Creating Thriving Communities Through Land Use And Real Estate Law

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Robert W. Lavoie

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Practice Areas

  • Commercial and Real Estate Lending
  • Zoning and Other Land-Use Permitting
  • Environmental and Brownfields Law
  • Economic Development and Municipal Law

Biography

An Amesbury, MA native, Bob joined the firm in 2011.  Bob was a partner with Asoian & Tully in Andover prior to its 1996 merger with Devine Millimet, a 75 member Northern New England regional law firm headquartered in Manchester, New Hampshire.  Bob was a shareholder at Devine Millimet's Andover office until its closing in 2011, when he left to join Johnson & Borenstein, LLC in order to remain available to his Andover and Merrimack Valley area clients.  Bob represents commercial real estate developers, owners and buyers in land development and land-use permitting matters, including Brownfields and MGL Chapter 40B affordable housing, as well as representation in connection with complex real estate title matters and commercial, industrial and real estate lending for both borrowers and lenders.  Bob represents a variety of banks and lending institutions, as well as businesses, real estate developers and nonprofit organizations in connection with their real estate and lending activities.  An avid skier and sports fan, Bob is also actively involved in local politics and Rotary. 

Education

  • Boston University School of Law, Boston, Massachusetts
    • J.D. - 1979
  • Harvard College, Cambridge
    • A.B. - 1976
    • Honors: cum laude

Bar Admission

  • Massachusetts, 1979
  • New Hampshire, 1987

Published Works

  • NE Real estate Journal Articles on Brownfields Act, Shopping Center Development, and Affordable HousingBankers and Tradesman Article on Chapter 40R - Smart Growth

Pro-Bono Activities

  • Andover Rotary Club – 2009-present; 2013-14 Club President
  • Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce – Board of Directors 2005-present; Clerk
  • Andover Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, 2001-present
  • Amesbury Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, 2018-present
  • Amesbury City Council, 2006 to 2017; 2010/2011 Council President
  • Merrimack Valley Planning Commission, 2011- 2017; Chairman 2005-2011
  • Merrimack Valley Legal Services – Board of Directors, 1979-2014
  • Neighborhood Legal Services – Board of Directors, 2005-2014
  • Merrimack Valley Economic Development Council – Board of Directors
  • Yankee Clipper Council – Boy Scouts of America Past Council President
  • Harvard College Alumni Association - Member
  • BU School of Law Alumni Association – Member

Professional Associations

  • New Hampshire Bar Association - Member
  • Massachusetts Bar Association – Member
  • Lawrence Bar Association - Member
  • Merrimack Valley Conveyancers Association – Member

Honors

  • Massachusetts Access to Justice Commission – SJC Appointment
  • Enterprise Bank Celebration of Excellence Community Service Award Nominee
  • Eagle Scout– Boy Scouts of America
  • Distinguished Eagle Scout Award – Boy Scouts of America
  • Distinguished Citizen Award by Yankee Clipper Council – Boy Scouts of America
  • Outstanding Service Award presented by Merrimack Valley Legal Services

Past Positions

  • Asoian & Tully, Partner
  • Devine Millimet, Shareholder