Q&A with Legal Assistant Salum H. Bukhari: Behind the Legal Work Powering Newark’s Development

At Souder Law Group, our mission goes beyond legal counsel. We're here to make sure Black and Brown communities have a voice — and a seat — in the rooms where decisions are made. That means helping clients navigate the complex legal pathways that lead to real, community-focused development.

To give you a glimpse behind the scenes, we spoke with Legal Assistant Salum H. Bukhari, who plays a vital role in keeping our clients’ projects on track, on time, and in alignment with our shared values.

Q: How does your work support SLG’s larger mission?

Salum: My work supports the mission in a very hands-on, tactical way. I manage zoning and land use applications, draft and record deeds, coordinate with City Hall, and make sure all the documentation is accurate and submitted on time. These tasks may seem administrative, but they’re crucial — because when something slips through the cracks, it can delay or derail an entire project.

That’s why we’re so intentional. We don’t just move paperwork. We help ensure that the spaces being built actually reach the communities they're meant to serve — and that our clients can navigate the system with confidence. The work shifts depending on the project, but the goal is always the same: keeping everything moving smoothly and ensuring no detail is overlooked.

Q: What value statement from SLG resonates most with your work?

Salum: “Black and Brown communities should serve Black and Brown communities.”That line has always hit home for me. Newark is a predominantly Black and Brown city. The people building, investing, and envisioning its future should reflect the people who live here. That’s what makes our work different. We’re not just working for our clients — we’re working for our community.

Q: Can you share some of the projects where you’ve seen this mission come to life?

Salum: Definitely. Projects like Nova Tower, 200 Market Street, 222-238 Bloomfield Ave,  66 South, 900 Broad, 944-946 Bergen Street,  and the development on Mulberry Street stand out. These weren’t just real estate plays — they were about shaping the next chapter for Newark, and making sure growth doesn’t push people out, but pulls them in.

Even when I wasn’t directly involved in projects like HALO or 50 Sussex, I still felt connected to them, because they reflect the same vision: development that works with the community, not around it.

Q: What kind of results have you been able to deliver to clients?

Salum: We’re able to save clients time, money, and stress. That’s not just a tagline — it’s built into how we work.

We speed up the approval process by making sure everything is compliant and properly submitted. We help clients avoid costly revisions by getting it right the first time. And while we never rely on relationships alone, the respect we’ve earned with city agencies over the years allows us to move through red tape more efficiently.

Q: What do you want developers and community leaders to understand about working with SLG?

Salum: That we’re not just here to help you build a project — we’re here to help you build your vision. Whether that’s navigating tax abatements, forming an Urban Renewal Entity, or ensuring your hearing is prepped and ready — we’re on your side.

We know the process. We know the people. We know how to get it done — and we care about the “why” behind it.

Q: Any words of encouragement you’ve shared with a client that still stick with you?

Salum: Yes — one line in particular:“Challenges are a given, but with the right support, you’ll reach your goal. We’ll help get you where you need to be.”

And that’s exactly what we do. Every day.

At Souder Law Group, we understand that legal work is foundational — but it’s only part of the equation. True impact happens when legal support aligns with cultural values, shared vision, and community-driven goals.

From zoning approvals to tax strategy to seeing a project rise from blueprint to brick, we’re here to make sure our clients don’t just build — they build with purpose.