Meet Stef
Stefan focuses his practice on commercial and residential real estate matters, including buyer and seller representation in the sale and/or acquisition of real estate, condominium conversions, and lender financing transactions. Stefan often advises banks, lenders, and real estate firms regarding regulatory compliance with state and federal laws and regulations involving residential transactions and lending. This includes the Truth in Lending and RESPA Integrated Disclosure Rule (commonly known as TRID or “Know Before You Owe”), the American Land Title Association’s Best Practices, and other relevant industry challenges and changes. Stefan is also an approved closing attorney for some of the country’s largest mortgage lenders and some of Massachusetts’ largest mortgage brokers and banks.
Outside the Office
Stefan enjoys travelling to off-the-beaten-path places. He has spent a great amount of time in Central and South America, where he has eaten things that “normal” Americans would never try (termites, grubs, snake). He is an avid Boston sports fan – any team, but especially the Pats!
Education
J.D., Vermont Law School
B.S., cum laude, Political Science, Northeastern University
Bar & Court Admissions
Massachusetts
United States Federal Court for the District of Massachusetts
United States Appeals Court
Background
Before joining Ligris in 2010, Stefan served as Of Counsel to the Newton law firm of Barr and Cole for 15 years, where he specialized in commercial and residential real estate transactions and asset-secured transactions.
Active in several charitable and community organizations, Stefan is the founder and president of the Room to Dream Foundation, a Boston-based charity that creates healing environments in the homes of children with chronic illnesses. For his work with the Room to Dream Foundation, he was awarded the Heroes Among Us Award by the Boston Celtics in 2007. He has served on the Boards of the Matty Eappen Foundation, the Real Estate Bar Association for Massachusetts, the Newton Human Rights Commission, NewTV, and Newton Mustangs Youth Football, where he also served as an assistant coach.
Professional Affiliations
Member, Massachusetts Real Estate Bar Association
Member, Ethics Committee, Massachusetts Real Estate Bar Association
Real Estate Broker, Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure
Member, Board of Directors, Massachusetts Real Estate Bar Association, 2006-2007
Co-Chair, Residential Real Estate Conveyancing Committee, Massachusetts Real Estate Bar Association, 2006-2007
Member, Standards and Practices Committee, Massachusetts Real Estate Bar Association, 1998-2005
Why Stef?
Representing both individuals and companies throughout Massachusetts, Stefan places a priority on taking the time to understand the unique goals of each client, big or small, so as to best assist them in their endeavors. With more than 25 years of experience, Stefan has the background and experience to provide his clients with succinct and timely analysis of the issues, helping them to calmly navigate the particular matter they face.
Massachusetts Super Lawyers, 2008-2011, 2019, 2021-2023
National Super Lawyers, 2011-2012
Learn from Stef
Stefan is often asked to lecture before sales agents and brokers on current topics. Examples include:
- Presented on the effects of changes promulgated by the Truth in Lending and RESPA Integrated Disclosure Rule (commonly known as TRID or “Know Before You Owe”)
- Presented for the Real Estate Bar Association on topics including “Traps for the Unwary and Current Issues that Should Make You Wary.”
- Presented at continuing education seminars for MCLE
- Occasional guest lecturer at Boston College Law School
- Co-author, “Practice Tips for Residential Real Estate Paralegals”