Jennifer R. Schultz
Partner / Leader, National Permitting & Land Use Practice
Introduction
Jennifer concentrates her practice in Real Estate Development and Land Use on complex, large-scale developments throughout the country, with her own team on the ground in Boston specializing in and around the Greater Boston Area. She also works closely with development teams in the firm’s San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Manchester, and Providence offices. The Real Estate Development Teams regularly work in all asset classes, providing clients with soup to nuts representation closely aligned with the clients’ interests viewing projects holistically from entrance to the final exit, and everything in between.
My focus
Real Estate Development
My teams help select, permit, fund, finance, and fill our clients’ real estate development projects. Our work includes pre-acquisition diligence, acquisition, all entitlement and land use issues and management, community and government relations, analysis and sourcing of tax abatements and government subsidy programs, financing, and leasing. We strongly believe in viewing development projects holistically to ensure that nothing is done at the beginning that will harm the clients’ final exit. We work in all asset classes including Multi-Family Residential, Office, Office-to-Residential Conversions, Industrial/Outdoor Storage, Energy/ClimaTech, Life Sciences, Higher Education, and Retail.
LAND-USE DISPUTES
As part of our practice, we also regularly help clients navigate complex land use issues including negotiating reciprocal easement agreements, commercial condominiums and long-term ground leases, zoning challenges, and easement and title issues and disputes. While we never wish for our clients to be forced into litigation to resolve land use problems, we are here to help when they do, including several extensively experienced land use litigators on our team.
GOVERNMENT & POLICY WORK
Working in Real Estate Development requires a true knowledge base of local politics: both elected officials and their constituent communities. Permitting work is part politics, part law, part grassroots organizing. Further, ensuring that our clients are able to access any and all available government subsidies and programs is key to providing holistic representation of our clients’ full long-term interests. Our teams are particularly well connected and well versed in Boston, Somerville, Cambridge, Quincy, Providence/Rhode Island, Albany, Rochester, New Hampshire, Chicago, Los Angeles, Palm Springs, and San Francisco.
Looking ahead
2026 is the year that the new Opportunity Zones will be named under the new Federal Guidelines. This is not only a place to watch, but also a place to advocate for clients.
/Insights
- “Policy Shifts & Pathways To Conversion,” Bisnow Northern California Adaptive Reuse, Repositioning & Conversions Summit, Strategies for Repurposing Existing Assets & Revitalizing Underutilized Products for Greater Returns, November 18, 2025
- “Building Smarter, Navigating The Capital Environment and Assessing Policy For Boston's Real Estate Future,” Bisnow 2025 Boston State of the Market, November 13, 2025
- “Fireside chat: Office-to-Residential Conversions,” Bisnow 2025 Boston Office & Workplace program, Adapting to a New Era: Transaction Activity, Leasing Trends, Modernization Tactics and Conversion Strategies, September 9, 2025
- “Office to Residential Conversions: A New Life for Distressed Office Space” Bisnow Chicago Office Summit, Leasing, Acquisition and Investment Best Practices in an RTO Era, June 17, 2025
- “Macro Outlook: How Does Life Sciences Remain Massachusetts' Economic Engine?” Bisnow Boston Life Sciences Summit, Reassessing Risk and Opportunity: How Economic Shifts Are Redefining Investment and Leasing In This Sector, June 11, 2025
- “Behind The Institution's Vision: Master-Planning Campuses,” Bisnow Boston Higher Education & Campus Development, Design Trends, Building Student Housing and Master Plans Shaping Universities, April 30, 2025
- “Fireside Chat: Exploring Boston Real Estate Policy,” Bisnow 2024 Boston State of the Market, Exploring Zoning Law Changes, The Affordable Homes Act, The Cost of Debt & Equity, and Conversations Fueling The Greater Boston Real Estate Landscape, October 2024
- “Delivering Affordable Housing: Development Strategies for Achieving True Affordability,” Boston Affordable Housing Summit, August 1, 2024
- “Investing in Renewable Energy to Reach Boston’s Long-Term Sustainability Metrics,” Building a Sustainable Boston: Carbon Footprint, Berdo 2.0 & Emerging Green Technology, April 24, 2024
- “The Future of Investing, Expansion & Campus Revitalization,” Bisnow Boston Higher Ed Development & Student Housing Summit, April 3, 2024
- "Member Spotlight: Jennifer Schultz, Partner, Sullivan & Worcester LLP," Boston / New England ULI, March 22, 2024
- “In the Boston Life Sciences Market, There’s Always a Need for More: Bisnow’s Boston Life Sciences Real Estate Conference," Bisnow, March 8, 2024
- 2023 article & an update supplement on green hydrogen, environmental law journal (author)
- MCLE:
- Boston Zoning: A Lawyer’s Handbook (co-author)
- Boston Zoning Manual (author and co-author of multiple chapters)
In the news
- Banker & Tradesman
Boston office-to-residential conversions hit milestone
Feb 17, 2026Boston Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Jenn Schultz, leader of the firm’s Permitting & Land Use practice, is featured in this video discussing office-to-residential conversions in Boston following the recent announcements for 50 Congress St. and 249 Washington St.
- The Boston Globe
How the sale of a brand-new, empty office building in Cambridge will reshape real estate market
Feb 3, 2026This article includes commentary from Boston Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Jenn Schultz, leader of the firm’s Permitting & Land Use practice, on the fate of 40 Thorndike in Cambridge, Massachusetts, a former courthouse converted for residential and office space. Jenn discusses how the building’s sale could impact the broader real estate market in the area, noting that lender Bank OZK has a number of distressed properties in its portfolio, which could prompt a wave of sales.
- Bisnow
Boston extends its office-to-residential program in hopes of larger projects
Dec 16, 2025This article includes commentary from Boston Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Jenn Schultz, leader of the firm’s Permitting & Land Use practice, on Boston extending its office-to-residential conversion program for another year. Jenn addresses the opportunity this presents for the community, noting how conversions can be an important tool for cities to meet housing demand and curb office distress.
- Bisnow
Office-to-residential conversions in Chicago’s Loop without public subsidy
Dec 10, 2025Boston Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Jenn Schultz, leader of the firm’s Permitting & Land Use practice, is featured in this Q&A, discussing office-to-residential conversions in Chicago. Jenn highlights case studies that NP conducted in collaboration with Gensler, AECOM Hunt, AECOM Tishman, and Colliers for four towers in the city’s Loop district.
- Bisnow
CRE takes stock of Wu’s priorities to prep for her second term
Nov 5, 2025Boston Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Jenn Schultz, leader of the firm’s Permitting & Land Use practice, is quoted in this article covering the outlook for the commercial real estate sector following Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s reelection
- Banker & Tradesman
A little-used piece of Massachusetts law holds great potential
Aug 3, 2025Boston Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Jenn Schultz, leader of the firm’s Permitting & Land Use practice, contributed this article discussing how Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40Y, the state’s starter-home statute, could provide a boost to easing the state’s housing shortage crisis.
- Bisnow
Massachusetts pays towns and cities to zone for smaller homes on smaller lots
July 24, 2025This article includes commentary from Boston Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Jenn Schultz, leader of the firm’s Permitting & Land Use practice, on Massachusetts’ multipronged policy approach to address its ongoing housing affordability crisis. Jenn discusses Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40Y, the Starter Home Zoning Districts Act, highlighting the benefits to this approach and how it can increase affordable housing options for a range of residents, such as young professionals and retirees.
- The Boston Globe
As endowments face growing pressure, so does a piece of MIT’s piggy bank: Kendall Square
July 2, 2025This article includes commentary from Boston Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Jenn Schultz, leader of the firm’s Permitting & Land Use practice, on MIT’s continued development in Cambridge’s Kendall Square. Jenn is quoted on the noticeable shift in demand, noting that two of the school’s new buildings in the neighborhood have near-100% occupancy rates while general vacancy rates in the area remain high.
- Design Development
Jennifer Schultz, partner, Nixon Peabody
June 18, 2025Boston Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Jenn Schultz, leader of the firm’s Permitting & Land Use practice, joined this podcast for a discussion on the importance of engaging legal advisors early in order to avoid potential pitfalls and enhance project value, details about NP’s extensive real estate-related capabilities, and a discussion of her background and how she has developed her career.
- Banker & Tradesman
Challenging the myth: How good design unlocks office tower conversions
May 25, 2025Boston Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Jenn Schultz, leader of the firm’s Permitting & Land Use practice, co-authored this article on office tower-to-residential conversions and the potential conversion of Boston office tower One Lincoln’s vacant floor space. Jenn co-wrote the article with AECOM Tishman, Collaborative RED, and Gensler, and Boston AHRE senior counsel Adam Weisenberg also contributed to the piece
- Banker & Tradesman
Empty Boston office towers have few options. Could housing be one?
April 2, 2025This article includes commentary from Boston Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Jenn Schultz, leader of the firm’s Permitting & Land Use practice, on the potential conversion of Boston office tower One Lincoln’s vacant floor space. Jenn coordinated a study of the tower’s potential alternative use with a team from Gensler, AECOM Tishman, and Collaborative RED.
- Boston Real Estate Times
Boston Real Estate Times presents Outstanding Women of Commercial Real Estate in 2025
March 13, 2025This article mentions Boston Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Jenn Schultz, leader of the firm’s Permitting & Land Use practice, for being recognized as one of the publication’s 2025 “Outstanding Women of Commercial Real Estate” honorees.
- Boston Real Estate Times
Jennifer Schultz: Leading Nixon Peabody’s national Permitting & Land Use practice
Jan 31, 2025This article profiles Boston Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Jenn Schultz, leader of the firm’s Permitting & Land Use practice, as part of her 2025 “Outstanding Women of Commercial Real Estate” recognition. Jenn discusses what she enjoys about her work, charitable and professional groups she belongs to, and how she helps create positive impact in the community, as well as some of her favorite interests and inspirations.
- Bisnow
New proposals create confusion for Boston’s historic districts and properties
Jan 28, 2025This article covers confusion arising from recent zoning changes in Boston. Boston Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Jenn Schultz, leader of the firm’s National Permitting & Land Use practice, is quoted in the article discussing how the confusion is making it difficult for developers and investors to want to build and invest in the city.
- Boston Real Estate Times
Boston Real Estate Times announces 2025 ‘Outstanding Women of Commercial Real Estate’
Jan 14, 2025This article features Boston Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Jenn Schultz, leader of the firm’s Permitting & Land Use practice, for being named to the publication’s 2025 “Outstanding Women of Commercial Real Estate” list, recognizing trailblazers, visionaries, and innovators who are redefining the business landscape
- Bisnow
New solutions to the workforce housing crisis
Oct 28, 2024This article covers a shortage of workforce housing, specifically in urban centers in Massachusetts and other states. Boston Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Jenn Schultz, leader of the firm’s Permitting & Land Use practice, is quoted in the article, discussing the various tools and solutions available to address the workforce housing shortage.
- Bisnow
Shen's return as Boston planning chief hailed as ‘beacon of hope’ for developers
Oct 3, 2024This article covers Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s decision to appoint Kairos Shen as the city’s chief of planning. Boston Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Jenn Schultz, leader of the firm’s Permitting & Land Use practice, is quoted in the coverage discussing the real estate industry’s reaction. Jenn notes that developers feel a level of comfort with Shen as someone they have worked with before and many on the private side see him as a beacon of hope.
- Bisnow
As Boston’s students face annual housing crunch, universities pursue new solutions
Sep 5, 2024This article covers a push from Boston-area universities to help alleviate the housing shortage by moving forward with a series of new proposals for universities to build more student housing. Boston Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Jenn Schultz, leader of the firm’s Permitting & Land Use practice, discusses how public-private partnerships have attracted new developers to work with universities and created significant opportunities.
- Bisnow
‘Start a new lane’: Developers want to bring more workforce housing to Cape Cod and the islands
Aug 13, 2024This article covers the serious housing shortage in Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard. Boston Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Jenn Schultz, leader of the firm’s Permitting & Land Use team, is quoted in the coverage from a panel discussion at the publication’s Affordable Housing Summit. She discusses the unique geographic challenges in Cape Cod and the islands, as well as the region’s high land and home values that are often barriers to bringing more workforce housing to the region.
- Law360
Hub hires: Nixon Peabody
This roundup of Boston’s notable legal moves since the start of April includes the NP arrivals of Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Jenn Schultz, leader of the firm’s Permitting & Land Use team, senior counsel Adam Weisenberg and counsel Jordan Smith, and Global Finance partners Jonathan Winnick and Mike Tentindo, all of the Boston office.May 1, 2024 - Bisnow
Boston CRE raises alarm as Mayor Wu proposes sharp increase in commercial property taxes
April 23, 2024This article covers Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s proposal to increase commercial property taxes and the criticism it’s generating in the real estate community. Boston Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Jenn Schultz, leader of the firm’s Permitting & Land Use team, is quoted in the coverage, discussing the proposal’s impact on a sector that is still challenged by an unstable market with significantly higher interest rates.
- Bisnow
This week’s Boston deal sheet
April 15, 2024This roundup of commercial real estate news in Boston includes the NP arrivals of Boston Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Jenn Schultz, leader of the firm’s Permitting & Land Use team, senior counsel Adam Weisenberg, and counsel Jordan Smith.
- Bloomberg Law
Nixon Peabody adds Jennifer Schultz to Boston office
April 11, 2024The following article features the NP arrivals of Boston Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Jenn Schultz, leader of the firm’s Permitting & Land Use team, senior counsel Adam Weisenberg, and counsel Jordan Smith.
- Boston Real Estate Times
Nixon Peabody adds real estate team focused on land use, permitting, and zoning
April 11, 2024The following article features the NP arrivals of Boston Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Jenn Schultz, leader of the firm’s Permitting & Land Use team, senior counsel Adam Weisenberg, and counsel Jordan Smith.
Admitted to practice
Massachusetts
U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts
U.S. Court of Appeals, First Circuit
Education
Harvard Law School, J.D.
Middlebury College, B.A., magna cum laude
Professional activities
- Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors
- ULI Boston Market Product Council, co-chair 2023–2026
- CREW Boston, member
- NAIOP Government Affairs Committee, New England, member
- Cohasset Zoning Board of Appeals, former board member
Recognition
- Bisnow's Boston Power Women, Public Sector, Housing, Policy & Infrastructure 2025
- Selected, through a peer-review survey, for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2026 in the fields of Land Use and Zoning Law and Real Estate Law
- Outstanding Woman of the Year in Commercial Real Estate by the Boston Real Estate Times (2025)
- Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, "Top Women of Law" 2023
- Connect CRE Conference, “Boston & New England Women in Real Estate Award” 2023
- Business Today, “Top 10 Massachusetts Influencers in Real Estate Zoning and Land Use” 2023
- Recommended in The Legal 500 United States 2024 editorial for Next Generation Partners, Real estate - Land use/zoning; also recognized in 2023-2022
- Boston Magazine, “Top Lawyers, Land Use Environment” 2021–2023
- Chambers USA, Real Estate - Zoning/Land Use 2021–2025
- The Legal 500 U.S., "Rising Star" 2025
- Massachusetts Super Lawyers, "Rising Star" 2019, 2021
- Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, "Up & Coming Lawyer in Real Estate Development Law” and "Legal Excellence Award” 2017
Pro bono services
- Friends of Holly Hill Farm
Languages
French
Insights And Happenings
View AllProfessionals in the Practice Area
View AllChristopher R. Froeb
Partner / Practice Group Leader, Real Estate & Affordable Housing- Boston
- Boston +1 617.345.1137
- cfroeb@nixonpeabody.com
-
Colette A. Dafoe
Partner / Industry Strategy Partner- Washington, DC
- Washington, DC +1 202.585.8393
- cdafoe@nixonpeabody.com
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Ian T. O'Banion
Partner / AIA / LEED®AP- San Francisco
- San Francisco +1 415.984.8313
- iobanion@nixonpeabody.com
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