Mark D. Shapiro

Mark D. Shapiro

Co-Managing Partner

Mark D. Shapiro leads the firm and its real estate transactional practice, guiding clients in New Jersey, Florida, Pennsylvania, and national markets in acquisitions, financings, and sales. He is the consummate deal lawyer, knowing when to push, when to pause, and how to keep everyone moving toward the finish line. That mindset has carried him through decades of multimillion-dollar real estate transactions, and one that defines the quiet authority clients rely on when the stakes are high.

“If our clients can sleep better at night knowing we’ve handled the details, then we’ve done our job.”

Areas of Practice

Education

The George Washington University Law School, J.D., 1993

Emory University, B.A., 1990

Admissions

New Jersey

Pennsylvania

Florida

Mark D. Shapiro leads the firm and its real estate transactional practice, guiding clients in New Jersey, Florida, Pennsylvania, and national markets in acquisitions, financings, and sales. He is the consummate deal lawyer, knowing when to push, when to pause, and how to keep everyone moving toward the finish line. That mindset has carried him through decades of multimillion-dollar real estate transactions, and one that defines the quiet authority clients rely on when the stakes are high.

Mark leads the firm’s real estate transactional team which handles some of the region’s most sophisticated deals. His practice manages the acquisition, sale, leasing, and financing of multifamily, retail, industrial, office, and mixed-use properties, routinely closing more than $1 billion dollars in deal value in a year. With particular experience in multifamily apartment complex projects, he advises institutional investors, private real estate funds, developers, and property owners in large-scale transactions, including multistate acquisitions and portfolio refinancings. Mark also represents property owners and investors in New Jersey property tax appeals.

Mark’s legal career reflects a lifelong instinct for efficient problem solving, counseling, and human connection. He has built long lasting relationships with clients by helping them navigate complex transactions and make sound decisions under pressure.

Mark maintains a robust franchise law practice that intersects naturally with his real estate and corporate work. He counsels regional and national franchisors on registration, disclosure, compliance, transfers, and system structuring across the country, serving clients in hospitality, retail, and food service industries.

Mark runs transactions with quiet precision, anticipating challenges, coordinating moving parts, and ensuring that nothing slips through the cracks. He maintains close communication with his clients throughout the process, keeping them informed and at ease while he and his team manage the details behind the scenes. They know he has everything under control, freeing them to stay focused on the opportunities ahead.

Mark’s curiosity and creativity extend beyond the practice of law. He is an avid learner who embraces new challenges — from writing a sold-out play, to completing triathlons, and practicing hot yoga — and channels that same energy into mentoring younger lawyers and serving his community. For Mark, work, community, and personal growth are all part of the same pursuit: to keep showing up, keep learning, and help others succeed along the way.

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Representative Matters

Joint venture of two private real estate funds in the refinancing of six Washington-area apartment buildings with Freddie Mac in a $245 million transaction

An Ohio-based developer in connection with the purchase of a Florida shopping center

A private real estate fund in the acquisitions of three apartment complexes in Philadelphia

Multi-brand, multi-unit public company franchisee in quick service restaurant franchise matters across the country

A New York-based investor in connection with the purchase of $20 million of distressed debt on a Florida shopping center

A private real estate fund in the financing of an office complex in Northern New Jersey with a combination of mortgage and mezzanine debt of $79 million

Multi-family investor in the acquisition of a $120 million apartment complex in New Jersey

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Community Involvement

Raymond & Gertrude Saltzman Foundation, Lifetime Donor Trustee (2026–Present)

Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey, Board Member (1997–2024), Planning and Visioning Committee (2017–Present)

Zell Federation Leadership Institute, Chair (2022–2024)

Samost Jewish Family & Children’s Service, Board Member (2003–2020), Executive Committee (2005–2020), President (2012–2014)

Jewish Community Foundation, Inc., Board Member (2015–2020)

Temple Beth Sholom, Cherry Hill, NJ, Succession Planning Committee Chair, Governance Committee, Corporate Sponsorships Former Chair

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Honors & Recognitions

Chambers and Partners USA, Real Estate New Jersey, 2008–2018

Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent®

New Jersey Law Journal “40 Under 40”

International Who’s Who Legal Franchise, 2018–2022

New Jersey Super Lawyers, Real Estate, 2008–2011; 2013–2021

New Jersey Rising Stars, 2006–2007

A description of the standard or methodology on which the accolades are based can be found here. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.

See all honors & recognitions

Publications

“Burlington County Tax Assessment Calendar Change,” Co-author, Hyland Levin Shapiro LLP e-Alert, November 2020

“When Will the Rent be Paid?  A Commercial Landlord’s Perspective,” Co-author, Hyland Levin Shapiro LLP e-Alert, May 2020

“Franchise Lease Rider form,” Blumberg/Excelsior, Inc., November, 2015

“The Lease Rider: An Essential Tool for Franchisors,” New Jersey Law Journal, October 5, 2015

ABA Forum on Franchising Book “Collateral Issues in Franchising, Beyond Registration and Disclosure” Chapter on Real Estate Issues (2014)

“Lease Issues Peculiar to Franchise Systems,” New Jersey Law Journal, June 21, 2004

“So Your Client Wants to Buy a Franchise,” The Legal Intelligencer, May 22, 2002

“Leveling the Playing Field or Obstructing Franchising: A Look at the Proposed Small Business Franchise Act,” The Legal Intelligencer, March 28, 2001

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Speaking Engagements

“The Crossroads of Real Estate, Bankruptcy, Lending and Franchise Law – Key Considerations for Franchisors” 47th Annual Forum on Franchising, October 2024

“The Intersection of Franchise and Real Estate Law,” 41st Annual Forum on Franchising, October 2018

“New Jersey Broker Commission Disputes,” Hyland Levin seminar for Commercial Brokers, April 2013

“Environmental Issues for Brokers,” Hyland Levin seminar for Commercial Brokers, December 2012 and January 2026

“Managing Financially Distressed Franchisees” International Franchise Association, webinar, May 2010

“Purchase, Organization and Sale of Businesses in New Jersey,” December 2008

Facilitator, “When Your Tenant is a Franchisee,” ICSC 2008 U.S. Shopping Center Law Conference, October 2008

“Real Estate Issues in a Franchise Relationship,” International Franchise Association’s Business Solutions Roundtable, May 2008

“Real Estate Issues Peculiar to Franchise Systems,” 11th Annual Real Estate Institute, Pennsylvania Bar Institute, December 2007

“Lease Issues Peculiar to Franchise Systems,” 30th Annual Forum on Franchising, October 2007

See all speaking engagements

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