Laredo, Smith & Kane’s William G. Cosmas, Jr. Elected Chairperson of the City of Beverly Zoning Board of Appeals
Laredo, Smith & Kane announces that Partner William G. Cosmas, Jr. has been elected Chairperson of the City of Beverly Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) by fellow board members. The ZBA is an advisory and regulatory committee of the City. In this role, Cosmas will hear and decide individual cases brought by persons seeking land use relief. Since April 2025, Cosmas has been serving as Interim Chairperson and will now serve as Chairperson until January 31, 2028.
“Will’s leadership on the ZBA demonstrates his deep commitment to serving the community,” said Matthew A. Kane, Managing Partner at Laredo, Smith & Kane. “His thoughtful and fair approach to complex zoning issues will benefit the residents and businesses of Beverly.”
Cosmas litigates complex business disputes across many industries including finance, banking, technology, and life sciences, among others. His experience spans business litigation and arbitration, both domestic and international; government investigations and white-collar criminal defense; and real estate matters. He also serves as local counsel for out-of-state law firms seeking assistance in Massachusetts state or federal courts.
Representing sophisticated corporate and individual clients in complex state, federal and arbitral proceedings, Cosmas resolves matters involving allegations of breach of contract, fraud, negligence, chapter 93A violations, breach of fiduciary duty, breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, misappropriation of trade secrets, and other commercial claims. His real estate work involves representing corporations, individuals, and conservation entities in a variety of matters before the Land Court, Superior Court, and municipal boards, including boundary disputes, adverse possession, easements, trespass, zoning, and other issues.
Cosmas’ advocacy extends to pro bono matters and community service. In 2014, he represented a successful petitioner for clemency from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, obtaining one of the first pardons in Massachusetts since 2002. He also volunteers his time advising Voices of Concern North Beverly, a Massachusetts community group, to ensure that a corporation effectively remediates a decades-old toxic waste spill.
About Laredo, Smith & Kane, LLP
For nearly 30 years, Laredo, Smith & Kane has helped clients grow their businesses and resolve legal matters–offering clients big-firm expertise with the client-centered strategy that only a small firm can provide. The firm’s attorneys successfully combine a strategic approach to running a business with thoughtful, thorough, and protective legal representation. The firm represents clients in matters related to business law and litigation, white collar criminal defense, government investigations, employment law, and school disciplinary and Title IX matters.
