Newark, NJ – Murphy Schiller & Wilkes LLP (MSW) is pleased to announce that Michael E. Silbert has joined the firm as Counsel in its Land Use, Zoning and Redevelopment Practice Group.

Michael focuses his practice on land use, zoning, redevelopment, and real estate law throughout New Jersey. He represents private developers across the state, providing comprehensive counsel on all stages of the land development process—from initial due diligence and planning through project approvals and post-approval implementation. His clients include large-scale commercial, industrial, and multifamily developers, as well as applicants pursuing rezonings, subdivisions, and residential variance approvals.

Michael has extensive experience guiding clients through major redevelopment projects from inception to completion, including preliminary planning, the adoption of redevelopment plans, site plan approvals, and the negotiation of financial and redevelopment agreements pursuant to New Jersey’s Local Redevelopment and Housing Law and the Long Term Tax Exemption Law. He frequently negotiates Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreements and advises clients on affordable housing compliance and long-term strategic planning.

Prior to joining MSW, Michael practiced at DiFrancesco, Bateman, Kunzman, Davis, Lehrer & Flaum, P.C., where he represented both private developers and public municipal entities. His dual experience provides him with a unique perspective on the development process and municipal operations from both sides of the table. He continues to appear before numerous land use boards and governing bodies across New Jersey and has experience handling land use prerogative writ litigation.

Active in the professional community, Michael serves on the Board of Directors of the Land Use Section of the New Jersey State Bar Association, where he is in the first year of a three-year term. In 2024, he was recognized by the Somerset County Business Partnership as one of its Top 40 Under 40 award recipients, honoring young professionals for leadership and community impact.

Michael earned his Juris Doctor degree with a concentration in Real Estate from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, where he achieved top honors in national negotiation competitions and served as Senior Editor of the Cardozo Alternative Dispute Resolution Competition Honor Society. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business and Political Science from Franklin & Marshall College.

“Michael brings a tremendous level of energy, talent, and insight to our growing statewide land use and redevelopment practice,” said Kellen F. Murphy, Managing Partner of Murphy Schiller & Wilkes LLP. “His experience representing developers throughout New Jersey makes him an exceptional addition to the firm and a valuable resource for our clients.”