Michael Cronin recently joined RIW as an associate in the Corporate Department. Michael’s practice includes advocacy before zoning and planning boards, and representing clients in negotiations for acquisitions, sales, and leases of commercial and residential properties.
Why did you become a lawyer?
I love the analytical, problem-solving nature of the profession. As an undergraduate, I was a Philosophy major and was always fascinated with the premise that there is more than one way to interpret or understand a situation, and those different interpretations can yield different methods of solving any problem. I learned that this is the foundation of the legal profession, so when it came time to choose which path to follow, law school was the clear choice.
Tell us about your career path.
I began in real estate in the summer following my 1L year at a boutique law firm in NYC. The real estate landscape in NYC is so complex and interesting that I knew this was what I wanted to do. From there, I took part in a few other real estate-related internships for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) and the Massachusetts Land Court and landed my first attorney position in a zoning and land use firm in Boston. At this firm, I got my first taste of the municipal zoning and licensing processes, which I took and expanded upon in my position as a Commercial Real Estate Associate at an AmLaw200 firm before joining Ruberto, Israel & Weiner, P.C.
Tell us about your practice.
As a Commercial Real Estate Associate, I assist various clients pursuing anything from obtaining licensing, zoning, or financing for their projects to negotiating and executing the purchase or sale of commercial properties or construction contracts. I also have experience advising on the real estate aspects of energy deals for clients involved in renewable energy projects.
What do you love most about what you do?
I love the satisfaction of providing a service to clients that they cannot provide for themselves and feeling like I am a part of their team, working towards a similar goal and purpose.
Why did you choose the firm?
I chose Ruberto, Israel & Weiner because it has all the benefits of a small firm, such as a collegial atmosphere, close mentoring relationships, and an emphasis on finding a healthy work/life balance, but RIW also feels like a big law firm and does the same kind of work that a Commercial Real Estate department at a big law firm does. For me, it is the best of both worlds.
Tell us a fun or surprising fact about you.
Before attending law school, I spent a year living in Madrid, Spain, teaching English at a local school and playing soccer.
What do you do in your free time?
I love watching and playing any sport (especially soccer), reading books, watching movies, or playing with my one-year-old English bulldog, Barb.
