Michael J. Schwarz

Mr. Schwarz joined the firm in 2019 after practicing with a prominent law firm based in Westchester County, New York. During his more than thirteen years of practice, Mr. Schwarz represented and counseled clients in a wide variety of matters including: real estate, land use and zoning, municipal law, environmental law, foreclosure (commercial and residential), contracts, commercial disputes, business formation and disputes, and business torts. In addition, a significant proportion of Mr. Schwarz’s practice was dedicated to representing national and regional title insurance underwriters in connection with coverage disputes, and also served as defense counsel for insureds. Mr. Schwarz practiced for a brief period of time with a cannabis law firm in the State of Washington representing clients with regulatory matters, real property transactions and the resolution of LLC/partnership disputes.

Mr. Schwarz is a member of the firm’s Corporate, Business and Commercial practice group, with a focus in real estate and title matters. He has represented a variety of clients in connection with real estate transactions, including purchase and sale of real property, lease agreements, easements and other servitudes, and clients in connection with the purchase and sale of businesses and business assets. Mr. Schwarz is experienced with secured transactions, real estate financing, commercial loans, and with judicial and non-judicial foreclosure matters.

Under the firm’s Municipal Land Use practice, Mr. Schwarz has represented private parties in connection with development projects and permitting, as well as other matters. Mr. Schwarz regularly represents municipalities in connection with land use and zoning matters, including the drafting and revision of municipal code provisions, and assists municipalities in other matters, such as land dispositions (including sale contacts and leases), licenses and permitting, and tax lien foreclosures. He has also represented state and municipal entities in connection state loan and grant programs created to disburse CARES Act funds in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

As a member of the firm’s Municipal Finance group, Mr. Schwarz has acted as bond counsel for Alaska municipalities in connection with the issuance of general obligations bonds, revenue bonds and conduit bonds. He has supervised bond proceedings, prepared documentation needed for the issuance of bonds, and rendered bond opinions in connection with those transaction.