Ned Abelson
Of Counsel
Boston
nabelson@goulstonstorrs.com+1 617 574 4082Ned Abelson
Of Counsel, Boston
nabelson@goulstonstorrs.com+1 617 574 4082Related Expertise
When environmental issues impact real estate projects, clients turn to Ned Abelson. Nationally recognized for his role in Brownfields redevelopment, transactions (including lab leasing), and environmental insurance, clients appreciate Ned’s strong business sense and extensive knowledge.
Developers, investors, tenants, and lenders go to Ned to maximize the value of – and successfully manage potential risks associated with – contaminated properties. Ned is recognized by Chambers USA as "an expert in his field...According to peers, 'he is the Mr. Brownfields attorney of Massachusetts,' while clients describe him as 'the premier environmental attorney in Boston; he is very creative, knowledgeable and smart."
Ned’s clients appreciate his ability to translate complex legal issues and environmental matters into understandable and relevant business information that helps them make solid decisions. Clients value his hard-to-match blend of technical savvy, practical applications, and personable nature.
Industry Leader for Policy Development
As former Co-Chair of NAIOP’s Brownfields Redevelopment Subcommittee, Ned collaborated with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MADEP) to shape environmental policies that are protective yet maximize the ability to redevelop contaminated property successfully. His extensive vapor intrusion expertise stems from representing the commercial real estate industry on MADEP's Superfund Advisory Committee and its Indoor Air Workgroup.
“Ned brings a rare combination of technical savvy, practical wisdom, and human approachability to his work. In my decade’s long experience, he quickly comprehends complex situations and is frequently the first to articulate the best solutions for resolving difficult challenges. Ned has been a strong positive contributor on all of our joint projects.”
Jim Okun, O’Reilly, Talbot & Okun Associates, Inc.
Related Representative Matters
Representation of Provincetown Commons, Inc., in connection with corporate formation, governance, obtaining tax exempt status, lease/contract review and negotiation, and obtaining local permits and approvals.
A major educational institution in connection with environmental matters arising from its $750 million acquisition of a large portion of a 14-acre parcel in Kendall Square, Cambridge, formerly owned and used by the federal government. Work included advising on environmental risk, compliance, and development strategy as the client constructed a replacement facility on a portion of the site for the government, enabling the client to acquire and redevelop the remaining property as a transformative mixed-use project.
The seller of a commercial property in the $24 million sale of a significantly contaminated site located upgradient of a major reservoir. Navigated complex environmental issues to achieve a full-price sale despite contamination risks.
A premier New England real estate development and management company on environmental matters related to the development, financing, and $1.725 billion portfolio sale of 14 regional malls to a Simon Property Group joint venture. Work included structuring and mitigating environmental risks to facilitate a successful large-scale disposition.
A regional Brownfields developer in connection with contractual risk allocation, environmental insurance, and regulatory guidance for multiple redevelopment projects, supporting the reuse of contaminated properties in compliance with environmental laws.
The seller/named insured in the placement of the first Massachusetts Brownfields Redevelopment Access to Capital Program pollution legal liability environmental insurance policy, setting a precedent for environmental risk management in Brownfields transactions.
NAIOP representative working with Massachusetts state legislators in analyzing the impact and benefits of the Massachusetts Brownfields bill prior to its enactment. Ned’s work informed the development and drafting of the legislation that continues to shape Brownfields redevelopment in Massachusetts.
A significant educational institution in its ongoing redevelopment of an assemblage of property in Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA. Work has included securing City approval for a planned unit development to revitalize former commercial and industrial land, addressing Massachusetts Contingency Plan matters, contaminated soil management, and environmental risk structuring, as well as advising on the client’s Massachusetts Brownfields tax credit application.
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Recognition
Chambers USA Guide
June 5, 2025
Accolades
- Lexology Index Thought Leader 2024
- Lexology Client Choice Award, Environment, USA, 2022, 2024
- NAIOP Massachusetts, Government Affairs Champion Award, 2023
- The Lawdragon Green 500: Leaders in Environmental Law, 2023-2024
- Business Today, Top 10 Powerhouse Environmental Lawyers Massachusetts, 2023
- Boston Magazine Top Lawyers, Land Use and Zoning, 2021, Land Use Environment 2022, 2023-2024
- Lawyer of the Year, Best Lawyers in America® (2012, 2020): Environmental Law
- Chambers USA, Environment, Massachusetts, 2003 - 2024 (Band 1 since 2006); 2025 (Senior Statespeople)
- Best Lawyers in America® (2006 - 2026): Environmental Law
- Who’s Who Legal, International Leading Environmental Lawyer (2012-2022)
- Who's Who Legal, Thought Leaders USA 2024-2025
- Massachusetts Super Lawyers, 2004-2025
- Martindale Hubbell Peer-Review Rated AV Preeminent™
- Expert Guides | The World's Leading Lawyers | Environment, 2017-2018
- NAIOP Massachusetts, Government Affairs Award, 2011
- Invited to the White House to attend the announcement of Vice President Gore’s Brownfields Action Agenda, 1997
- Interviewed by the Wall Street Journal, Boston Globe and National Public Radio concerning Brownfields and environmental insurance issues.
Affiliations
- Former Co-Chair, Brownfields Redevelopment Subcommittee, NAIOP Massachusetts Chapter
- Former NAIOP Representative, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MADEP) Superfund Advisory Committee
- Former Member, MADEP Indoor Air Workgroup
- Former Member, ULI Redevelopment & Reuse Council
- Founding Member and Former Policy Committee Co-Chair, Massachusetts Chapter, National Brownfields Association
- Former Chair, International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) Subcommittee on Environmental Issues
- Pro Bono work for the Lakeview Manor Tenant Association, Inc. from 1983 through 2012
- Former Chairman and Member, Board of Directors, New Ecology, Inc.
Admissions
- Massachusetts
Education
University of Pennsylvania Law School ( J.D. , 1983 )
Brown University ( B.A. , magna cum laude , 1978 )—Phi Beta Kappa