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Local Government Law


Attorneys that handle Local Government Law are:

Mason, Griffin & Pierson, P.C. has worked closely with numerous municipalities since its founding in 1955. The attorneys have in-depth knowledge of government issues and are capable of handling the wide range of diverse and complex legal issues that challenge local governmental entities.


Legal Services For Local Governmental Entities

  • Affordable Housing Compliance
  • Appellate & Supreme Court Representation
  • Aviation Matters
  • Compliance with New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Regulations
  • Condemnation/Eminent Domain Litigation
  • Defense of Tort Claims
  • Defense of Officers & Employees
  • Defense of Municipalities in Civil Rights Cases
  • Defense & Prosecution of Tax Appeals
  • Farmland & Open Space Preservation
  • Formulation of Personnel Policies & Related Training
  • Impact Fee Assessments & Capital Programs
  • In Rem Tax Foreclosures
  • Labor Negotiations
  • Local Lands & Buildings Law
  • Master Plan Review & Preparation
  • Monitor Election Law Compliance
  • Mt. Laurel Litigation
  • Municipal Tax Assessment & Revaluation
  • Municipal Finance
  • Municipal Court Prosecutor & Public Defender
  • Open Public Records Act Compliance
  • Ordinance Preparation, Revision & Codification
  • Oversight of Affordable Housing Compliance
  • Performance & Guarantee Litigation
  • Preparation of Cable TV Franchise Agreements
  • Prerogative Writ Litigation
  • Public Contracting Law
  • Public Procurement & Construction Contracts
  • Representation of Historic Preservation Commissions
  • Representation of Boards of Health
  • Representation of Municipal Utilities Authorities
  • Representation of Governing Bodies
  • Representation of Zoning & Planning Boards
  • Shared Services Agreements & Municipal Consolidation
  • Stormwater Management & Sanitary Sewer Issues
  • Training of Employees in Compliance with Labor Regulations
  • Uniform Construction Code Regulation & Litigation
  • Wastewater Management Plan Revision
  • Wildlife Management

Human Resources and Employee Relations

Legal Consultation and Guidance is Provided in the Following Areas for Governmental Entities:

  • Employment Agreements & Severance Packages
  • Restrictive Covenants & Confidentiality Agreements
  • Employment Policies, Handbooks & Forms
  • Compliance with Family Leave Requirements
  • Accommodation of Handicapped Employees
  • Sexual Harassment & Other Federal & State Discrimination Laws
  • Wage & Hour Compliance
  • Drug Testing Programs & Employee Assistance Plans
  • Training in Compliance with ADA

Topics in Local Government

Can a municipality donate public property?


Longstanding Service To The Profession

Members of the Local Government Law Practice Group are active in both national and state professional associations, including the International Municipal Lawyers Organization, the Local Government Law Section of the New Jersey State Bar Association, the New Jersey Institute of Local Government Attorneys, and the New Jersey Federation of Planning Officials. The attorneys also serve on task forces and committees of the New Jersey State League of Municipalities, and are frequent panelists and seminar faculty members for various programs, including the annual New Jersey State League of Municipalities Conference. The practice group members are also editors and/or contributors to professional publications such as New Jersey Municipalities, Municipal Law Review, Rutgers Law Journal, ABA Local Government Law Section Newsletter, and The Quill.

Local Government Clients



  • Ed Schmierer Recognized as Outstanding Volunteer by Womanspace



  • Nicholas S. Taylor, Esq. joins Mason, Griffin & Pierson PC as an Associate.

    Nicholas is a member of the firm’s Business & Banking Practice Group and Real Estate Practice Group. Nick concentrates his practice in banking law, business formation, all aspects of business representation, and real estate. He will assist the firm’s Business & Banking Group in representing closely held businesses and local and national banks in business lending transactions as well as representing buyers and sellers of residential and commercial real estate.



  • Ed Schmierer honored with the David McAlphin Humanitarian Award



  • Edwin W. Schmierer, Esq moderates Affordable Housing Panel

    On June 23, 2022, Mason, Griffin & Pierson, PC, Director, Edwin W. Schmierer, Esq., moderated a panel discussion presented by Affordable Housing Professionals of New Jersey (AHPNJ) concerning the status of affordable housing delivery for the Third Round and preparation for the Fourth Round which commences July 1, 2025. Mr. Schmierer is the President of AHPNJ. The panelists included a representative from the Fair Share Housing Center, former Executive Director of the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, the Chief of Multifamily Program for NJHMFA and a professional planner who has served as a Special Court Master in 40 plus municipalities for the implementation of Third Round Affordable Housing Plans. Mr. Schmierer chairs the firm's Government Practice Group which represents over 30 municipal governing bodies, land use board and affordable housing committees throughout the State of New Jersey.