J. RAYMOND MIYARES holds a degree in Urban Studies from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in addition to his law degree from the University of Virginia. Ray initiated our environmental and energy practices, and also has served as lead Town Counsel for several of our client Towns. In addition, he continues to assist all our client municipalities with government structure, operational and municipal finance issues. 

Prior to founding our firm in 1988, Ray was a partner at Bracken and Baram in Boston, New England’s first environmental law firm. Ray was the principal drafter of the Water Management Act, M.G.L. c.21G, and has assisted numerous public water suppliers with registration and permitting issues under that statute. 

Ray has represented municipalities both in favor of and opposing a wide range of major developments and facilities. He has also concluded numerous host community agreements requiring mitigation and offsetting benefits in Cities and Towns that are asked to accept controversial facilities, grant zoning or tax relief, provide support in state permitting processes or settle development-related litigation. 

Ray has been selected as a Super Lawyer© in the area of State, Local and Municipal Law for each year since 2016. He has also been designated one of Boston’s Top-Rated Lawyers, and as a Top-Rated Lawyer nationally in Land Use and Zoning, as well as in Energy, Environment and Natural Resources, by ALM Legal Leaders. 

Ray has served as a member of a number of advisory committees in his hometown of Belmont, including as a member of the Town’s Bylaw Review Committee for 12 years.