Areas of Practice
Business counsel focused on structure, protection, and long-term growth.
Services include entity formation, operating and shareholder agreements, contract drafting and negotiation, employment and operational guidance, and ongoing general counsel services. The focus is on identifying risk early and positioning businesses for stability and expansion.
Business Litigation
Representation in complex commercial disputes where financial and operational stakes are significant.
Matters include breach of contract, Chapter 93A claims, fraud, fiduciary duty disputes, and partnership conflicts. Each case is evaluated early for leverage and risk, with a strategy designed to achieve efficient resolution or trial success when necessary.
This practice is built on real trial experience, with numerous jury and bench trials across a range of business disputes.
Construction Law & Litigation
Extensive representation of contractors, developers, and property owners in all phases of construction projects and disputes.
Services include contract drafting, payment disputes, change order conflicts, construction defect claims, delay issues, and litigation or arbitration.
Construction litigation is a core component of the practice. Numerous disputes have been resolved through trial or favorable settlement, particularly where opposing parties have taken unreasonable positions. Representation is grounded in a practical understanding of how projects are built, scheduled, and financed.
Real Estate Development & Land Use
Strategic guidance through all phases of development, from acquisition through permitting and completion.
Services include zoning analysis, special permits, variances, site plan approval, regulatory agreements, and representation before planning boards, zoning boards of appeal, conservation commissions, boards of health, and the Cape Cod Commission.
The focus is on identifying issues early, navigating the approval process efficiently, and positioning projects for success.
Licensing & Regulatory Representation
Representation of restaurants, markets, and regulated businesses before local licensing authorities and state agencies.
Services include license applications, transfers, modifications, compliance counseling, and defense of alleged violations before licensing boards and boards of health.
The goal is to secure and protect licenses while minimizing disruption to operations.
Landlord Representation
Representation of commercial and residential landlords in lease matters and disputes.
Services include lease drafting, eviction proceedings, enforcement of lease terms, and resolution of tenant disputes. The approach is direct, efficient, and focused on protecting property interests.
Personal Injury
Select representation in significant personal injury and wrongful death matters.
Cases include product liability, premises liability, and motor vehicle claims. Matters are handled with thorough preparation and a focus on achieving full and fair compensation through settlement or trial.
Representative Matters
David V. Lawler has represented clients in a wide range of business, construction, real estate, and litigation matters. Representative matters include:
Obtained a multi-million-dollar jury verdict in a breach of contract and Chapter 93A case arising from a failed real estate transaction, recognized as one of the top jury verdicts in the Commonwealth for that year.
Established precedent before the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court in Patel v. Martin, 481 Mass. 29 (2018), addressing attorney-client privilege and the limits of interlocutory appellate review.
Secured two recent six-figure jury verdicts in personal injury matters where insurers failed to make reasonable settlement offers based on incorrect liability and damages assessments.
Successfully tried multiple business, construction, and landlord-tenant matters to both jury and bench verdicts.
Represented a developer in Hyannis in the conversion of a 77-unit motel property to residential use while maintaining mixed-use components
Recovered the full value of a contractor’s claim in a construction dispute, together with attorneys’ fees and additional damages, multiple six figures, all amounts collected.
Represented a developer in Brewster in the conversion of a former nursing home facility into a 130+ unit residential development, including obtaining required zoning relief.
Obtained approvals to demolish existing structures and construct nine multi-family buildings consisting of approximately 60 residential units and over 22,000 square feet of development in Hyannis.
Successfully represented clients before local licensing authorities and the ABCC in obtaining package store, all-alcohol, and beer and wine licenses
Defended businesses in regulatory enforcement matters before licensing boards and boards of health, achieving favorable outcomes and minimizing operational impact.