Development

Verrill’s Development team works alongside developers, owners, investors, institutions, and public entities to deliver successful projects across New England and beyond. Our attorneys help clients move projects from concept to completion with an approach that blends practical problem solving, strong industry knowledge, and a deep understanding of the regulatory and business factors that shape development.

We support development across commercial, residential, industrial, and municipal sectors. Our team is involved at every stage of the process, including site selection, land use strategy, entitlements, project delivery, construction, financing, leasing, and long-term operations. We work closely with engineers, planners, architects, lenders, public officials, and community stakeholders to keep projects on track and aligned with our clients’ goals.

Our work reflects Verrill’s long history of guiding major real estate and infrastructure projects throughout the region. Clients trust us to anticipate issues, coordinate among multiple disciplines, and offer clear advice that helps move projects forward in a cost-effective and predictable way.

Experience

Below are examples of representative matters handled by Verrill’s Development team:

• Represented a professional women’s soccer franchise and the City of Boston in the $200 million redevelopment of White Stadium in Franklin Park, achieving full municipal entitlements and winning summary judgment-trial relief that cleared the way for 20 NWSL home games annually over a minimum 10-year lease.
• Represented developer of major resort and casino project in negotiation and drafting of design and construction management agreements for $350 million urban project and coordination of development agreement with host community.
• Represented international gaming/casino corporation in its U.S. national building program, including regulatory advice, due diligence, negotiation and drafting of design, sitework, construction, and specialty-contractor contracts for multiple, substantial hotel/casino projects in Massachusetts, Maine, Ohio, Kansas, Illinois, West Virginia, and Mississippi.
• Represented national construction management firm in defense and prosecution of claims arising from allegedly defective design and construction of major MA intermodal transit facility.
• Representation of a commercial real estate investment firm in a preferred equity investment and construction financing for an 86-unit luxury apartment project in Malden, Massachusetts.
• Successfully obtained federal, state, and local permits for multiple expansions of Maine’s only commercial landfill facility and provides ongoing compliance and regulatory support for the landfill and associated facilities.

Services

Site Acquisition and Assemblage
We assist with site evaluation, due diligence, and negotiation of acquisition agreements involving private owners, institutions, and public entities. Our team reviews title, surveys, environmental conditions, access rights, natural resource constraints, and land use considerations to position projects for a clear and efficient start.

Ownership and Project Structuring
We create ownership and governance structures that support financing, phasing, and long-term management. This includes condominium structures, master lease arrangements, easements, declarations, subdivision strategy, and tax lot planning. Our work ensures that various parts of a project can be constructed, operated, and financed in a coordinated and efficient manner.

Construction Project Delivery and Contracting
We advise owners, developers, institutions, and public entities on the advantages and risks of traditional design-bid-build, design-build, EPC, construction manager at-risk (CM-at-Risk), fixed-price, and other project delivery models to align project objectives, schedule, cost, and risk allocation. Our attorneys draft and negotiate architectural and engineering agreements, construction contracts, EPC agreements, design-build contracts, CM-at-Risk agreements, fixed-price contracts, and other project-specific construction agreements. We develop contractual frameworks that clearly define responsibilities, allocate risk appropriately, and support efficient project execution from design through completion.

Land Use, Zoning, and Entitlements
Our attorneys guide clients through local and state permitting, zoning relief, environmental compliance, waterfront and natural resource regulations, utility coordination, TIF and incentive programs, and historic and design review processes. We regularly appear before planning boards, zoning boards, municipal councils, state agencies, and environmental regulators.

Joint Ventures and Project Partnerships
We represent both sponsors and investors in structuring joint ventures that balance risk, capital contributions, governance, and financial return. Our team negotiates JV agreements that provide clarity and support the long-term business plan.

Leasing and Property Management
We support clients in leasing strategy for office, industrial, life sciences, retail, mixed-use, and residential projects. Our team prepares and negotiates lease agreements, evaluates management and compliance issues, and provides insight on long-term asset planning or exit options.

Real Estate Finance and Tax Strategy
We advise on construction and permanent financing, bridge loans, mezzanine structures, public-private financing models, and tax considerations for development. We evaluate opportunities involving credits, incentives, Opportunity Zones, clean energy financing, and municipal revenue programs.

Advice on Project Delivery Methods
We advise owners, developers, institutions, and contractors on the advantages and challenges of traditional design-bid-build, design-build, construction manager at-risk (CMAR), EPC, and other collaborative delivery models. We help clients evaluate project objectives, allocate risk appropriately, and structure design and construction agreements that support efficient project execution and successful outcomes.

Project Counsel
Acting as project counsel, our attorneys provide ongoing advice throughout the design and construction process regarding contract interpretation, performance obligations, change management, risk allocation, payment issues, insurance requirements, and project administration. We work closely with project teams to address questions as they arise and provide practical solutions that help keep projects moving forward.

Claims Avoidance and Administration
We assist clients in identifying, evaluating, and addressing potential claims involving design deficiencies, delays, disruptions, acceleration, differing site conditions, scope changes, and additional work. Our team reviews project documentation, analyzes contractual rights and obligations, and provides strategic guidance on claim preservation, administration, negotiation, and resolution. By addressing issues early and proactively, we help clients reduce risk, avoid unnecessary disputes, and protect project objectives.

Dispute Resolution
When project disputes cannot be resolved through collaboration and negotiation, Verrill provides experienced representation through every stage of the dispute resolution process. Our attorneys handle mediation, dispute review board proceedings, arbitration, litigation, and appeals involving construction, design, development, and infrastructure projects. We work closely with clients to develop efficient and cost-effective strategies that protect their interests while minimizing disruption to ongoing operations and project activities.

Our Approach

Verrill maintains a broad, full-service development practice because it delivers better outcomes for our clients. Development projects require attorneys who understand the details that drive successful entitlements and construction, and who also understand the financial, commercial, and community context that shapes the entire project.

Our team works collaboratively across the firm, drawing on environmental, energy, land use, construction, tax, corporate, and municipal attorneys who have decades of experience advising on some of the region’s most complex real estate and infrastructure projects. We provide clear communication, practical advice, and consistent coordination from the earliest planning stages through final occupancy.

Clients choose Verrill because we see the whole picture. We help them create value, manage risk, and move projects forward with confidence.