DeCotiis

Edward J. Boccher is a partner in the firm's Teaneck office. He joined the firm as a partner in 2004 and is a member of the Real Estate, Municipal Law and Redevelopment practice groups.

Mr. Boccher focuses his practice primarily in Land Use and Redevelopment Law. He has over 20 years of experience in land use matters involving a range of complex development and regulatory issues, including urban redevelopment, infrastructure, state and regional planning, zoning and affordable housing. He represents both public and private clients. He has appeared before local land use boards and county and state agencies relating to all aspects of development and has litigated land use matters.

Additionally, while serving as a Deputy Attorney General, Mr. Boccher was the first attorney in New Jersey to represent the newly formed State Planning Commission and the Council on Affordable Housing (COAH). During the course of his representation of COAH, he advised the agency in the promulgation of its regulations and in its actions upon municipal housing plans. In private practice, he has represented developers and municipalities in a variety of actions before COAH and in the courts.

Mr. Boccher is a frequent speaker on real estate and development issues. Associations to which he has spoken include the Real Estate & Redevelopment Symposium (ICLE) and the Judicial College.

Representative Cases:
Morris County Fair Housing Council, et al v. Twp. of Denville, et al., 209 NJ Super 393 (Law Div. 1985) and Hills Dev. Co. v. Bernards Twp. 103 NJ (1986).  Litigated the constitutionality of the Fair Housing Act from the trial court to the New Jersey Supreme Court.

Fairlawn Industries v. Gerling Insurance, 342 NJ Super 113 (App. Div. 2001).  Obtained a judgment that a riverbed constitutes land for purposes of obtaining insurance coverage under a policy providing coverage for improvements “on land”.  

Mr. Boccher received his B.A. in Philosophy from Rutgers University in 1977. He received his J.D. from the University of Pittsburgh in 1980, as well as a Master of Public Administration from the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of International and Public Affairs in 1981. He served as Executive Director of the Hunterdon County Democratic Organization from 1987 - 1988. Mr. Boccher is a New Jersey native and lifetime resident.

Bar Admissions:
New Jersey (1981)
Pennsylvania (1980)