Our attorneys also serve as general outside counsel to many entities, assisting such entities in complying with legal formalities and requirements, and providing general legal and business advice and counsel. Such services include structuring the ownership, management, financing and operations of business entities; drafting and negotiating business contracts of all types; negotiation of equity and financing arrangements; negotiation of business leases and licensing arrangements; and assisting in the resolution of business disputes.

In the area of real estate, the Firm has worked with clients to form partnerships and joint ventures for the development and financing of numerous real estate projects, including multi-family housing, commercial office buildings, hotels, shopping centers and mixed-use projects.

Commercial Loan Workouts and Restructurings
Shapiro, Lifschitz and Schram has been extensively involved in restructuring commercial loan portfolios for some of the region's largest homebuilders and other real estate related companies and investors. Lawyers in the Firm have represented commercial banks, credit companies, savings banks and the FDIC and RTC in commercial foreclosures, deeds-in-lieu transactions, workouts, and recapitalizations.

The Firm has also assisted non-real estate commercial borrowers in the negotiation of forbearance agreements and debt restructurings.

Construction Law
Shapiro, Lifschitz and Schram represents a variety of local, national and international construction contractors and subcontractors, design professionals, as well as owners and sureties, in all types of matters and often in connection with complex, highly technical contract claims and disputes. In addition to representing private parties in construction and government contract matters, the Firm acts as counsel to state and local governments and public agencies.

On behalf of the Firm's clients, our attorneys review, draft and negotiate architect, construction, government and international contracts and subcontracts, including major project construction contracts and subcontracts, international shipbuilding contracts, hazardous materials transport contracts (domestic and international), and telecommunication agreements. Our attorneys also conduct legal audits of the construction process and participate in dispute resolutions involving litigation, as well as alternative processes. In the area of contract claims, construction representation begins as early as claim preparation and pricing and continues through negotiation to litigation, trial, and/or alternative dispute resolution. The Firm has extensive experience in complex litigation, mediation and trial work.

General Commercial Litigation and Trial Practice
The Firm's experienced litigators represent clients in a variety of general commercial litigation, at both the trial and appellate levels. The Firm has extensive experience in complex litigation, where it employs state-of-the-art document management techniques. The Firm has sophisticated graphics capabilities.

Health Care Ventures
Shapiro, Lifschitz and Schram represents a variety of clients in the health care industry, and has assisted in the structuring and formation of numerous partnerships, corporations and limited liability companies for research and development, licensing and technology acquisitions and health care management arrangements.

Real Estate Transactions
Shapiro, Lifschitz and Schram has structured and documented a wide variety of transactions involving the acquisition and sale of commercial and residential real estate. The Firm represents purchasers and sellers of all types of property, including office buildings, apartment buildings, shopping centers, hotels, marinas and land for commercial and residential development. The Firm's representation extends to the preparation and negotiation of all necessary documents, assistance in the "due diligence" process, and representation at settlement. The Firm regularly represents commercial banks, credit companies, and other lending institutions, as well as borrowers, in a wide variety of commercial and real estate loans. The Firm also provides representation to owners and tenants of commercial office buildings and shopping centers in the negotiation, drafting, interpretation and enforcement of leases and subleases.

Sale of Business and Corporate Assets
Shapiro, Lifschitz and Schram represents purchasers and sellers of ongoing businesses, including retail establishments, manufacturers and medical practices, as well as of business assets. These transactions have been accomplished through asset purchases, stock purchases, and tax-free mergers and reorganizations.

Tax and Estate Planning
Shapiro, Lifschitz and Schram provides tax planning and advice to businesses and individuals both generally and in relation to the structuring and implementation of particular transactions. The Firm represents individuals in formulating and documenting estate plans of all degrees of complexity.

Technology Licensing
Shapiro, Lifschitz and Schram has extensive experience in handling technology transactions for clients in various industries. The Firm has structured and negotiated licensing agreements between European and American inventors and entrepreneurs, and with multi-national pharmaceutical and medical technology companies. In addition, the Firm has represented clients in manufacturing, distribution and licensing agreements for proprietary industrial technology.