Business Details
Your Trusted Commercial Real Estate Law Firm
Murphy Schiller & Wilkes LLP (MSW) is a nationally recognized boutique law firm headquartered in Newark and New York City. Specializing exclusively in commercial real estate and construction law, we serve developers, investors, lenders, and contractors with tailored legal solutions. Our attorneys possess deep industry expertise, combining private-sector legal acumen with public-sector insights to navigate complex transactions, land use approvals, and litigation. With decades of collective experience, our team anticipates challenges and drives successful outcomes in acquisitions, financing, zoning, and high-stakes disputes. We prioritize efficiency, creativity, and client-centric strategies, ensuring every engagement aligns with individual objectives. Our practice extends to tax incentives, environmental compliance, and construction law, supported by a track record of resolving intricate matters across the U.S.MSWs attorneys have represented clients in landmark transactions, including multimillion-dollar sales and financings, while maintaining a focus on practical problem-solving. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our national reputation and the long-standing trust of industry leaders. We operate as strategic partners, blending industry knowledge with actionable legal guidance to advance client interests. This dedication to sophistication and service defines our approach to commercial real estate and construction law.
Services
Acquisitions and Sales
Banking and Commercial Finance
Commercial Leasing
Construction Law
Land Use and Zoning
Litigation
Tax Credits and Incentives
Environmental Law
Corporate Transactions
Distressed Real Estate
Highlights and features
- We specialize exclusively in commercial real estate and construction law with decades of industry experience.
- Our attorneys combine private-sector legal expertise with public-sector insights for strategic outcomes.
- We deliver tailored solutions for complex transactions, litigation, and development approvals.
- Our team has represented clients in landmark transactions exceeding $183 million in value.
- We maintain a client-centric focus, prioritizing efficiency, creativity, and practical problem-solving.
Services
Acquisitions and Sales
MSW represents buyers and sellers in commercial real estate acquisitions and sales, including office, industrial, retail, and mixed-use properties. Our attorneys handle structuring, due diligence, financing, and closing, while negotiating purchase agreements and addressing land use regulations. We assist in forming real estate entities and joint ventures to align with client objectives.
Banking and Commercial Finance
We counsel lenders and borrowers on secured and unsecured credit transactions, including revolving credit facilities, syndicated loans, and tax-exempt financings. Our team negotiates intercreditor agreements and provides local counsel opinions in New Jersey and New York, ensuring compliance with regional regulations and client needs.
Commercial Leasing
MSW structures and negotiates leases for landlords and tenants across office, industrial, retail, and healthcare properties. We address green building standards and economic incentives, while managing large-scale leasing programs and complex arrangements like ground leases and sale-leasebacks to optimize client interests.
Construction Law
Our attorneys advise on all aspects of construction projects, from contract drafting to dispute resolution. We represent owners, contractors, and suppliers in risk mitigation, project delivery systems, and litigation involving delays, defects, and compliance with accessibility laws like the ADA and Fair Housing Act.
Litigation
MSW litigates complex real estate and construction matters in federal and state courts, including contract disputes, foreclosures, and catastrophic property damage claims. Our team combines trial experience with strategic negotiation to resolve cases efficiently, protecting client reputations and business interests.
People
Kellen F. Murphy
Managing Partner
Kellen F. Murphy is Managing Partner at MSW, specializing in commercial real estate transactions and development. With over 25 years of experience, he guides clients through acquisitions, financings, and land use approvals, leveraging expertise from top-tier law firms and public-sector roles.
Matthew J. Schiller
Partner
Matthew J. Schiller focuses on commercial leasing and real estate finance, representing landlords and tenants in complex lease agreements. He has extensive experience in retail, office, and industrial properties, ensuring strategic outcomes for national and regional clients.
Charles J. Wilkes
Partner
Charles J. Wilkes specializes in banking and commercial finance, advising lenders and borrowers on credit facilities and loan documentation. His work includes syndicated loans, asset-based financings, and intercreditor agreements, with a focus on New Jersey and New York markets.
Anthony Capasso
Partner
Anthony Capasso leads MSWs construction law practice, representing clients in litigation and project management. His expertise spans contract disputes, defect claims, and compliance with accessibility laws, supported by decades of trial and appellate experience.
Jessica Brenner
Counsel
Jessica Brenner advises on commercial real estate transactions, including acquisitions, leasing, and land use. She works closely with developers and investors to navigate zoning regulations and secure economic incentives for large-scale projects.
Questions
What areas of law does Murphy Schiller & Wilkes specialize in?
We focus exclusively on commercial real estate and construction law, including transactions, litigation, land use, zoning, and tax incentives.
What regions does MSW serve?
We operate nationwide with primary offices in Newark, New Jersey, and New York City, handling matters across the U.S.
What types of clients does MSW represent?
We serve real estate developers, investors, lenders, contractors, and businesses involved in commercial real estate and construction.
Does MSW handle complex litigation cases?
Yes, our team has extensive experience in high-stakes litigation, including construction defects, contract disputes, and catastrophic property damage cases.
How does MSW approach client representation?
We provide personalized strategies tailored to each client’s objectives, combining industry expertise with proactive risk management and problem-solving.
What distinguishes MSW from other law firms?
Our singular focus on commercial real estate and construction law, combined with decades of experience and a track record of multimillion-dollar transactions.
