Schofield Donnelly

Two federal lawsuits pending in Boston are challenging a practice that has long operated in the background of Massachusetts summary process cases: the assessment of landlord legal fees before a case proceeds to judgment and before a judge reviews those fees. The cases, filed against AvalonBay Communities and Greystar, ask a federal court to determine […]

A recent decision from the Massachusetts Land Court serves as an important reminder that while condominium boards are afforded broad discretion, that discretion is not without limits. In Feldman v. Sanctuary Condominium Association, the Land Court held that a condominium board failed to act in good faith and in the exercise of its honest judgment […]

20 Years!   When Tim Schofield started his legal career at Goulston & Storrs, the firm was celebrating its 100th Anniversary.  When he moved to Sally & Fitch (now Fitch Law Partners), the firm was celebrating its 20th Anniversary.  Both milestones seemed impossibly distant when Tim launched Schofield & Associates in 2004.  And yet, here we are 20 years later celebrating what has […]

What’s in a Name? When your business is built on trust, your name is everything. Over the last 19 years, Tim Schofield has built a law firm with a reputation for providing candid counsel and sensible and sophisticated solutions. Since 2014, Chris Donnelly has helped define our firm through his intelligence, hard work, and commitment to our clients. His knowledge, experience, and […]

During the pandemic, we have received numerous inquiries from condominium associations and property managers as to whether it is proper or permissible for meetings to be held remotely.  The short answer is probably not.  Most condominium documents require that trustee and owner meetings be held in-person and that owners vote in person or by proxy […]

We frequently receive inquiries from condominium associations and landlords regarding the rights of unit owners or tenants to have service or assistance animals when the condominium documents or the lease specifically prohibit pets or certain types of pets.  The question is and remains very fact-specific and every situation is different so you should definitely consult […]

Condo associations and property managers are faced with the challenge of maintaining accurate and detailed records of fees and assessments due from unit owners.  Regular maintenance of records may seem like an obvious task, but when it comes to obtaining delinquent common expenses, keeping the books straight is more than just good business practice, it […]

Tim Schofield provided some insight in this Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly article concerning an interesting new zoning case. Rooster Ban Challenged in Essex Superior CourtBy: Pat Murphy January 13, 2022 “…Boston litigator Timothy N. Schofield says municipal regulation of agribusiness has become a “hot topic” for the real estate bar, coinciding with rising consumer demand for […]

SLG is proud to announce that Tim Schofield has been elected Co-Chair of the Condominium Law and Practice Section of REBA, the Real Estate Bar Association of Massachusetts.  REBA advances the practice of real estate law by creating and sponsoring professional standards, advocating in the legislative process, mentoring new members of our profession, and creating […]

Superior Court Judge Kenneth Salinger ruled that a Caffe Nero shop on Newbury Street did not have to pay back rent for the nearly three months last spring when indoor dining was halted under state orders to combat the spread of COVID-19.  The Newbury Street location closed in October — business was flagging even after […]