Trusted. Responsive. Driven.
Hawley is the trusted commercial real estate lawyer for developers, investors, owners, and operators undertaking complex projects throughout the region and nationally. He advises clients across the full life cycle of a project, from acquisition and permitting through financing, construction, leasing, and sale.
Hawley has broad experience across residential, mixed-use, and commercial development, He often serves as outside general counsel to real estate companies, advising on individual transactions as well as the broader legal and business issues that arise as their portfolios and operations grow. His practice includes acquisitions and dispositions, project financing, leasing, title matters, condominium development, land use, and corporate organization.
What he's great at
Hawley has the experience to handle a real estate project from beginning to end. For his residential developer clients, that often means managing the legal work from the initial acquisition through permitting, financing, construction, leasing, and sale. Because he remains involved throughout the process, Hawley understands how decisions made at one stage can affect what comes next. His work includes:
- Real Estate Transactions
- Managing acquisitions, investments, developments, and sales of real estate properties.
- Commercial Leasing
- Negotiating and advising on retail, office, industrial, and other commercial leases.
- Condominium & Planned Community Developments
- Advising on the legal aspects of condominium and community development projects.
- Land Use & Zoning
- Providing counsel on land use regulations and zoning issues.
- Real Estate Financing & Title Matters
- Assisting with real estate financing, title review, and conveyancing.
How he delivers
Hawley handles real estate projects from the first transaction through development and completion, often managing multiple legal and business considerations along the way. His work includes:
- Representing a real estate investment, development, construction, and management company in the construction of 201 affordable housing units in downtown Portland. Hawley and the team advised on the acquisition and complex land use matters, coordinated with an affordable housing development partner, and navigated community relations with abutters and issues before the local zoning authority.
- Representing a developer in the acquisition, development, and construction of a large-scale condominium complex. The work included the original property acquisition, permitting and approvals, financing and construction loan closing, and the ongoing sale of condominium units.
Why you'll enjoy working with him
Hawley is direct, responsive, and focused on getting the deal done. He knows his clients’ businesses, understands what matters to them, and gives clear advice without overcomplicating it. Clients trust him to stay on top of the details, keep things moving, and be there when they need him.
For clients with ongoing real estate needs, Hawley becomes the lawyer they call for the next deal, not just the one in front of them.
Who he is off the clock
Outside of his legal practice, Hawley enjoys spending time with his family, including his wife, Sarah, and their sons, Zachary and Jacob, whom he coaches in soccer and little league. He makes the most of the Maine outdoors across all seasons, whether skiing at Sugarloaf, golfing, mountain biking, and camping. An avid squash player, Hawley serves as Chair of the Board of Portland Community Squash—an organization committed to building an accessible community center that supports youth and families building their careers, networks, and well-being—where he plays weekly. Hawley is also a member of the Board of Yarmouth Colts Soccer Club.