Tess Edwards, Real Estate Attorney in Boston, Massachusetts
focused on Real Estate and Zoning
Boston, MA
Trusted real estate attorney serving Boston.
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Practices in
Are you Tess Edwards?
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Quick answer
Tess Edwards is an attorney based in Boston, MASSACHUSETTS. The practice focuses on Real Estate and Zoning.
- Based in
- Boston, MASSACHUSETTS
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Real Estate · Zoning
- Handles Real Estate and Zoning matters from Boston, MASSACHUSETTS.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Land Use and Zoning Law (2026).
About Tess Edwards: Tess Edwards is an attorney based in Boston, MASSACHUSETTS. The practice focuses on Real Estate and Zoning.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Tess Edwards
Tess concentrates on real estate and zoning. Each area below outlines the kind of case Tess handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Real Estate cases in Boston, Massachusetts
Tess takes real estate matters in Boston, Massachusetts. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Tess agrees to represent you.
Zoning cases in Boston, Massachusetts
Tess takes zoning matters in Boston, Massachusetts. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Tess agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Tess Edwards — Attorney of Massachusetts real estate experience
Tess Edwards is an attorney based in Boston, MASSACHUSETTS. The practice focuses on Real Estate and Zoning.
Tess Edwards advises clients on a broad range of land use matters. Tess specializes in zoning and permitting matters — from supporting commercial and residential developers in obtaining local and wetlands permits, to litigating those permits on appeal. She also advises clients on real estate transactions, including acquisitions, leasing, and development of residential subdivisions, multifamily residential, medical, industrial, marina, and hotel properties.
Tess has a passion for renewable energy development and supports utility-scale solar and battery energy storage developers in permitting, financing, and contracting. She has also represented landowners and municipalities in leasing land to energy developers by reviewing leases, PPAs, and PILOT agreements. Tess also regularly advises renewable energy investors by reviewing and advising on existing project portfolios.
Drawing on her prior experience at the Land Court, she also assists individual property owners with complex title matters, affordable housing law, municipal law, and property disputes, including withdrawing land from Article 97, Chapter 61, 61A, 61B, and permitting coastal structures under Chapter 91 and the Wetlands Protection Act.
Prior to joining Pierce Atwood, Tess spent two years as law clerk to the Honorable Robert B. Foster of the Land Court Department of the Massachusetts Trial Court.
During law school, Tess was president of the Environmental Law Society and an instructor at law in Boston College’s Environmental Law Teaching Program. She gained experience in environmental and real estate law through her legal internships with Vineyard Wind, the Land Court (Hon. Michael D. Vhay), the Environmental Protection Division of the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, and the U.S. Department of Interior’s Solicitor’s Office in Boston.
Tess also served as a student attorney with the Boston College Civil Litigation Clinic, representing clients before the housing and family courts.
Working with Tess on a real estate matter
Tess Edwards advises clients on a broad range of land use matters. Tess specializes in zoning and permitting matters — from supporting commercial and residential developers in obtaining local and wetlands permits, to litigating those permits on appeal. She also advises clients on real estate transactions, including acquisitions, leasing, and development of residential subdivisions, multifamily…
Who Tess represents
Tess reviews new inquiries case-by-case for real estate and zoning matters in Boston and the surrounding Massachusetts area.
Credentials
Tess Edwards's legal education and bar admissions
Boston College Law School
J.D. · 2020
Jurisdictions
Tess's state bar admissions
Massachusetts, Massa
ACTIVE
Tess studied at J.D. in Boston College Law School.
Law school and academic background
Tess completed J.D. in Boston College Law School. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Tess runs in Massachusetts is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Tess Edwards
Tess has received 2 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Land Use and Zoning Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Land Use and Zoning Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law (2026).
Locations
Tess Edwards's office in Boston
Tess's primary office is at 100 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02110. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Tess Edwards
Tess has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
No reviews yet
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Tess Edwards — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new real estate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Tess usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Tess charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Tess's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Tess will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a real estate attorney in Boston, Massachusetts
A short list to run through before you commit: How many real estate matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Tess
Tess discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in real estate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every real estate matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Tess confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Tess's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many real estate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Tess Edwards
How much does it cost to hire Tess for a real estate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Tess walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Tess offer a free consultation?
Tess charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Tess's office. Some real estate attorneys offer free consults — check Tess's current terms during booking.
How long do real estate cases in Massachusetts typically take?
Simple real estate matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Tess gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Tess take my case if I'm outside Boston?
Tess is licensed in Massachusetts. Matters governed by Massachusetts law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Tess will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Tess?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Tess will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Tess accepting new real estate clients right now?
Tess's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Real Estate attorneys serving Boston, Cambridge and Worcester in Massachusetts
Tess handles real estate matters throughout Massachusetts. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified real estate attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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If Tess's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these real estate attorneys in Boston handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
