Riemer & Braunstein Llp

Joan E. Langsam

Partner / Real Estate: Burlington Office; 617-880-3484; 617-692-3484 fax; jlangsam@riemerlaw.com

Joan’s practice is concentrated in land use planning, municipal law, zoning litigation, and construction law. Prior to joining the firm, Joan served as town counsel to various municipalities. In her role as town counsel, she:

Assisted in the permitting of many Comprehensive Permit projects under M.G.L. Ch. 40B to create affordable housing
Appeared at the Housing Appeals Committee on behalf of local zoning boards
Represented the Town of Belmont, Massachusetts Planning Board in the lengthy and extensive site plan permitting of the "McLean Hospital" mixed-use project which consisted of residential and commercial uses
Has been instrumental in drafting zoning by-laws, general by-laws, rules and regulations and zoning board and planning board decisions for her municipal clients
Has extensive experience in land-use litigation and construction arbitration

Joan is a past president of the City Solicitors and Town Counsel Association and served for many years on its Executive Committee. She has been a frequent speaker at the Massachusetts Municipal Association Annual Meeting, MCLE Seminars and meetings of the City Solicitors and Town Counsel.

Joan served as City Solicitor to the City of Somerville from 1992 to 1999, prior to which she was engaged in private practice concentrating in zoning and real estate litigation. Immediately after graduation from law school in 1982, Joan worked for Coopers and Lybrand focusing on real estate syndication projects and other tax motivated transactions. She was also a member of the Charter Committee that developed a new charter for the bankrupt City of Chelsea, and served as a member of the Chelsea licensing and election board.

Representative Projects

Permitting of large residential housing projects located within a Rail Transit District.
Permitting of large and medium office space both new construction and renovation and additions to existing buildings.
Representation before local boards for development of Comprehensive Permit developments for both rental and for sale projects.
Representation of property owners in Land Court for subdivision, deregistration and S petitions to enable flexibility in development and redevelopment of properties.

Affiliations: Massachusetts Bar Association; Past President of the Massachusetts City Solicitor and Town Counsel Association

Admissions: Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 1982; U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts, 1986

Education: Suffolk University Law School, J.D., cum laude, 1982; Boston University, B.A., cum laude, 1979