Andrew Kara brings more than two decades of experience to his real estate practice, offering clients strategic counsel on some of the most complex challenges in the industry.

With a deep understanding of the legal and practical aspects of real estate, Andrew focuses on commercial real estate taxation and zoning matters in Boston, guiding clients through the increasingly nuanced relationship between development and government regulation.
 
From individual property owners to large regional development firms, Andrew represents a broad spectrum of clients with a shared goal—navigating projects efficiently, securing entitlements, and minimizing tax burdens. He is particularly skilled at helping clients obtain zoning relief and planning approvals from key agencies such as the Boston Planning & Development Agency, the Zoning Board of Appeal, and the Boston Zoning Commission. In addition, he regularly represents taxpayers in real estate tax abatement and appeal matters before both local boards of assessors and the Massachusetts Appellate Tax Board.
 
Clients value Andrew’s timely, efficient, and practical advice—an approach shaped by his early interest in the tangible, goal-oriented nature of real estate transactions. Today, his practice is defined not only by technical experience in acquisitions, dispositions, financing, leasing, and condominium creation, but also by a trusted ability to help clients respond to the evolving pressures of increased taxation and regulatory complexity.
 
Andrew is known for his straightforward counsel, responsiveness, and results-driven advocacy—qualities that continue to earn the confidence of clients and colleagues alike.

SOLUTIONS

Guiding a Major University Through Complex Entitlement and Tax Exemption

Represented a prominent Boston-based university in the acquisition, financing, and entitlement of a new student residence hall located within the institution’s existing urban footprint. The representation involved extensive coordination with city officials to secure the necessary approvals, along with obtaining a partial real estate tax exemption to support the project’s financial viability. Representation is ongoing and continues to include strategic counsel on implementation and long-term planning.

Securing Zoning Relief for Transformative Mixed-Use Development on City-Owned Parcels

Advised a local ownership group in navigating the planning and zoning processes required for a high-profile, large-scale mixed-use development in the City of Boston. The project involved parcels of land owned by the City, necessitating sophisticated advocacy before the Boston Planning & Development Agency and the Zoning Board of Appeal. The representation resulted in key approvals that unlocked the potential for a significant neighborhood revitalization effort.

Achieving Multiyear Tax Relief for National Hospital System

Represented a national healthcare organization in a complex mediation before the Massachusetts Appellate Tax Board, securing substantial real estate tax refunds across multiple fiscal years. The outcome provided critical financial relief and reflected Andrew’s ability to blend in-depth tax knowledge with practical advocacy in high-stakes administrative proceedings.

CREDENTIALS

Education

  • JD, cum laude, Suffolk University School of Law, 2001Journal of High Technology Law
  • BA, cum laude, College of the Holy Cross, 1997Phi Alpha Theta

Bar Admissions

  • Massachusetts
AWARDS & ACCOLADES

Experience recognized

  • Best Lawyers in America, Real Estate, 2019-2026
  • Lawdragon 500 Leading Global Real Estate Lawyers, 2025
  • Boston Magazine’s Top Lawyers, Real Estate, 2022-2025
  • Commonwealth Cooperative Bank, Board Member
  • Dedham Westwood Water District, Former Commissioner
  • Boston Bar Association, Real Estate Section
  • National Association of Industrial and Office Parks (NAIOP), Former Member Programs Committee
  • St. John’s Seminary, Pro Bono Counsel
  • MGH Cancer Center, Friends Committee