than $1.25 billion in commercial real estate and financing transactions nationwide. Delivering a full suite of legal services to the commercial real estate industry, MSW represents a diverse client base, including institutional funds, lenders, developers, family offices, and private investors, on some of the most complex and sophisticated transactional matters.

In 2025, the firm represented the following:

• National bank in connection with the modification of a $125,000,000 revolving line of credit for a New Jersey-based company.
• Developer in connection with $120,000,000 Aspire tax credit for mixed-use project in Central Jersey.
• Developer in connection with a $92,000,000 senior mortgage and mezzanine loan refinance of a first-class multifamily asset in North Jersey.
• Developer in connection with $90,000,000 acquisition of entitled land for the development of a 200-unit multifamily project in Morris County, New Jersey.
• Developer in connection with the joint venture and the land acquisition for $87,000,000 development project in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
• National real estate development firm in connection with $74,000,000 acquisition of 360,000 square foot industrial facility in Central New Jersey.
• National REIT in connection with modification of $67,000,000 loan secured by portfolio of industrial properties in Palo Alto, CA.
• Nonprofit Performing Arts Center in connection with $65,000,000 CAFE tax credit for project in Morristown, New Jersey.
• National REIT in connection with modification of $63,000,000 loan secured by industrial facility in Jefferson, Georgia.
• National REIT in connection with $54,000,000 refinance of industrial facility in Fermi, California.
• Lender in connection with $52,815,000 loan modification for 600,000 square foot warehouse/distribution facility in Fermi, California.
• Lender in connection with $51,850,000 loan modification for 240-unit multifamily apartment complex located in Lacey, Washington.
• Private equity borrower in connection with $43,550,000 Freddie Mac loan secured by multifamily development in Northern Virginia.
• National real estate fund in connection with $42,000,000 acquisition of residential building in Newark, New Jersey.
• National bank in connection with a $40,000,000 refinance of a Bergen County, New Jersey retail property.
• Ownership in connection with a $35,000,000 refinance of Gold Coast multifamily property.
• Seller in connection with the $23,750,000 sale of Courtyard by Marriott hotel in Wichita, Kansas.
• Private equity firm in connection with negotiation of participation agreement in connection with $23,000,000 loan for commercial property in Parsippany, NJ.
• New Jersey bank in connection with a $19,000,000 acquisition financing of a catering facility in New Jersey.
• Borrower in connection with $18,250,000 refinancing of luxury hotel in Kansas City, Missouri.
• New Jersey bank in connection with a $18,000,000 refinance of a Union County, New Jersey flex industrial property.
• New Jersey bank in connection with a $18,000,000 term loan to energy industry contractor.
• Developer in connection with $15,000,000 sale of apartment building portfolio in Hoboken, New Jersey.
• National bank in connection with $14,380,000 construction financing for the expansion of a manufacturing facility in Middlesex County, New Jersey.
• National bank in connection with a $14,210,000 refinance of a multifamily property in Lafayette, Louisiana.
• Developer in connection with $14,100,000 purchase and financing of office building in Cedar Knolls, New Jersey.
• Developer in connection with $14,100,000 purchase and financing of 117,492 SF multi-tenant office building and 14 acres of vacant land in Morris County, New Jersey.
• National bank in connection with a $13,490,000 refinance of multifamily property in Hudson County, New Jersey.
• Developer in connection with a $13,000,000 acquisition of development site in Middlesex County, New Jersey.
• Lender in connection with $10,850,000 loan in connection with purchase money financing of shopping center in Syracuse, New York.
• National bank in connection with a $10,100,000 refinance of a multifamily property in Hudson County, New Jersey.
• New Jersey developer in connection with a $10,000,000 second mortgage loan for improvements to industrial property in Mercer County, New Jersey.
• Developer in connection with a $10,000,000 revolving line of credit secured by industrial property in Mercer County, New Jersey.
• Business owner in connection with the $8,300,000 purchase and financing of industrial property in Union County, New Jersey.
• Purchaser in connection with $8,250,000 acquisition of industrial property in Saddle Brook, New Jersey.
• New Jersey bank in connection with a $4,400,000 acquisition financing of two net leased properties in Tampa, Florida.

Newark, NJ – December 26, 2025 – Murphy Schiller & Wilkes LLP (MSW), a premier boutique law firm specializing in commercial real estate and construction law, is proud to announce that partners Matthew J. Schiller and Charles J. Wilkes have been named to the 2025 ROI-NJ Real Estate Influencers list, an annual recognition celebrating more than 200 professionals shaping New Jersey’s real estate landscape.

This year’s list highlights leaders whose innovation, market influence, and commitment to community advancement are driving the evolution of one of the nation’s most dynamic real estate markets. In addition to Matthew and Charles, MSW’s managing partner Kellen Murphy and partner Chris Murphy were also recognized, underscoring the firm’s broad and growing impact across the industry.

Matthew J. Schiller, co-founder of MSW and chair of the firm’s Commercial Leasing, Distressed Real Estate, and Opportunity Zone practice groups, is widely regarded for his sophisticated counsel on complex leasing matters, distressed asset strategies, and tax-advantaged development opportunities. Matthew’s ability to guide clients through high-stakes transactions and shifting market conditions has positioned him as a trusted advisor to developers, investors, and institutional stakeholders throughout the country.

Charles J. Wilkes, co-founder of MSW and chair of the firm’s Real Estate Finance and Commercial Lending practice groups, is recognized for his deep expertise in structuring and negotiating complex financing arrangements. Charles represents lenders, borrowers, and capital providers in transactions spanning construction financing, permanent loans, mezzanine debt, and portfolio-level restructurings. His practical, solutions-oriented approach has supported some of the region’s most significant real estate development projects.

“Matt and Charlie exemplify the leadership, innovation, and client-focused excellence that define MSW,” said Kellen Murphy, the firm’s managing partner. “Their recognition reflects the strength of our team and the impact our attorneys continue to have on New Jersey’s real estate and construction sectors. We are proud to see their contributions acknowledged among such an accomplished group of industry leaders.”

The inclusion of four MSW partners on the 2025 ROI-NJ Real Estate Influencers list highlights the firm’s continued growth and its expanding role in shaping the future of commercial real estate across the state.

Real full article here.

Newark, NJ – January 2, 2026 – Murphy Schiller & Wilkes LLP (MSW), a boutique law firm specializing in commercial real estate and construction law, is pleased to announce that Camilla Martinez has joined the firm as Marketing Coordinator.

Camilla brings a strong background in marketing strategy, communications, and organizational leadership. She has held roles in healthcare, technology, and nonprofit organizations, where she managed interns, coordinated outreach initiatives, and designed branded materials to enhance visibility and engagement. A Vice President of the Kean Association of Marketing, Camilla has demonstrated leadership in event promotion and strategic planning, while earning her B.S. in Marketing at Kean University.

Certified in Google Analytics, Canva Marketing, and AI-Powered Marketing, Camilla leverages data-driven insights and creative design to support firmwide initiatives. At MSW, she will oversee marketing projects, digital communications, and event promotion, contributing to the firm’s continued growth and national recognition.

“We are thrilled to welcome Camilla to MSW,” said founding partner Chris J. Murphy. “Her energy, creativity, and proven ability to execute strategic marketing initiatives will be instrumental as we expand our reach and strengthen our brand.”

Newark, NJ – December 19, 2025 – Murphy Schiller & Wilkes LLP (MSW), a boutique law firm specializing in commercial real estate and construction law, proudly announces that founding partners Chris Murphy and Kellen Murphy have been named to the ROI-NJ Real Estate Influencers list for 2025. The annual feature recognizes more than 200 professionals shaping New Jersey’s real estate landscape through innovation, leadership, and community impact.

As described by ROI-NJ, the Real Estate Influencers list highlights individuals who stand out for their contributions across the industry. From developers and brokers to thought leaders and advocates, honorees are selected for their ability to drive innovation, influence market trends, and foster community engagement. Chris and Kellen exemplify these qualities through their leadership at MSW and their broader impact on the market.

Chris Murphy, chair of MSW’s Land Use, Zoning & Redevelopment group and the firm’s Tax Credits & Incentives group, has been instrumental in securing major land use and zoning approvals throughout New Jersey and in structuring tax credit financing for some of the state’s largest development projects. His leadership has helped position MSW as a trusted advisor to developers and investors navigating complex real estate transactions.

Kellen Murphy, co-founder and managing partner at MSW, has played a pivotal role in structuring commercial real estate transactions for some of the largest deals in the metropolitan area. His experience guiding clients through regulatory and market complexities has earned him recognition as a trusted voice in the industry.

Together, Chris and Kellen have overseen MSW’s growth into a nationally recognized boutique firm, integrating construction law as a co-equal pillar alongside real estate. Their commitment to operational excellence, client-focused solutions, and mentorship of emerging professionals reflects the very qualities celebrated by ROI-NJ’s Real Estate Influencers list.

“We are honored to be included among such an accomplished group of leaders who are shaping the future of New Jersey’s commercial real estate market,” said Chris Murphy. “This recognition reflects not only our individual contributions but also the collective achievements of the entire MSW team.”

“This acknowledgment underscores the importance of innovation and collaboration in driving meaningful change across the industry,” added Kellen Murphy. “We are proud to represent MSW and remain focused on delivering excellence for our clients.”

The inclusion of Chris and Kellen on the ROI-NJ Real Estate Influencers list underscores MSW’s ongoing commitment to advancing the real estate and construction sectors in New Jersey and beyond.

Read full article here.

Newark, NJ – December 8, 2025 – Murphy Schiller & Wilkes LLP (MSW), a boutique law firm specializing in commercial real estate and construction law, is pleased to announce that Ivette M. Vargas has joined the firm as an Associate in its transactional real estate practice.

Ivette brings extensive experience advising clients on acquisitions and dispositions, commercial leasing, and financing matters. She represents landlords, tenants, developers, and investors in complex real estate transactions, including office and retail leasing, purchase and sale transactions, seller-backed financing, and IRC Section 1031 tax-deferred exchanges.

Prior to joining MSW, Ms. Vargas practiced in the Commercial Real Estate Department at Winne Banta Basralian & Kahn, P.C., where she handled a wide range of transactional matters and counseled clients on regulatory compliance involving New Jersey retail liquor licenses. She previously served as a law clerk to Chief Judge Freda L. Wolfson of the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, Judge Steven C. Mannion, U.S.M.J., and Judge Mary C. Jacobson of the New Jersey Superior Court. Earlier in her career, she practiced in the Real Estate, Land Use, and Affordable Housing groups at Hill Wallack LLP.

Ivette earned her J.D. from Rutgers Law School, where she was Managing Articles Editor of the Rutgers Race and the Law Review and a semi-finalist in the Hunter Moot Court competition, receiving the Best Brief Award. She received her B.A. in Sociology, with a minor in Latin American Studies, from Temple University.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ivette to MSW,” said Chris J. Murphy, a founding partner of MSW. “Her strong background in transactional real estate and her commitment to client service make her an excellent addition to our growing team. Ivette’s experience will further strengthen our ability to deliver sophisticated, practical solutions to clients across the commercial real estate industry.”

Ms. Vargas is fluent in Spanish and is an active member of the New Jersey State Bar Association, Bergen County Bar Association, and the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey. She has spoken on issues of diversity and inclusion, including her presentation “Implicit Bias and Micro-Aggressions: Their Effect on Law Firm Culture and Success” for NACLE.

Newark, NJ — December 15, 2025 — Murphy Schiller & Wilkes LLP (MSW), a leading boutique law firm specializing in commercial real estate and construction law, is pleased to announce that Andrew M. Hansen has joined the firm as an associate in its Litigation and Construction Law practice groups.

Andrew brings significant experience representing developers, contractors, property owners, and businesses in complex disputes involving commercial real estate and construction projects. He has managed a broad portfolio of litigation matters from inception through resolution, including mediations, arbitrations, depositions, and dispositive motion practice. His background includes litigating breach of contract claims tied to large-scale real estate holdings and advising clients on issues such as construction performance, valuation of services, and related commercial disputes.

“We are thrilled to welcome Andrew to MSW,” said Anthony Capasso, chair of the firm’s Litigation and Construction Law practice groups. “His litigation experience and ability to deliver practical solutions for clients in the real estate and construction sectors make him an excellent addition to our growing team. Andrew’s skills and dedication align perfectly with our mission to provide sophisticated, client-focused representation.”

Andrew earned his J.D. from Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law and his B.A. in International Relations from Syracuse University. He is admitted to practice in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

By Susan C. Karp, Of Counsel, Murphy Schiller & Wilkes LLP

What Happened

On November 17, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) adopted amendments to rules implementing the Site Remediation Reform Act (SRRA). In the face of sustained opposition from both the regulated community and the Legislature, NJDEP removed a controversial provision that would have imposed a new reporting obligation tied to environmental due diligence. At the very same time, however, NJDEP issued a new proposal, only modestly revised, that would effectively reinstate the core concept. The public hearing on the re-proposal is scheduled for December 15, 2025 at 1:00 p.m., with the public comment period currently slated to close on January 16, 2026.

Why It Matters

New Jersey’s environmental liability framework, principally under SRRA and the Spill Compensation and Control Act, already imposes strict, and often joint and several, liability on owners of contaminated property, even if those owners did not cause the contamination. Remediation costs can easily reach into the millions of dollars. Against that backdrop, sellers have long had to balance the benefits of a sale process against the risk that a prospective buyer’s investigation will surface conditions that could trigger obligations for the owner. In practice, the market has managed this risk through negotiated access and confidentiality protections, enabling buyers to conduct due diligence and, ultimately, enabling contaminated sites to change hands and be remediated and redeveloped by private parties.

New Jersey law does not currently impose a duty on buyers (or their consultants) to report contamination identified during due diligence to NJDEP. The re-proposed rule would not require direct reporting to NJDEP, but it would require disclosure of identified contamination to the seller. As a practical matter, that disclosure would immediately place the seller on notice and would trigger the seller’s obligation to report to NJDEP and undertake remediation. If a transaction does not close, the resulting cleanup obligation could be financially devastating for the owner. Predictably, this dynamic may chill marketing of properties and, in some cases, lead sellers to resist or prohibit sampling during due diligence – outcomes that would frustrate cleanup and redevelopment.

What Has Changed (and What Hasn’t)

Although NJDEP has adjusted the structure so that the obligation runs to the seller rather than directly to the agency, the market impact is largely the same: parties engaged in due diligence would face a new, mandatory disclosure requirement that materially alters risk allocation in real estate transactions. That shift will affect how access agreements, purchase and sale agreements, and consultant scopes of work are drafted, negotiated, and executed. It also raises questions regarding privilege, confidentiality, and the handling of draft data, preliminary findings, and opinions – issues that will require careful navigation.

Timing and Implementation Risk

The compressed timeframe for this re-proposal is noteworthy. With only a short window between the hearing and the comment deadline, the effective date of any final rule will depend on how the incoming Sherrill Administration evaluates and acts on NJDEP’s proposal, and on any litigation that may follow. If adopted as proposed, the disclosure obligation would apply to current transactions and could be triggered under existing sale contracts. Parties with deals underway should therefore assess whether their documents and due diligence protocols adequately address the potential rule.

Practical Considerations for Ongoing and Planned Transactions

Parties should evaluate transaction documents now to ensure they are positioned for either outcome – adoption or withdrawal of the re-proposed rule. In particular, agreements should be reviewed for provisions addressing access and sampling rights, allocation of responsibility for reporting and remediation, treatment and sharing of data and work product, confidentiality and privilege, and walk-away rights if disclosure obligations are triggered. Where appropriate, parties may also consider sequencing diligence steps to manage risk without compromising environmental integrity or regulatory compliance.

Looking Ahead

The stakes are significant. A rule that effectively mandates disclosure of due diligence findings, whether to NJDEP directly or indirectly through a seller, will reshape risk allocation in New Jersey real estate and could slow the very private investment that drives cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated sites. Stakeholders with interests in the state’s property markets should consider submitting comments by the January 16, 2026 deadline and should plan for multiple scenarios as the regulatory and political processes unfold.

(This alert is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Parties should consult counsel regarding the implications of the re-proposed rule for their specific transactions and portfolios.)

About the Author

Susan C. Karp is Of Counsel in MSW’s Environmental Practice Group and the founding principal of Karp Environmental Law, LLC. She counsels developers, buyers, sellers, owners, operators, and lenders nationwide on environmental issues arising in corporate and real estate transactions and regulatory matters, including due diligence, evaluation of environmental conditions and liabilities, remedial options and cost estimates, and strategies for remediation cost recovery through federal and state financial incentive programs and general liability and pollution legal liability insurance. Chambers USA notes that she is “well versed in advising on the environmental issues arising from commercial and corporate transactions as well as compliance matters,” with clients describing her as “very astute, smart and capable” and “very easy to work with.” Susan serves on NAIOP’s Regulatory Affairs Committee and is a Director of the New Jersey State Bar Association’s Business Law Section, and she is a past president of CREW New Jersey. She is admitted in New Jersey and New York.