Business Details
Your Trusted Partner for Commercial Real Estate Legal Solutions
Murphy Schiller & Wilkes (MSW) is a nationally recognized boutique law firm dedicated exclusively to serving the commercial real estate and construction industries. Founded on decades of industry-specific expertise, we provide sophisticated, practical legal solutions tailored to the unique needs of real estate developers, investors, lenders, and contractors. Our attorneys bring deep knowledge from top national law firms and high-level governmental positions, ensuring clients benefit from both private and public sector perspectives.We prioritize personalized strategies, anticipatory problem-solving, and a singular focus on commercial real estate and construction law. With offices in Newark and New York City, our firm combines local market insight with national reach to drive successful outcomes at every project stage.
Services
Acquisitions and Sales
Banking and Commercial Finance
Commercial Leasing
Construction Law
Corporate Transactions
Distressed Real Estate
Environmental Law
Land Use Zoning
Litigation
Tax Credits
Highlights and features
- We maintain a singular focus on commercial real estate and construction law.
- Our attorneys combine private practice and governmental sector experience.
- We deliver personalized strategies for complex legal challenges.
- Our team excels in securing economic development incentives and tax credits.
- We offer comprehensive representation from transactional work to litigation.
What people say
Exceptional legal expertise
Deep industry knowledge
Strategic solutions
Successful outcomes
Responsive representation
Services
Acquisitions and Sales
Our team manages all stages of real estate acquisitions and sales, from due diligence to closing. We handle commercial, industrial, and mixed-use properties, including purchase agreements, title matters, and financing arrangements. Clients benefit from our expertise in entity formation, joint ventures, and tax incentive negotiations.
Commercial Leasing
We structure and negotiate leases for office, industrial, and retail properties representing both landlords and tenants. Our practice includes ground leases, sale-leasebacks, and build-to-suit arrangements. We incorporate sustainability considerations and advise on economic incentives for leasing transactions.
Construction Law
MSW provides comprehensive construction law services, covering contract negotiation, project management, and dispute resolution. We represent all industry stakeholders in defect claims, delay disputes, and insurance matters. Our attorneys have extensive trial experience in major construction litigation cases.
Land Use Zoning
We guide clients through zoning regulations and land use approvals for development projects. Services include representation before local boards, redevelopment agreements, and tax abatement procurement. Our team secures permits for industrial, residential, and mixed-use developments across New Jersey.
Tax Credits
MSW helps clients maximize development incentives including tax credits, abatements, and non-dilutive financing options. We negotiate financial benefits for industrial parks, renewable energy projects, and urban redevelopment initiatives. Our attorneys structure incentive packages to enhance project viability.
People
Kellen Murphy
Partner
Specializes in complex real estate transactions with 25+ years of experience. Advises on acquisitions, corporate structuring, and development projects. Prior leadership roles at national law firms.
Matthew Schiller
Partner
Handles commercial finance, real estate workouts, and corporate matters. Former chair of a major law firm's real estate practice. Represents lenders and borrowers in multimillion-dollar transactions.
Charles Wilkes
Partner
Focuses on banking law, loan documentation, and financial institution representation. Experienced in syndicated credit facilities and intercreditor agreements for commercial projects.
Anthony Capasso
Partner
Construction law specialist with regional and national litigation experience. Represents developers, contractors, and insurers in defect claims and construction disputes across northeast markets.
Chris Murphy
Partner
Land use and zoning expert handling major development projects. Secures municipal approvals for industrial parks, mixed-use buildings, and infrastructure developments throughout New Jersey.
Questions
What areas of law does MSW specialize in?
We focus exclusively on commercial real estate and construction law, covering transactions, litigation, zoning, environmental matters, and development incentives.
Where does MSW operate?
We primarily serve clients in New Jersey and New York, with experience handling matters across Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.
What transaction sizes does MSW handle?
Our team manages transactions ranging from $10 million to $183 million, serving both local developers and national institutional clients.
Does MSW handle construction litigation?
Yes, we represent clients in construction defect claims, insurance disputes, contract breaches, and workplace accident litigation with extensive trial experience.
Can MSW help with zoning approvals?
Our attorneys regularly secure zoning permits, redevelopment agreements, and tax abatements for residential, industrial, and mixed-use projects in New Jersey.
How does MSW approach client service?
We provide personalized legal strategies, combining industry knowledge with proactive problem-solving to protect client interests throughout project lifecycles.
Reviews (1)
Mike Ham
May 27, 2020
Report
MSW is an incredible commercial real estate law firm. Not only are they great attorneys and well-versed in their fields, they are great people as well.
