Biography

Doug is a Partner at Smolak & Vaughan LLP where he practices in the firm’s real estate, land use, and litigation departments. Doug has more than 25 years of experience in real estate and land use litigation having handled a wide range of real estate disputes before Massachusetts state courts at both trial and appellate levels. He has also represented clients in hundreds of municipal and administrative proceedings throughout the Commonwealth, including Cape Cod and the Islands.

Doug also regularly represents owners, developers, retailers, and multi-national corporations in obtaining local, state, and federal permits for a wide variety of development projects ranging from mixed use (retail, office, and housing), commercial, multifamily housing, private schools, athletic facilities, industrial, marinas, and residential subdivisions.  His broad experience allows him to effectively represent clients in communities across Massachusetts approaching each matter with the familiarity and credibility of local counsel while also advocating and advancing complex or controversial positions when necessary.

Drawing on his extensive litigation background, Doug offers clients a comprehensive approach to land use and development, guiding projects from initial concept through permitting and, when required, through litigation. He regularly advises clients on zoning and land use matters, easements, private ways, wetlands and waterways regulation, air, water, and sewer infrastructure, historic review, and driveway and highway access issues.

Doug has lectured and written numerous articles on real estate development, condominium law, and litigation matters for various organizations, including the Real Estate Bar Association (REBA), Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc. (MCLE), and Community Associations Institute of New England (CAI).  As Co-Chair of the REBA Legislation Section. At the state level, Doug recently assisted in the drafting of legislation and testified before the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government seeking to make the process of securing development permits more efficient and effective.  Recognized as an authority on zoning and land use law, Doug serves as a faculty panelist for MCLE seminars and co-authored the MCLE Chapter 6 - "Existing structures, uses, or permits; certain subdivision plans; application of chapter.