- New Jersey
- New York
- United States District Court for the District of New Jersey
Michael J. Lipari is a highly experienced attorney and Partner and Chair of the firm’s Land Use, Zoning, and Redevelopment Practice Group. With a focus on complex land use, zoning, redevelopment, and eminent domain matters, Michael provides strategic counsel to developers, landowners, investors, and community associations throughout New Jersey. He has a proven track record of guiding clients through the intricacies of real estate development, from due diligence to project completion.
Michael’s diverse client base includes multi-family residential, commercial, mixed-use, transit-oriented, and industrial developers, as well as landlords, tenants, and redevelopment authorities. His comprehensive legal services cover every phase of a project, from acquisition and zoning compliance to procurement of entitlements through post-construction legal concerns.
Michael is well-versed in all aspects of redevelopment law, including negotiating and drafting redevelopment agreements and financial (PILOT) agreements that maximize benefits for redevelopers. He has represented numerous builders and developers before local land use boards throughout New Jersey, obtaining project approvals in many municipalities.
Michael’s extensive experience in the public sector includes serving as Zoning Board Attorney for the Borough of Lincoln Park and acting as Special Redevelopment Counsel for the Borough of Atlantic Highlands and Township of Belleville. In these roles, he advised municipal officials on redevelopment strategies, zoning issues, and legal compliance.
In addition to his real estate development practice, Michael is a trusted advisor to community associations, offering legal support on matters ranging from governance and compliance to complex land use issues. He has served as general counsel to homeowners associations (HOAs) of varying sizes, from small 5-unit condominiums to large 2,100+ unit communities. Michael is a skilled Land Use Counsel, handling the unique challenges that community associations face regarding zoning, land use, and redevelopment projects.
Michael brings invaluable hands-on real estate development experience to his practice. Before transitioning to law, he served as development project manager for a real estate development firm, where he oversaw the management and execution of large-scale residential, commercial, and mixed-use development projects. This background provides him with a practical understanding of the challenges developers face, enhancing his ability to offer practical, real-world solutions to clients.
Michael has also served as developer-appointed trustee for homeowners associations and as president of a 400+ unit HOA, further deepening his expertise in community association governance.
Michael earned his law degree from Seton Hall University School of Law, where he was actively involved in the Appellate Advocacy Moot Court Board and provided pro bono tax assistance to low-income individuals at the Center for Social Justice. After law school, he clerked for the Honorable Mark A. Sullivan, Jr. (ret.), former presiding Judge and designated affordable housing Judge of the Superior Court of New Jersey, Monmouth Vicinage, gaining invaluable judicial insight into real estate and land use matters.
With extensive experience in both private real estate development and public sector advisory roles, Michael offers a unique combination of legal expertise and practical development knowledge. Whether you’re a developer seeking to navigate zoning challenges, a community association in need of specialized legal counsel, or a municipality in search of redevelopment solutions, Michael provides comprehensive, results-driven legal services tailored to your specific needs.
Key Areas of Expertise:
- Real Estate Development & Redevelopment
- Zoning & Land Use Law
- Eminent Domain & Property Rights
- Community Association Law
- Financial (PILOT) Agreements & Long Term Tax Exemptions (LTTE) Law
“As Vacancies Mount in N.J., Options are Available for Stagnant Properties,” ROI-NJ, April 21, 2023.
“You Took the Bar Exam … Now What?,” New Jersey Law Journal, July 27, 2016.
“The ‘Uberization’ of Law: The Case Against Limited Licenses,” New Jersey Law Journal, November 18, 2015.
“Recent Court Decisions Favor Redevelopment: A Reversal of Trends?” Builder/Architect.
“Vertical GDP Legislation Presents New Options and Long Term Certainty as to Development Projects,” Builder/Architect.
“Vertical GDP Legislation Adds Certainty for Developers Seeking Long Term Development Projects,” New Jersey Builders Association Cutting Edge.
“Are You Really a ‘Green’ Builder? Considerations before Calling Yourself ‘Green’,” New Jersey Builders Association Cutting Edge.
“New Legislation Governs Green Construction,” Builder/Architect.
Contributing editor of, “New Jersey Land Use,” 2nd Edition, Juris Publishing, 2007.
These stories are successful case results from our attorneys. Please note that results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
- Decision Update: Successful Stop Work Order Appeal Before the Passaic County Construction Board
- Land Use Alert: Michael J. Lipari secured final major subdivision approval from the Mendham Township Planning Board for a high-end single family residential development project
- Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval Secured for Commercial Project in Newark, NJ by Real Estate Attorney Michael Lipari
- Real Estate Deal Alert: Michael Lipari, Esq. Recently Represented North Jersey Charter School in Expansion
- Site Plan Approval: Michael J. Lipari recently secured Preliminary and Final Major Site Plan Approval for the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges for a new state of the art YMCA campus in Livingston that will include a 54,000 square foot facility, indoor/outdoor recreation facilities, a 24,700 square foot early learning center/office building, and related site improvements
Deal Alert: Zoning Approval Secured for Client in Middletown, NJ
March 12, 2025
We’re excited to share a significant win for our clients, achieved by Michael J. Lipari, Esq., Chair of Land Use, Zoning and Redevelopment and Joshua Gorsky, Esq., Real Estate Partner at Mandelbaum Barrett PC. After navigating a complex zoning challenge, we successfully obtained variance approval before the Middletown, NJ Zoning Board of Adjustment. This decision […]Land Use Alert: Michael J. Lipari, Esq. Secures Victory in Guttenberg Township Zoning Appeal, Allowing Client to Reopen Business
September 3, 2024
Mandelbaum Barrett PC Land Use, Zoning and Redevelopment Chair, Michael J. Lipari, Esq., successfully represented his client in an appeal of the Guttenberg Township Zoning Officer’s decision to revoke the client’s certificate of occupancy and business license. The zoning officer alleged the use to be in violation of the zoning ordinance. However, upon appeal to […]Land Use Alert: Michael J. Lipari, Esq. Secures Unanimous Approval for Cannabis Cultivation and Manufacturing Facility in Irvington Township
August 14, 2024
Michael J. Lipari, Esq., Chair of the Land Use, Zoning and Redevelopment Practice Group at Mandelbaum Barrett PC recently secured Preliminary and Final Major Site Plan and bulk variance approval and Conditional Use Permit Approval from the Irvington Township Planning Board for a cannabis cultivation and manufacturing facility in the Township’s M-3 Zone, which permits […]Land Use Alert: Michael J. Lipari, Esq. Secures Approval for State-of-the-Art Elementary Charter School in Passaic
August 5, 2024
Land Use Alert: Michael J. Lipari, Esq., Chair of the Land Use, Zoning and Redevelopment Practice Group at Mandelbaum Barrett PC successfully obtained Preliminary and Final Site Plan and C-Variance approval before the City of Passaic Planning Board, for the redevelopment of six contiguous lots to construct a state-of-the-art elementary charter school. The project, located […]Land Use Alert: Michael J. Lipari, Esq. Secures Approval for 39-Unit Age-Restricted Luxury Apartment Building in Fairfield Township
July 22, 2024
Michael J. Lipari, Esq., a Partner and Chair of Mandelbaum Barrett PC’s Land Use, Zoning and Redevelopment Practice Group, with the assistance of Senior Counsel, Charles S. Lorber, Esq. were able to secure Preliminary and Final Major Site Plan and bulk variance approval before the Fairfield Township Planning Board for a four-story, 39-unit age-restricted residential […]Land Use Alert: Michael J. Lipari, Esq. Secured Approvals for a Transformative Redevelopment Project in Livingston, NJ
May 23, 2024
Mandelbaum Barrett PC Real Estate Partner, Michael J. Lipari, Esq., secured Preliminary and Final Major Site Plan, Minor Subdivision and C-Variance approval for another transformative redevelopment project in Livingston, NJ. The unanimous Planning Board approval allows for the redevelopment on the former YMCA, to a 150 Unit/175 Bed Assisted and Independent Living facility for a […]Land Use Alert: Michael Lipari, Esq. Secures Approvals for Class-A Warehouse Development in Fairfield, New Jersey
April 17, 2024
Mandelbaum Barrett PC Real Estate Partner, Michael J. Lipari, Esq., secured Preliminary and Final Major Site Plan, C-Variance and D-Variance Approval before the Fairfield Zoning Board of Adjustment to allow for the development of a Class-A warehouse in the Township’s Light Industrial Zone. This project will provide an upgrade to a stagnant property and provide […]Bolstering Growth: Michael J. Lipari, Esq., Secures $5MM Loan for North Jersey Charter School
February 29, 2024
Deal Alert: Mandelbaum Barrett PC Real Estate Partner, Michael J. Lipari, Esq., recently represented an expanding North Jersey charter school in connection with a $5MM loan from a regional bank. This additional round of construction funding will assist with the school’s continued growth and will ensure that it continues to provide top-tier education at its […]Land Use Alert: Michael J. Lipari, Esq., secured Amended Site Plan Approval for redevelopment project in Mt. Arlington
February 13, 2024
Mandelbaum Barrett PC Real Estate Partner, Michael J. Lipari, Esq., secured Amended Site Plan Approval for the expansion of a large mixed-use redevelopment project in Mt. Arlington, New Jersey. This adaptive re-use project included the further expansion of an existing retail shopping center and addition of 81 residential units in two free standing luxury apartment […]Land Use Alert: Michael J. Lipari, Esq. Successfully Secures Approvals for Transformative Adaptive Reuse Project in Livingston Township
February 1, 2024
Mandelbaum Barrett PC Real Estate Partner Michael J. Lipari, Esq. secured Preliminary and Final Major Site Plan and Bulk Variance approval from the Livingston Township Planning Board for an adaptive reuse project that will convert a dilapidated property into a modern medical/dental facility. The applicant had to overcome several challenges due to the unique size and […]Land Use Alert: Michael Lipari, Esq. secured Preliminary and Final Major Site Plan and Bulk Variance approval for a Residential Townhouse development in Bernardsville
January 16, 2024
Mandelbaum Barrett PC Real Estate Partner Michael J. Lipari, Esq. secured Preliminary and Final Major Site Plan and Bulk Variance approval for a Residential Townhouse development located in the Downtown Claremont section of Bernardsville. The development is uniquely located at the footsteps of the historic St. Bernard’s Church. The team worked tirelessly with the Borough and […]Land Use Alert: Michael J. Lipari, Esq. secured Preliminary and Final Major Site Plan approval to allow for the development of a 5-Story, 136-Unit Residential building
January 4, 2024
Mandelbaum Barrett PC Real Estate Partner Michael J. Lipari, Esq. secured Preliminary and Final Major Site Plan approval to allow for the development of a 5-Story, 136-Unit Residential building. This Redevelopment project was unanimously approved and will convert and preserve an existing Church to maintain the historic character of the property, while also providing much needed […]Land Use Alert: Michael J. Lipari secured Major Site Plan and Minor Subdivision approval with several bulk variances for a mixed-use development project
December 19, 2023
Mandelbaum Barrett PC Real Estate attorney Michael J. Lipari, Esq. secured Major Site Plan and Minor Subdivision approval with several bulk variances from the Randolph Township Planning Board for a mixed-use development project consisting of a retail and 35 townhouse/apartment units in the Mt. Freedom section of the Township. The application was complicated due to the […]Decision Update: Successful Stop Work Order Appeal Before the Passaic County Construction Board
June 13, 2023
Michael J. Lipari successfully appealed a stop work order before the Passaic County Construction Board of Appeals. The developer was issued a stop work order midway through construction of his major commercial development project for failure to obtain a use variance from the City Zoning Board of Adjustment. Mr. Lipari successfully appealed the order based […]Land Use Alert: Michael J. Lipari secured final major subdivision approval from the Mendham Township Planning Board for a high-end single family residential development project
June 12, 2023
Michael J. Lipari secured preliminary and final major subdivision approval with several bulk variances and design waivers from the Mendham Township Planning Board for a high-end single family residential development project. The application was complicated due to the presence of steep slopes and site access constraints. However, the team was able to demonstrate that granting […]Real Estate Deal Alert: Michael Lipari, Esq. Recently Represented North Jersey Charter School in Expansion
April 20, 2023
Deal Alert: Mandelbaum Barrett PC Real Estate attorney, Michael J. Lipari, Esq., recently represented an expanding North Jersey charter school in connection with a $7MM loan with a regional bank to assist with the school’s expansion in Passaic County, New Jersey. The deal involved a refinance and line of credit with cross-collateralization of existing assets. Learn more […]Deal Alert: Our National Dental Law Group Worked with a Client on the Sale of a Cosmetic Dentistry and General Dentistry Practice
November 11, 2022
Members of the National Dental Law Group at Mandelbaum Barrett PC including William Barrett, Barry Schwartz, Melody Lins, Nicole Fryer, Michael Lipari, and Steve Holt worked with a client on the sale of a cosmetic dentistry and general dentistry practice. The seller was acquired by a dental support organization (“DSO”) with a large footprint in […]Deal Alert: Mandelbaum Barrett PC Real Estate partner Joshua Gorsky, Esq. recently represented a Buyer in the purchase of a commercial building in Summit, NJ.
June 30, 2022
The contract of sale was first signed in 2020 and was made contingent on the Buyer obtaining approval from the Zoning Board of Adjustment to convert the existing restaurant on site into a state-of-the-art veterinary facility. Michael J. Lipari, Esq. of the firm’s Land Use and Zoning group obtained a Use Variance, a Bulk Variance and […]Site Plan Approval: Michael J. Lipari recently secured Preliminary and Final Major Site Plan Approval for the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges for a new state of the art YMCA campus in Livingston that will include a 54,000 square foot facility, indoor/outdoor recreation facilities, a 24,700 square foot early learning center/office building, and related site improvements.
May 2, 2022
The main YMCA facility will include a wellness center, pools, gym/fitness space, and a 4,300 square foot rooftop airnasium. A second building will house the Early Learning Center, childcare center, and office space. Mr. Lipari worked together with project professionals Jarmel Kizel Architects and Engineers, Inc, SUBURBAN CONSULTING ENGINEERS, INC. and Dolan & Dean Consulting Engineers, LLC, in preparing the […]Michael J. Lipari, Esq. Secures Land Use Approvals for $120+ Million in Development Projects
April 30, 2022
Mandelbaum Barrett PC Real Estate attorney Michael Lipari, Esq. successfully represented his clients to obtain local land use approvals for over $120,000,000.00 in development and redevelopment projects. Some of the more significant project approvals include Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval for The Depo, a 34-acre warehouse campus redevelopment project located in Wanaque, New Jersey; Preliminary […]Land Use Alert: Michael J. Lipari, a member of Mandelbaum Barrett PC’s Land Use and Zoning Law and Veterinary Law practice groups, recently secured another Use Variance Approval, allowing a client to open a brand new doggie daycare.
March 31, 2022
Mr. Lipari recently secured Use Variance, Bulk Variance and Site Plan Approval from a Zoning Board in Essex County for a doggy daycare, pet spa and boarding facility, allowing it to open and operate in an area zoned strictly for retail use. As a result of Mr. Lipari’s efforts, our client cleared the biggest hurdle […]Land Use Alert: Michael J. Lipari, a member of Mandelbaum Barrett PC’s Land Use and Zoning Law and Veterinary Law practice groups, recently secured another Site Plan Approval to allow the firm’s client to open a brand new 15,000 sq. ft. veterinary hospital.
March 28, 2022
Mr. Lipari represented a client before a Planning Board in Morris County and obtained Site Plan and Variance Approval to allow the client permission to open a 24/7 emergency veterinary hospital with an onsite mobile MRI unit. As a result of Mr. Lipari’s efforts, our client will be able to provide these much needed specialty […]Land Use Alert: Michael J. Lipari recently secured Use Variance Approval for an adaptive reuse project, clearing a path for the firm’s client to open a brand-new veterinary facility.
March 24, 2022
Mr. Lipari successfully represented this North Jersey client before a Zoning Board of Adjustment in Union County and obtained Use Variance, Bulk Variance and Site Plan Approval to allow the client to convert a former restaurant building into a first-class veterinary clinic. As a result of Mr. Lipari’s efforts, our client has cleared the biggest […]Governor Murphy Signs OPRA Revamp that may Curtail the Right to Government Records
June 10, 2024
On Monday, June 5, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed Senate Bill 2930/Assembly Bill 4045 into law, modifying the process of requesting and obtaining public records, and significantly altering the rights of those who submit a request for government records and are denied. First enacted in 2002, the Open Public Records Act (“OPRA”) has provided […]Michael J. Lipari Reappointed as Zoning Board Attorney for Lincoln Park, NJ for 2025
January 31, 2025
We are thrilled to announce that Michael J. Lipari, Esq., Partner and Chair of our Land Use, Zoning, and Redevelopment Practice Group, has been reappointed as Zoning Board Attorney for the Borough of Lincoln Park, NJ for 2025! Michael’s deep expertise in zoning, land use, and redevelopment law has made him a trusted advisor to […]Joshua Gorsky and Michael Lipari co-author article for ROI-NJ titled “As Vacancies Mount in N.J., Options are Available for Stagnant Properties”
April 24, 2023
“As pandemic restrictions ease and life resumes a sense of normalcy, owners of commercial real estate shouldn’t be lulled into a false sense of comfort. As a result of lingering work-from-home policies, exploding interest rates and a change in overall demand for space, vacancy rates for office buildings in New Jersey are on the rise.” […]Winter 2021 Veterinary Newsletter
February 15, 2021
Spring 2020 Veterinary Newsletter
May 29, 2020