Atty. James D. Masterman
James D. Masterman is a trial lawyer with a broad range of experience in eminent domain and real estate valuation litigation, including tax proceedings and lease arbitrations, and in the litigation of land use and property rights issues.
Litigation & More Attorney · Serving Boston, MA · 47+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About James D. Masterman at a Glance
James D. Masterman is a Shareholder based in Boston, Massachusetts, practicing at Greenberg Traurig, LLP. They have 47+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1979. Their practice focuses on real estate, zoning, estate litigation, and litigation. Admitted to practice in Massachusetts Supreme Court of the United States U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (1979). Educated at Boston University School of Law (J.D., 1979) and Cornell University (B.A., 1976). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Active member of Menino's Advisory Panel on Housing, 2004 •Member, Town of Needham, Finance Committee, 1999-2002 •Affiliate Member, The Appraisal Institute. Serves clients in Boston, MA and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About James D. Masterman
- James D. Masterman is a trial lawyer with a broad range of experience in eminent domain and real estate valuation litigation, including tax proceedings and lease arbitrations, and in the litigation of land use and property rights issues
- His representation of commercial, industrial and residential property owners and developers requires his appearance in U.S
- District Court, U.S
- Bankruptcy Court, and every state and administrative court of Massachusetts and throughout New England
- His advice is sought by multi-property clients on a national basis on all aspects of eminent domain, and by developers seeking public assistance with land assemblage for large-scale, public- private partnership projects
- Jim served as Chair of the American Bar Association's Committee of Condemnation and Land Use Litigation and is a frequent lecturer and writer on the topic
- Concentrations •Valuation disputes •Eminent domain •Property rights •Tax proceedings Judicial Clerkships •Hon
- John J. McNaught, U.S
- District Court for the District of Massachusetts Recognition & Leadership Awards & Accolades •Team Member, a Law360 'Real Estate Practice Group of the Year,' 2023 •Team Member, U.S
- News - Best Lawyers, Best Law Firms Edition, 'Law Firm of the Year,' Real Estate - Litigation, 2017 and 2022 •Listed, The Best Lawyers in America, Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, 2007-2026 •'Lawyer of the Year' in Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, Boston, 2013, 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2023 •Listed, Boston magazine, 'Top Lawyers - Eminent Domain,' 2022-2025 •Listed, Super Lawyers magazine, Massachusetts Super Lawyers, 2005-2021 •Rated, AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5.0
Practice Areas Explained
James D. Masterman's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases James D. Masterman handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Boston.
Real Estate Law in Boston
Real estate attorneys handle home purchases, sales, commercial transactions, title disputes, and landlord-tenant matters.
James D. Masterman is one of 313,729 real estate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse real estate attorneys in Massachusetts →
Land Use & Zoning in Boston
James D. Masterman is one of 39,875 zoning attorneys indexed nationally. Browse zoning attorneys in Massachusetts →
Estate & Trust Litigation in Boston
James D. Masterman is one of 19,876 estate litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse estate litigation attorneys in Massachusetts →
Civil Litigation in Boston
Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.
James D. Masterman is one of 450,751 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in Massachusetts →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Boston
Practicing law in Massachusetts. Legal matters in Massachusetts are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Boston are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Massachusetts state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Massachusetts brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Massachusetts courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Boston Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Boston-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Massachusetts attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Boston or all attorneys in Massachusetts.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Boston Choose James D. Masterman
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish James D. Masterman's practice in the field of real estate, zoning, estate litigation, and litigation.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
James D. Masterman brings 47+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering real estate, zoning, and estate litigation, James D. Masterman can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Boston
A Boston-based practice means James D. Masterman attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues James D. Masterman Handles in Boston
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters James D. Masterman has experience with under Massachusetts law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact James D. Masterman directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
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How People Find James D. Masterman Online
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James D. Masterman's Practice Areas & Specializations
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Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions
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