Merle R. Ochrach

Merle Ochrach has been practicing real estate law for over twenty years. Merle represents numerous municipalities, municipal authorities (water and sewer and industrial development authorities), developers and homeowners. Because of her in-depth knowledge of the requirements of local governments as well as the procedures for obtaining approvals and permits, she is sought after by developers and homeowners for help with a wide array of issues. Merle has extensive experience in negotiating and drafting commercial leases and has developed an expertise in addressing lease issues for retail, commercial and industrial centers. Additionally, Merle aids realtors with advice on problematic issues that arise in the course of a real-estate transaction. Representing both employers and employees, Merle advises her clients on appropriate courses of action with regard to employment questions and problems arising in the work place. For employers, she drafts and reviews employee handbooks and prepares employment policies, confidentiality agreements, non-compete agreements and employment agreements. In representing employees, Merle's practice includes negotiation and preparation of employment agreements, severance agreements and advising employees as to their rights under the law. Merle has been tremendously active in the Montgomery Bar Association having served as a past member of its Board of Directors, a past Chairperson of its Real Estate/Land Use Committee, a past Chair of the Montgomery Law Reporter Committee and a past Chairperson of its Municipal Law Committee. Merle also served as a delegate to the Pennsylvania House of Delegates for the Montgomery Bar Association. Merle is a member of the Board of Directors of the Montgomery County Development Corporation, a County organization that administers several State loan and grant funds. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania (B.A. 1982), Merle received her law degree from Rutgers University School of Law Camden in 1985.

Recent Representative Cases:

Real Estate Transactions
*  Regularly assists clients in obtaining multi-million-dollar financing and construction loans, negotiating the most favorable position in terms of the loan documents. These negotiated points have often saved her clients significant funds and protected many clients against difficulties with the lender throughout the course of the loan.

*  Represented a developer to secure funds to purchase needed property under an agreement which was expiring. Under exceedingly tight deadlines, Merle was able to conclude a successful transaction by selling a portion of subdivided property to another developer while allowing her client to fulfill a substantial legal obligation under another outstanding agreement.

Banking/Financing
*  Represented lenders in preparing loan documentation and due diligence review. 
*  Handled IDA transactions from the IDA, the Lender and the Borrower perspective. 

Municipal/Local Government Law
*  Served as solicitor to municipalities, municipal sewer and water authorities, and industrial development authorities.
*  Successfully gained zoning approval to use a portion of a residentially zoned property for a church and school, although the prior non-conforming school use had previously ceased.
*  Represented municipal entities in placing bond financing and has represented lenders with tax anticipation loans and industrial development authorities in documentation of tax-free financing and has handled state PIDA loans and grant programs.

Speeches/Publications:

• Introduction to Commercial Real Estate Financing
• How to Handle a Residential Real Estate Closing
• Recent Developments for the Real Estate Practitioner
• Residential Real Estate
• Real Estate Agreements
• Retail Leasing from Mom and Pop to Big Box

Professional and Civic Memberships:

• Pennsylvania Bar Association
• Montgomery Bar Association
  • Past member, Board of Directors, Executive Committee
  • Member, Real Estate/Land Use Committee
  • Past Chairperson, Law Reporter Committee
  • Member, Municipal Law Committee
  • Past Chairperson, Municipal Law Committee
  • Past Co-Chair, Continuing Legal Education Committee
  • Past Delegate, Pennsylvania House of Delegates
• Montgomery County Development Corporation
  • Member, Board of Directors, Vice Chair, Past Treasurer
• Montgomery Women's Network
  • Past Chairperson
• Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
  • Member, Annual Walk Committee
  • Member, Gala Planning Committee

Honors and Awards:

• Co-recipient, First Committee of the Year Award, Montgomery Bar Association
• JDRF Golden Sneaker Award

Personal Interests:

Merle is an active volunteer with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation of Southeastern Pennsylvania.