New Jersey Real Estate Attorney — Operator Experience
Real Estate Law From an Attorney Who Has Actually Owned, Operated, and Built in New Jersey.
Most real estate attorneys know the law. Sean Branigan knows the law and the business. He has owned real property, managed tenants, navigated title disputes, and dealt with the full range of challenges that arise when you put money into New Jersey real estate. That experience changes how he practices.
From residential landlord/tenant disputes to complex commercial real estate litigation, from development disputes to title fraud — Sean brings the perspective of an operator to every matter. He understands the economics of a deal, the cost of a delayed closing, and the risk of getting a contract wrong. He has represented developers, contractors, landlords, buyers, and sellers across New Jersey's most active real estate markets.
New Jersey real estate law is complex. The Landlord-Tenant Act, the Consumer Fraud Act, the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, and a web of local ordinances create a minefield for property owners and investors. Sean navigates that minefield — and when someone else steps on a mine, he is the attorney who cleans it up.
Whether you are a landlord trying to remove a non-paying tenant, a developer facing a construction dispute, a buyer who discovered fraud after closing, or an investor whose deal fell apart — Sean is the attorney who understands your situation from the inside out.
Reach Sean Directly
Direct Cell
973.519.3332
Office
973.744.2223
Free diagnosis & strategy session available.
Strategic consultation: $1,000.
True victims & the wrongfully accused are never turned away.
Bilingual — English & Spanish.
Scope of Representation
What Sean Handles in Real Estate Law
Landlord/Tenant Disputes
Non-payment of rent, lease violations, evictions, habitability claims, and security deposit disputes — Sean represents landlords and tenants in New Jersey's Landlord-Tenant Court with efficiency and precision.
Real Estate Litigation
Contract disputes, breach of contract, specific performance, fraud, and misrepresentation claims — Sean litigates real estate disputes in Superior Court with the preparation and aggression of a trial lawyer.
Title Disputes & Fraud
Title defects, boundary disputes, adverse possession claims, and title fraud require immediate, aggressive action. Sean has resolved complex title disputes that other attorneys could not untangle.
Commercial Real Estate
Commercial lease disputes, commercial evictions, purchase and sale disputes, and commercial development conflicts — Sean represents landlords, tenants, buyers, and sellers in New Jersey's commercial real estate market.
Development & Zoning Disputes
Developers and property owners facing zoning challenges, variance denials, and municipal disputes need an attorney who understands both the legal and business dimensions of development.
Construction Defect Claims
When a contractor delivers defective work, the property owner has rights. Sean pursues construction defect claims aggressively — and defends contractors against inflated or fraudulent claims.
Real Estate Fraud
Mortgage fraud, deed fraud, and consumer fraud in real estate transactions are serious matters. Sean pursues these claims under the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act, which provides for treble damages and attorneys' fees.
Foreclosure Defense
New Jersey homeowners facing foreclosure have significant rights and defenses. Sean has challenged foreclosures on procedural, substantive, and equitable grounds — helping clients keep their homes.
Who Calls Sean
This Practice Area Is Built for You If…
Representing landlords, tenants, developers, and investors throughout New Jersey — with particular depth in Essex County (Montclair, Newark, Bloomfield, Livingston), Hudson County (Jersey City, Hoboken), Ocean County (Toms River, Brick, Lakewood), Morris County, and Hunterdon County.
- You are a landlord with a non-paying or problem tenant and need to move quickly and correctly.
- You are a tenant whose landlord is violating your rights — withholding your security deposit, failing to make repairs, or retaliating against you.
- You are a developer or investor facing a construction dispute, zoning challenge, or contract breach.
- You discovered fraud or misrepresentation after closing on a property.
- You have a title dispute, boundary conflict, or adverse possession claim.
- You are a commercial landlord or tenant in a lease dispute.
- You are facing foreclosure and need to understand your options.
- You are a real estate investor who needs a lawyer who understands the business, not just the law.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an eviction take in New Jersey?
New Jersey evictions typically take 4-8 weeks from filing to judgment, assuming no significant defenses are raised. However, the process can be extended by tenant defenses, court scheduling, and procedural requirements. Sean moves quickly and correctly — minimizing delays while ensuring the process is legally defensible.
What is the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act and how does it apply to real estate?
The New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act (CFA) prohibits unconscionable commercial practices, deception, fraud, and misrepresentation in connection with the sale or advertisement of real estate. Violations can result in treble damages and mandatory attorneys' fees — making it a powerful tool for defrauded buyers and tenants.
Can a landlord enter a rental property without notice in New Jersey?
New Jersey law requires landlords to provide reasonable notice before entering a rental property, except in emergencies. Unauthorized entry can constitute a violation of the tenant's right to quiet enjoyment and may support a claim for damages.
What are my rights as a buyer if the seller failed to disclose a defect?
New Jersey sellers are required to disclose known material defects. Failure to disclose can support claims for fraud, misrepresentation, and violations of the Consumer Fraud Act. Sean has successfully pursued these claims — including after closing.
How does Sean's experience as a property owner help his clients?
Sean has owned and managed real property in New Jersey. He understands the economics of landlord/tenant relationships, the cost of vacancies, the risk of bad tenants, and the challenges of property management. That experience makes him a more effective advocate — he understands what his clients are actually dealing with.