Legal Counsel Without The Nonsense
Schedule a free consultation today.
T: 617-557-4545
Advising and Assisting Associations and Property Managers
Condominium Law
CONDOMINIUM EXPERTS
We are experts in condominium law. We represent hundreds of associations throughout Massachusetts.
The management and operation of a condominium involves both legal and practical considerations. Managers and associations must not only comply with complex legal and regulatory requirements, they must also operate their buildings in an efficient and cost-effective manner. We have the knowledge and experience to help our clients do both.
ADVISING AND ASSISTING ASSOCIATIONS AND MANAGERS
Our attorneys have extensive experience representing property managers, associations, and developers in the formation, operation, and management of residential and commercial condominiums. We know and understand the Massachusetts Condominium Act (Chapter 183A) and the relevant case law. We are also intimately familiar with the nuances of condominium documents which enables us to provide prompt and accurate advice and counsel.
Associations and property managers are in constant need of advice and counsel from a trusted legal advisor. We know that our clients need prompt responses and clear and certain guidance so that they can make informed decisions and take immediate action. We pride ourselves on being a part of the management team.
Creation & Conversions
Analysis & Amendments
Collections
Enforcement & Litigation
Annual Plan
Creation & Conversions
We represent clients in the creation and initial operation of condominiums and prepare all appropriate documents including Master Deeds, By-Laws, and Declarations of Trust. We also assist clients with condominium conversions.
Analysis & Amendments
- We help associations and managers to understand and comply with the Massachusetts Condominium Act and their condominium documents including the Master Deed, Declaration of Trust, and By-Laws. We also review and analyze condominium documents to ensure that they are up-to-date and help clients to develop, draft, and adopt necessary and proper amendments. We also assist clients in electing trustees and keeping all public records current and accurate.
Collections
- Accurate and timely notices are vital to collecting the fees to which an association is entitled and to taking advantage of the “super-lien” provisions of the Massachusetts Condominium Act. We work closely with associations and property managers to provide all legally required notices and to take all other actions necessary to collect outstanding fees, fines, and assessments.
Enforcement & Litigation
- We work closely with managers and trustees to proactively address violations of the condominium documents and the rules and regulations and other improper or disruptive conduct. If necessary, we commence appropriate legal action to ensure compliance. We also represent associations in all types of litigation including actions to collect unpaid condominium fees, fines, and assessments.
Annual Plan
Condominium Annual Services Plan
Year-round condominium counsel. One predictable annual fee.
Running a condominium association means constant governance questions — and unpredictable legal bills. Our Annual Services Plan gives your property manager and board year-round access to experienced condominium counsel, so you can budget with confidence and get practical answers when you need them.
Legal Counsel Without the Nonsense
Condominium Annual Services Plan
Year-round condominium counsel. One predictable annual fee.
Running a condominium association means constant governance questions — and unpredictable legal bills. Our Annual Services Plan gives your property manager and board year-round access to experienced condominium counsel, so you can budget with confidence and get practical answers when you need them.
What's Included Every Year
ROUTINE LEGAL CONSULTATION
Day-to-day guidance by phone and email on governance, operations, Chapter 183A compliance, governing documents, board and meeting procedures, and elections.
BOARD MEETINGS
Up to two board meetings each year by video or teleconference.
ANNUAL DOCUMENT REVIEW
Yearly review of your condominium documents, bylaws, and rules, with a written summary of opportunities to modernize and improve.
ANNUAL MEETING NOTICES AND AGENDA
Review or preparation of your annual meeting notice and agenda.
CERTIFICATES OF APPOINTMENT & DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY
Preparation when required by your governing documents or otherwise needed or requested.
Why Boards Choose the Plan
ONE PREDICTABLE FEE
Budget for legal counsel like any other annual line item — without surprise invoices for routine questions.
COUNSEL ON CALL
Reach a designated attorney through your property manager or a designated board member.
EXPERIENCED TEAM
Your association is supported by a full team of attorneys and paralegals experienced in condominium law.
RESPONSIVE
We aim to respond to written communications within 24 hours, exclusive of weekends or holidays.
PEACE OF MIND
Know that experienced condominium counsel is always just a call or email away, whenever questions arise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions boards and property managers ask most — coverage, cost, common scenarios, and how to reach us.
Coverage, Cost & Access
What does the Annual Plan cost?
A flat $3,950 per year for associations with up to eight units. For associations with more than eight units, it's $3,950 plus $30 per unit — for example, $4,550 for a 20-unit association or $5,450 for a 50-unit association. Your Legal Services Agreement will state your exact Annual Fee.
What services are covered under the Plan?
Routine legal consultation on governance and operations, up to two board meetings a year, an annual governing-document review, review or preparation of your annual meeting notice and agenda, a Certificate of Appointment when required, and a Delegation of Authority under M.G.L. c. 183A, § 6(d).
What kinds of questions can a manager or trustee ask counsel?
Day-to-day governance questions — interpreting a bylaw provision, notice requirements for a meeting, handling a board vacancy, quorum and voting procedures, or whether a proposed rule is enforceable under Chapter 183A.
What isn't covered under the Plan?
Larger matters are billed separately at $375/hour for attorneys and $150/hour for paralegals — including collections and lien enforcement, litigation, vendor contract review, drafting document amendments, developer disputes, and any matter expected to take more than two hours of attorney time.
Who can contact counsel, and when?
Either your property manager or one designated board member, by phone or email, during normal business hours (9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. ET, weekdays). We aim to respond within 24 hours. Meetings and calls are scheduled in advance.
Do we need a property manager to use the Plan?
No. Routine consultation can run through your property manager if you have one, or through one designated board member if your association is self-managed.
Scenarios & Fine Print
Can the Plan help us enforce a rule against a unit owner?
Yes, in part. Guidance on whether a rule is valid and enforceable, and how to approach it, is routine consultation. Actually enforcing the rule against a specific owner — warning letters, fines, or a formal enforcement action — is billed hourly.
What if a unit owner sends a formal written demand or complaint?
General questions about how to handle owner complaints day-to-day remain part of routine consultation. Analyzing a written demand and preparing a response is an Additional Service.
Does the Plan cover reviewing our vendor contracts?
No. Review, analysis, or negotiation of vendor contracts (landscaping, snow removal, management agreements, and the like) is an Additional Service, billed at the hourly rate.
Can we ask about our insurance policies under the Plan?
General questions about your association's insurance obligations under its governing documents are covered by routine consultation.
What happens to unused services at the end of the term?
Unused Plan Services expire automatically at the end of the Plan Term. They don't carry over into a renewal term and have no cash value, refund, or credit.
Does the Annual Fee change when we renew?
It can. Before your Plan Term ends, we may offer renewal with updated terms — including a new Annual Fee — in writing. Renewal only happens by mutual agreement.
What if a matter needs more than two hours of work?
We'll let you know and get your approval before treating the additional work as an hourly Additional Service. You won't be surprised by a bigger bill.
This sheet describes the plan in general terms and is for informational purposes only. Specific terms, fees, and scope of services will be governed by a separate written Legal Services Agreement.
Tim Schofield
Chris Donnelly
Schofield Donnelly, LLC
20 Park Plaza, Suite 222, Boston, MA 02116