Michael E. Silbert
By Joshua Burd
Murphy Schiller & Wilkes LLP has bolstered its land use, zoning and redevelopment team with the addition of Michael E. Silbert as counsel.
According to the firm, which is based in Newark, Silbert represents private developers across the state, providing comprehensive counsel on all stages of the land development process, from initial due diligence and planning through project approvals and post-approval implementation. His clients include large-scale commercial, industrial and multifamily developers, as well as applicants pursuing rezonings, subdivisions and residential variance approvals.
He most recently practiced at DiFrancesco, Bateman, Kunzman, Davis, Lehrer & Flaum PC, where he represented both private developers and public municipal entities, according to MSW. The firm said that dual experience provides Silbert with a unique perspective on the development process and municipal operations from both sides of the table, noting that he continues to appear before land use boards and governing bodies across New Jersey and has experience handling land use prerogative writ litigation.
“Michael brings a tremendous level of energy, talent and insight to our growing statewide land use and redevelopment practice,” said Kellen F. Murphy, MSW’s managing partner. “His experience representing developers throughout New Jersey makes him an exceptional addition to the firm and a valuable resource for our clients.”
The practice added that Silbert has extensive experience guiding clients through major redevelopment projects from inception to completion, including preliminary planning, the adoption of redevelopment plans, site plan approvals and the negotiation of financial and redevelopment agreements pursuant to New Jersey’s Local Redevelopment and Housing Law and the Long Term Tax Exemption Law. He frequently negotiates payment in lieu of taxes or PILOT agreements and advises clients on affordable housing compliance and long-term strategic planning.
Active in the professional community, Silbert serves on the board of directors of the land use section of the New Jersey State Bar Association, where he is in the first year of a three-year term, MSW said. In 2024, he was recognized by the Somerset County Business Partnership as one of its Top 40 Under 40 award recipients, honoring young professionals for leadership and community impact.
Silbert earned his juris doctor degree with a concentration in real estate from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, where he achieved top honors in national negotiation competitions and served as senior editor of the Cardozo Alternative Dispute Resolution Competition Honor Society. He received his bachelor’s in business and political science from Franklin & Marshall College.
