Matthew H. Snell
- T. 617.439.2617
- F. 617.310.9617
- E. msnell@nutter.com
- Download full bio
Overview
Matthew H. Snell is a partner in Nutter's Real Estate Department, co-chair of the Environment and Energy practice group and co-chair of the Development, Land Use and Permitting practice group. He focuses his practice on the development and use of land, with a concentration in zoning and permitting matters, environmental enforcement and compliance, and real estate transactions. He has significant experience practicing in front of local, state, and federal boards and agencies in matters involving zoning and land use, regulatory permitting and enforcement matters, and the development of contaminated properties.
He represents individuals and corporate clients at all phases of the zoning and land use process as well as environmental compliance and litigation matters, including G.L. c. 21E litigation, CERCLA, planning, and enforcement defense. He has experience counseling developer clients in all aspects of Brownfields redevelopment and tax credits.
Matt’s practice also includes the representation of business entities and municipalities in infrastructure development, permitting and siting of renewable projects, waterfront development, solid and hazardous waste compliance, and other regulatory matters.
His recent and current matters include:
- Working as part of the project team to modify prior zoning and land use approvals, including Article 80 (Boston zoning), MEPA, M.G.L. c. 91, and wetlands, for a large mixed-use project in Boston’s Seaport District;
- Working with a Nutter team to complete the permitting of the first phase of an office/laboratory/residential multi-phase project in Somerville, MA;
- Supporting the zoning and permitting for the ongoing development of Assembly Row in Somerville, MA;
- Working with national multi-family developers with the permitting and land use approvals for projects throughout Greater Boston;
- Representing national developers in permitting and zoning of mixed use developments in the City of Boston, including a large workforce housing project; the development of a former wharf on Boston Harbor as office and residential space; and the development of a core real estate block in Downtown Boston for office and hotel uses;
- Assisting municipalities with compliance with Clean Water Act Consent Decrees;
- Permitting and compliance assistance for national petroleum terminal client;
- Representing national supermarket chains with compliance, solid waste enforcement, and permitting activities throughout New England;
- Permitting of a wind data tower and wind farm in western Massachusetts and supported litigation regarding the construction; and
- Solid and hazardous waste matters, including site assignment, brownfields tax credits, and permitting of landfills.
Prior to joining Nutter, Matt practiced with other law firms in Boston where he represented clients in a wide array of areas including development, toxic torts, premise liability, product liability, and maritime/admiralty matters before state and federal courts.
Matt is a member of the Boston Bar Association, NAIOP, the Environmental Business Council, and the Licensed Site Professional Association.
During law school, Matt served as executive comment and note editor at the New England Law Review and published “Major Modifications and Routine Maintenance: Does the EPA’s New Exclusion Equal More Pollution?” in the New England Law Review, Volume 39, Fall 2004. Matt served as law clerk to Magistrate Judge Robert B. Collings at the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts.
Prior to entering the legal profession, he worked as a geologist and environmental scientist with ENSR Corporation and Foster Wheeler Environmental Corporation.
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Experience
Experience
News & Insights
News
Publications
Honors
Honors
- Chambers USA, Leading U.S. Environmental Attorney, 2023-2024
- The Best Lawyers in America, 2023-2025
- Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, "Go To Environmental/Energy Lawyer," 2023
- Massachusetts Super Lawyers Rising Stars, 2009-2015
Education & Admissions
Education
New England Law | Boston, J.D., magna cum laude, 2005
Excelsior College, B.S., 1997
Admissions
- Massachusetts
- Supreme Judicial Court for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
- U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts
Practices
Industries
Industry Expertise
Matt represents individuals and corporate clients on zoning and land use issues as well as environmental compliance and litigation matters including G.L. c. 21E litigation, CERCLA, planning and enforcement defense. He has experience counseling developer clients in all aspects of Brownfields redevelopment and tax credits.
Noteworthy
- Chambers USA, Leading U.S. Environmental Attorney, 2023-2024
- The Best Lawyers in America, 2023-2025
- Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, "Go To Environmental/Energy Lawyer," 2023
- Massachusetts Super Lawyers Rising Stars, 2009-2015