Richard J. Byers

Overview

Richard is a commercial real estate attorney with over 25 years of experience advising developers, investors, businesses, and government entities across Massachusetts. He has a proven track record handling complex real estate transactions, leasing, land use, zoning, permitting, and dispute resolution.

Prior to joining the firm, Richard was the founding and Managing Partner of a law firm for more than twenty years, where he guided high-stakes real estate transactions, negotiated complex commercial lending agreements, and successfully managed multimillion-dollar client portfolios.

He also brought his unique insight into government processes and regulatory compliance to a leadership role with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, where he served as the Deputy General Counsel and oversaw complex real estate matters for state agencies, including large-scale leasing, acquisitions, and portfolio strategy.

Richard served as an adjunct professor of Real Estate Studies at Endicott College, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in Real Estate Law and Real Estate Development.

Experience

Representative Matters

• Represented the seller in the disposition of two multi-million-dollar self-storage facilities to a private equity sponsor.
• Advised investors and owner-operators in multiple seven-figure acquisitions of commercial properties throughout the Greater Boston market, including transactions in Woburn and Westford, Massachusetts.
• Represented a developer/builder in the structuring and development of an eight-unit residential condominium project in Gloucester, Massachusetts.
• Counseled a client in the acquisition and operation of an Elements Massage franchise location.
• Negotiated and drafted retail and commercial leases on behalf of national and regional tenants, including convenience, quick-service restaurant, and personal services operators.
• Represented institutional and private lenders in a broad range of commercial and residential financing transactions, including acquisition, construction, and refinance loans.
• Served as counsel to a 28-unit residential condominium in North Andover, handling amendments to condominium documents, governance and compliance matters, and enforcement and collection of delinquent condominium fees.

Land Use, Zoning & Development Approvals

• Secured land use and permitting approvals for the redevelopment of an abandoned structure into a four-unit condominium project in North Andover.
• Obtained zoning and planning approvals for the conversion of a two-unit rental property into three townhouse condominium units.
• Successfully obtained a sign variance in connection with the development of an urgent care medical center.
• Secured subdivision approval for a 12-lot residential development.
• Advised a developer/builder on zoning strategy, including detailed analysis of Tewksbury zoning bylaws, and secured the approvals necessary to construct two new single-family homes on previously non-complaint lots.

Associations & Memberships

• Merrimack Valley Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Committee, Board Member, 2017-2024
• Merrimack Valley Planning Commission, Commissioner and Chairperson, 2008-2024
• Habitat for Humanity, Legal Advisor, 2015-2022
• North Andover Zoning Board of Appeals, Board Member, 2003-2015