John H. Sokul’s practice focuses on commercial real estate transactions, zoning and land use. He represents owners, developers, retailers and investors in the acquisition, permitting, development, financing, leasing and operations of commercial properties and shopping centers throughout New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Mr. Sokul regularly appears before planning and zoning boards and other regulatory agencies in connection with commercial and residential real estate projects. He has handled numerous complex matters involving the intersection of real estate and municipal law, including public-private partnerships, development agreements, impact fees, tax abatements, betterment assessments and exactions. Mr. Sokul also has significant experience in negotiating and drafting purchase and sale agreements, leases, development agreements, restrictive covenants and related documents for complex commercial real estate transactions.
He is a long-term member of the International Council of Shopping Centers, where he serves on the Planning Committee for the Annual New England Idea Exchange. He is also a Member of the prestigious international Counselors of Real Estate. He earned his B.A. degree, cum laude, from the College of the Holy Cross, and his J.D. degree, with highest honors, from Duke University School of Law. Mr. Sokul is a member of the Massachusetts and New Hampshire Bar Associations.
John serves on Hinckley Allen’s Executive Committee.
Experience
Approach
As a leading real estate attorney in New Hampshire and throughout New England, John’s strength and talent is explaining complex legal concepts in clear and understandable terms to both the clients he represents and the regulatory agencies he appears before. John is always well prepared and direct, an approach that makes him convincing, credible and likeable. Whether drafting documents, or verbally presenting, John’s candid and pragmatic advice is complimented by his persistent, patient and fair style.
John’s real-life experience and natural instincts support his solid legal acumen. He knows how critical it is to understand both sides of a matter, and how to uncover true motivations, when formulating effective negotiation strategies.
John’s creativity and results-oriented nature extends beyond solving legal issues. He encourages efficiency in all matters and routinely looks for the realistic opportunities available to his clients. He prefers to stand shoulder to shoulder with his clients as they tackle legal matters together, many of whom have worked with him for almost twenty-five years. John is a fierce and effective advocate, and his success is partly attributed to the fact that he explores pricing arrangements that align his work with his client’s interests and success. John’s winning combination of practicality, insight, frankness and loyalty continually distinguish him from among his peers.
Areas Of Practice
John has a sophisticated real estate practice that spans the retail, resort, office, institutional, medical, hospitality, industrial and manufacturing industries. He focuses his work in the areas of:
- Property redevelopment and repositioning
- Land use, zoning and development
- Transactional
- Distressed properties
- Eminent domain
- Tax abatements
- Special projects
- Leasing
- Due diligence
John is particularly well known for his legal work involving shopping center law and development. The following is a brief summary of the services John offers to the firm’s clients:
Property Redevelopment And Repositioning
John works with property owners to reposition their commercial properties to respond to new market realities. He helps clients assess the realistic options available, create strategies to take advantage of the selected option, and implement plans in a practical, efficient manner. In this area, John counsels clients through many issues that may arise when redeveloping or repositioning commercial property, such as:
- reviewing and amending existing approvals and permits
- reviewing and amending existing leases
- appearing before planning boards, zoning boards, and other federal, state and local agencies.
- financing documents
- land swaps and assemblages
- negotiating with abutters, lenders, governmental officials and other stakeholders
- reviewing and amending REA’s , easement and development agreements and
- zoning and land use regulations
Land Use, Zoning And Development
John represents national, regional and local companies in real estate development projects throughout New Hampshire and Massachusetts. His experience in land use matters is extensive and varied. John’s established a solid reputation as an effective advocate who works seamlessly with other project team members to ensure a well-orchestrated, thorough and professional presentation. Over the years, John has developed excellent working relationships with real estate professionals, including civil engineers, architects, wetlands scientists, traffic engineers and contractors. In this area, John counsels clients through all stages of the land use and development process, such as:
- analyzing zoning, land use and environmental ordinances and regulations
- identifying required permits and approvals
- representing clients before boards and regulatory agencies to obtain regulatory entitlements.
For more information about the firm’s land use practice please click here.
Transactional And Leasing
John has an active transactional practice with extensive experience in all types of real estate transactions including acquisitions, sales, commercial leasing and finance.
For more information about the firm’s acquisition and disposition practice click here.
Distressed Properties
John works with owners, developers and investors in real estate properties to evaluate and review distressed properties. Dramatic changes within the economy have caused remarkable problems for some and created tremendous opportunities for others. John helps clients work through the challenges and advantages of distressed properties, such as:
- foreclosures, evictions and other remedies and enforcement actions
- loan workouts and restructurings
- modifying and extending permits and approvals
- permits and approvals for projects that allow build-out over time and/or in phases
- performing due diligence associated with acquisitions of partially completed projects
- renegotiating tenant leases
- representing buyers of real estate in bankruptcy proceedings.
Eminent Domain
John represents property owners responding to threats of eminent domain. John’s experience in dealing with regulatory agencies positions him to obtain fair results for his clients. John’s practical and realistic approach often resolves these cases through a negotiated settlement, avoiding unnecessary, time consuming and costly litigation. When needed, John brings in additional resources from the firm’s extensive experience in handling eminent domain cases before appellate boards and in court.
Tax Abatements
Recent strains on municipal budgets often result in overly aggressive tax collection actions. John frequently represents property owners in achieving real estate tax reductions through negotiations with local tax assessors.
Special Projects
Unique situations require special talents. Businesses frequently ask for John’s involvement when confronted with uncommon or unusually complex real estate issues, which often involve governmental agencies. John is a go-to resource in these cases as his pro-active, straightforward approach typically achieves excellent results.
This work frequently involves high-level negotiations, valuation issues, document drafting and legal advocacy. Recently, John worked with property owners impacted by projects such as:
- airport expansion
- alleged wetlands and other environmental violations
- drainage matters
- enforcement actions of all types
- flood mitigation
- highway widening
- re-zoning
- river relocation
- tax audits.
Retail
John is well recognized for his work on real estate matters involving the retail industry, particularly shopping centers. As a result of his active participation in the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), John is well versed in the issues which are important to this industry. He helps clients with not only the day-to-day business, but also in connection with more complex matters including:
- due diligence
- entitlements
- finance
- ground leasing
- leasing
- operational issues
- purchases
- retail development
- sales
- tax matters
For more information about the firm’s work in the retail industry, and examples of representative matters click here.
Resort/Hospitality
John represents owners, developers and operators of resort and hospitality properties. In this area, John counsels clients through both daily business activities and with important strategic decisions. Some of the areas he assists clients with include:
- acquiring properties
- drafting leases
- financing
- forming condominium associations
- negotiating construction contracts
- operational and management issues
- regulatory approvals
Click here to find more information about the firm’s hotel and hospitality practice.
Credentials
Work Experience
- Hinckley Allen
- Executive Committee Member
- Past Chair, Real Estate Practice Group
- Past Chair, Retail Group
- Partner (2007-Present)
- Cleveland, Waters and Bass, P.A.
- Shareholder/Director
Honors & Awards
-
Best Lawyers in America® (2007-2022)
- Lawyer of the Year (2014, 2020-2021)
- Recognized for Land Use and Zoning Law, Litigation - Land Use and Zoning, and Real Estate Law
- Chambers USA America's Leading Lawyers for the categories of Real Estate and Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use
- Martindale-Hubbell® AV Peer Review Rating, Recipient
Charitable & Civic Involvement
- Babe Ruth World Series Advisory Committee (1993)
- Bishop Brady High School Advisory Board (2011-2014)
- City of Concord Economic Development Advisory Committee (2002-2006)
- Concord, New Hampshire Citizens Zoning Advisory Committee, Member (1999-2001)
-
Concord YMCA
- Board of Directors (1998-2008)
- President (2006-2007)
- Vice President (2005)
-
Concord Business Group
- Board of Directors (1995-2005)
- President (1996-1998)
- Concord Area Student Leadership Program, Chairman (1995-1997)
- Government Affairs Committee (2010-Present)
-
Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce
- Board of Direction (2010-Present)
- Local Government Affairs Committee, Chairperson (2014-Present)
-
ICSC, New England Idea Exchange Conference
- Planning Committee (2013)
- Government Relations, Chair in New Hampshire and Rhode Island (2010)
- Leadership Greater Concord: Class of 1994
- The Counselors of Real Estate, Board of Directors - Boston Chapter (2016)
Professional Affiliations
-
American Bar Association
- Natural Resources and Environmental Law
- Probate Section
- Real Property Section
- Trust Law Section
- Boston College Club
- International Council of Shopping Centers (1995-Present)
- New England Idea Exchange Planning Committee, Member
- New Hampshire Governmental Affairs Chairman (1995-1998)
-
New Hampshire Bar Association
- Real Property Section
- Probate Section
- Trust Law Section
- New Hampshire Commercial Investment Board of REALTORS® (NH CIBOR)
- Real Estate Bar Association of Massachusetts (REBA)
- Realtor eCommerce Network
- The Counselors of Real Estate (CRE), New England Chapter
Bar Memberships
- Massachusetts, 1985
- New Hampshire, 1990
Speaking Engagements
- New England Real Estate Journal – One on One Interviews: John Sokul of Hinckley Allen (April 2020)
News & Insight
Recent Market Trends in Suburban Office Parks in Northern New England
September 21, 2021As we head into fall, Partner John H. Sokul, Jr. shares a market trend involving suburban office parks in northern New England.Covid’s impact to the office market remains in flux. Many predicted that there would be a flight to safety from downtown locati…
How COVID-19 Has Impacted Office Leasing
June 14, 2021To say that the effects of COVID-19 has transformed office leasing is an understatement. When COVID-19 was at its peak, office spaces were practically abandoned either through governmental mandates or through actions taken by businesses themselves. Relati…
Commercial Real Estate Predictions for 2021
January 26, 20212020 was a year unlike any other. Trying to describe or characterize it understates and minimizes what happened.What’s in store for commercial real estate in 2021? Numerous discussions with clients and colleagues reveal guarded optimism based on a shared…
How Businesses Can Convert Real Estate into Cash and Continue to Operate at the Property
June 30, 2020The impacts of COVID-19 on businesses are being felt across industries and around the globe. The impacts to many US businesses have been profound and quick access to cash has become of critical importance to many companies. At the same time companies’ ca…
Qualified Opportunity Zones: What We Know From New Regulations
July 16, 2019Interest continues to increase in a promising new program contained in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which provides significant tax incentives for investors in Qualified Opportunity Zones (QOZ).After releasing the first set of QOZ proposed regulations on…
2019 Real Estate Tax Abatement Process
January 8, 2019Tax abatement season is here, with some fast approaching filing deadlines in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. If you have not already done so, now is the time for property owners to review their real estate tax assessments to de…
Qualified Opportunity Zones: Insights from the Government's New Guidance
November 21, 2018Hinckley Allen published A Practical Guide to the Qualified Opportunity Zone Program, which details a promising new program contained in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that provides significant tax incentives for real estate investors in Qualified Opportun…
Concord Sears to remain open despite bankruptcy filing
October 15, 2018John H. Sokul, Jr. discusses the retailer's latest developments, and its implications with the Concord Monitor. Read more here.
Sears Saying Goodbye to Manchester After More than 80 Years
August 23, 2018Partner John H. Sokul, Jr. provides the New Hampshire Union Leader with insights as to why Sears may be closing its Manchester, NH storefront after more than 80 years.
A Practical Guide to the Qualified Opportunity Zone Program
August 14, 2018Among the many changes and incentives contained in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, one of the most promising is the Qualified Opportunity Zone (QOZ) program.[1] This program was created to encourage investment in distressed areas of the country. It aims to…
Top Ten Issues Affecting Real Estate 2018-2019
July 13, 2018As the first half of the year ends, it is time to look ahead to what is next for the real estate market. The Counselors of Real Estate recently announced its annual list of top ten issues affecting commercial real estate. E-Commerce & Logistics.The Co…
How Do You Shop? The Impact of Changing Retail Preferences on Malls, Plazas, and Downtowns
February 28, 2018Some malls are struggling to survive, along with their "anchor" department stores. But Americans still want to shop: they're just doing it differently: on-line, downtown, certain big-box stores, outlet centers, and mixed-use developments. Hinckley Allen …
As Steeplegate Mall Struggles, Other Nearby Retailers Thrive
February 1, 2018Partner John H. Sokul, Jr. was quoted in the Concord Monitor about the current state of shopping centers.
2018 Real Estate Tax Abatement Process
January 18, 2018Tax abatement season is here, with some fast approaching filing deadlines in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. If you have not already done so, now is the time for property owners to review their real estate tax assessments to de…
2017 Annual Review: John Sokul of Hinckley Allen
December 29, 2017Hinckley Allen Partner John H. Sokul, Jr. was interviewed by the New England Real Estate Journal in their annual Q&A section "Annual Review." Read more to find learn about John's accomplishments and notable transactions in 2017, as well as his predicti…
Five Trends That Will Shape Retail Real Estate in 2018
November 24, 2017New England Real Estate Journal (NEREJ) published Partner John Sokul's article originally created for a Hinckley Allen Retail Real Estate Newsletter in early October 2017.It’s never too early to plan ahead. As we enter the fourth quarter of 2017, real es…
Six Ways New Hampshire Shopping Centers Are Evolving
November 22, 2017Each holiday season, the retail industry becomes the center of attention as consumers in New Hampshire and across the country rush to buy the perfect gifts. This year, however, the retail industry has been in the news for different reasons.Hardly a day has…
5 Trends That Will Shape Retail Real Estate in 2018
October 3, 2017It’s never too early to plan ahead. As we enter the fourth quarter of 2017, real estate professionals must turn their attention to the trends that will shape the industry next year. While the transformative impact that e-commerce and technology continue …
The Retail Real Estate Industry: Survival of the fittest
August 25, 2017To paraphrase Charles Darwin, it is not the strongest or the smartest who survive but those who best adapt to change.The retail real estate industry is adjusting to changing consumer preferences, Internet retailing, and large numbers of store closings. I…
2017 Real Estate Tax Abatement Process
January 25, 2017With the New Year upon us, now is the time for property owners to review their real estate tax assessments to determine if a tax abatement or appeal is warranted. Hinckley Allen has successfully handled numerous tax abatements and tax appeals in Connecticu…
Anticipating the Unexpected in Construction Deals
June 15, 2016When construction deadlines are missed in time-sensitive contracts, the disputes that arise are often based on whether some, or all, of the delay was caused by circumstances outside the control of the party required to perform.As a result, nearly every lea…
2016 Real Estate Tax Abatement Process
January 15, 2016With the New Year upon us, now is the time for property owners to review their real estate tax assessments to determine if a tax abatement or appeal is warranted. Hinckley Allen has successfully handled numerous tax abatements and tax appeals in Connecticu…
Let the Crier Beware
December 4, 2015A recent decision by the U. S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit (New Jersey) expanded the potential liability of parties who attempt to oppose or delay competing real estate developments.In this case, Hanover 3201 Realty, LLC v. Village Supermarkets,…
Retail Reinvention – In the Trenches
July 8, 2015The theme of this year’s ICSC New England Idea Exchange is retail reinvention. This is an exciting time of innovation and creativity for the retail real estate industry. New and different uses: healthcare, hotel, residential, service uses, in-theate…
Legally Speaking, March Edition
March 1, 2015I am about to sign a lease. I have spent a lot of time selecting the perfect space and location for my business. I fully understand the rent and term provisions. What else should I be thinking about? I don't want any surprises once I've moved in.
Vote on Concord Poultry Processing Plant Tabled - Again
November 20, 20142015 Real Estate Tax Abatement Process
October 28, 2014With November almost upon us, now is an ideal time for property owners to review their real estate tax assessments to determine if a tax abatement or appeal is warranted. Hinckley Allen has successfully handled numerous tax abatements and tax appeals in Co…
Tax Increment Financing in New England
July 29, 2014As we all know, the easy sites in New England are gone. The large, square, flat, clean, dry sites with highway access close to large, affluent population centers have been developed. However, there are still plenty of great development (and redevelopment) …
Site Plan Modifications – Traps for the Unwary
February 27, 2014Change is inevitable. Projects evolve. Seemingly simple changes to approved projects can sometimes cause unexpected complications. One project we recently worked on illustrates this. A client had obtained site plan approval for a restaurant. Before beginni…
2014 Real Estate Tax Abatement Process
January 9, 2014It is time for property owners to review their tax assessments to determine if a tax abatement or appeal is warranted. Hinckley Allen has successfully handled numerous tax abatements and tax appeals in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode I…
Practical Tips for Presentations To Land Use Boards
September 6, 2013The job of representing real estate developers in front of municipal planning and zoning boards presents lawyers with unique challenges that don’t often exist in the courtroom or the boardroom. The public planning board review process can make lawyers an…
Avoid Surprises in Real Estate Leases
September 3, 2013Making the Case: Practical Tips for Presentations to Land Use Boards
July 17, 2013The job of representing real estate developers in front of municipal planning and zoning boards presents lawyers with unique challenges that don’t often exist in the courtroom or the boardroom. The public planning board review process can make lawyers an…
Real Property Law: Making the Case: Practical Tips for Presentations to Land Use Boards
May 17, 2013Careful Drafting Saves Money and Avoids Surprises
July 17, 2012When construing commercial leases, New Hampshire courts attempt to give effect to the parties’ intentions at the time of the contract by using a reasonable person standard. This is an objective analysis of what a reasonable person would have intended or …
New Hampshire Legislative Update
June 19, 2012An amendment to the New Hampshire Mechanics Lien Statute (RSA c 447:2) was just signed into law which extends the statutory lien to “professional design services.” Professional design services are defined to include services provided by licensed archit…
Practical Tips for Buying Real Estate in Bankruptcy
June 1, 2012Bankruptcy sales can present unusually attractive opportunities for real estate investors.
New Development for Real Estate Transfer Tax Involving Related Party Transfers
April 2, 2012Last week, the New Hampshire Supreme Court decided an interesting case concerning the applicability of the New Hampshire real estate transfer tax to related party transfers. In Say Pease IV, LLC v. New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration, the Ne…
Buying Real Estate in Bankruptcy
March 6, 2012We recently helped a client purchase several commercial properties from a seller who had filed for bankruptcy. Our transaction involved a sale of properties under Bankruptcy Code 363 (b) (1) which governs sales not in the ordinary course of the debtor's bu…
Landlord's Duty to Mitigate Damages in New Hampshire
December 2, 2011Under New Hampshire law, if, as a result of a tenant default, a landlord seeks to collect damages from the tenant, then the landlord has a duty to mitigate its damages. New Hampshire case law does not provide significant guidance as to what that duty entai…
Recent New Hampshire Legislation Extends Deadlines to Achieve Vested Rights for Approved Real Estate Projects
November 16, 2011In New Hampshire, once a project receives local site plan and/or subdivision approval the project is protected against adverse changes in local zoning and land use ordinances provided that construction is both started and completed within certain specified…
Proposed New Legislation Creates Potential Road Blocks for Retail Development
March 1, 2011Proposed legislation in New Hampshire would have a significant negative impact on retail development and redevelopment over 75,000 square feet.HB 639, if adopted, would implement a state wide requirement that a "comprehensive impact study" be undertaken fo…
New England States Act to Preserve Land Use Entitlements
July 19, 2010In late 2009, in response to a weakened real estate market and the reluctance of financial institutions to lend money for real estate development projects, the Rhode Island General Assembly (the "Legislature") passed a bill that "tolled" the expiration of …
Tax Appeal Season In New England
January 7, 2010At Hinckley, Allen & Snyder LLP, our team of experienced attorneys has successfully assisted property owners, lessees, and mortgagees (collectively, “Taxpayers”) with real estate tax abatements for properties throughout New England.The purpose of t…
New Hampshire Statutes May be Valuable During Economic Downturn
December 4, 2009Real estate developers and investors should be aware of two New Hampshire statutes that may be of particular value during the economic slowdown.RSA C.For developers looking beyond the present economic doldrums, now is an excellent time to pursue land use a…
'Distress Management' Can Mitigate Commercial Real Estate Problems
July 29, 2009We just witnessed the bankruptcy and closing of all Linens ‘n Things and Circuit City stores. Other store closings will follow. Several large national mall operators are suffering, including General Growth Properties -- the owner of Steeplegate Mall in C…
Proactive 'Distress Management'
April 24, 2009The state of the economy presents serious challenges to the retail real estate industry that require thoughtful and proactive "distress management." Approximately $1.42 trillion in commercial mortgage loans will mature between 2009 and 2012.Property owners…
New Hampshire Tax Appeal Guidelines
February 16, 2009The challenging economy presents an extra incentive for owners of real estate to carefully consider whether their properties have been accurately assessed and whether filing a tax abatement makes sense. If you own or lease property in New Hampshire and are…
For Property Owners Who Position Themselves for Future Success, This Is a Time of Opportunity
July 25, 2008Five suggestions on how to leverage the present economy to your financial benefit: 1) Good Leases are critically important - make sure yours are solid and bankable; 2) Tax Abatement; 3) Reverse tax-deferred exchange to complete the transaction; 4) Seek reg…
57 Hinckley Allen Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers® in America 2022
August 19, 2021Hinckley Allen is pleased to announce that 57 attorneys are recognized in the 2022 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®, including 7 “Lawyers of the Year.” Best Lawyers® has also recognized 15 Hinckley Allen attorneys in their inaugural "Ones to W…
Chambers USA 2021 Ranks Hinckley Allen Attorneys and Practices
May 20, 2021Hinckley Allen is proud to announce that the 2021 edition of Chambers USA has recognized several of the firm’s practice areas and attorneys for their outstanding work.Chambers USA rankings are based on extensive in-depth interviews with attorneys and cli…
59 Hinckley Allen Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers in America 2021
August 20, 2020Hinckley Allen is pleased to announce that Best Lawyers® has recognized 59 attorneys in the 2021 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®, including 12 “Lawyers of the Year.” Best Lawyers® has also recognized 10 Hinckley Allen attorneys in their inau…
56 Hinckley Allen Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers in America 2020
August 15, 2019Only one lawyer in each specialty in each region is honored as a “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers®. Since its first publication in 1983, Best Lawyers® has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. Best Lawyers compi…
Chambers USA 2019 Ranks Hinckley Allen Attorneys and Practices
April 25, 2019Hinckley Allen is proud to announce that the 2019 edition of Chambers USA has recognized several of the firm’s practice areas and attorneys for their outstanding work.Chambers USA rankings are based on extensive in-depth interviews with attorneys and cli…
51 Hinckley Allen Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers in America 2019
August 15, 2018Hinckley Allen is pleased to announce that Best Lawyers® has recognized 51 attorneys in the 2019 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®, including seven “Lawyers of the Year.” Only one lawyer in each specialty in each region is honored as a “La…
Chambers USA 2018 Ranks Hinckley Allen Attorneys and Practices
May 3, 2018Hinckley Allen is proud to announce that the 2018 edition of Chambers USA has recognized several of the firm’s practice areas and attorneys for their outstanding work.Chambers USA rankings are based on extensive in-depth interviews with attorneys and cli…
52 Hinckley Allen Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers of America
August 18, 2017Noble F.Jomarie T.Robert J.James J.Leon C.John J.William W.Christine K.
Chambers USA 2017 Ranks Hinckley Allen Attorneys and Practices
May 26, 2017The Chambers USA 2017 edition, has named 18 Hinckley Allen attorneys as leaders in their fields.The Hinckley Allen attorneys featured in the Chambers USA 2017 guide include: William W. Bouton III; Christine K. Bush; Stephen J. Carlotti; Christopher H.M. Ca…
Chambers USA 2016 Ranks Hinckley Allen Attorneys and Practices
June 10, 2016The Hinckley Allen attorneys featured in the Chambers USA 2016 guide include: E. Jerome Batty; William W. Bouton III; Christine K. Bush; Stephen J. Carlotti; Michael J. Connolly; Scott E. Cooper; Margaret D. Farrell; Robert G.
Chambers USA 2015 Ranks Hinckley Allen Attorneys and Practices
May 19, 2015Publication Recognizes 20% of the Firm’s PartnershipThe Chambers USA 2015 edition, released on May 19, has named 21 Hinckley Allen attorneys as leaders in their fields The Hinckley Allen attorneys featured in the Chambers USA 2015 guide include: E. Jerom…
Hinckley Allen Partner John H. Sokul Named Best Lawyers’ Land Use & Zoning Law “Lawyer of the Year”
August 21, 2013(Concord, NH), by Best Lawyers, 2014.John's practice is focused on commercial real estate transactions, zoning, and land use.John is admitted to practice in New Hampshire and Massachusetts and regularly appears before planning and zoning boards and other…
Best Lawyers® Recognizes 44 Hinckley, Allen & Snyder Partners
September 13, 2012September 13, 2012 - Hinckley, Allen & Snyder LLP is proud to announce that 44 of its attorneys have been recognized by their peers as being among the nation’s best lawyers in the 2013 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.Best Lawyers® is based …
Hinckley, Allen & Snyder Receives Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2012
July 3, 2012PROVIDENCE, RI - Hinckley, Allen & Snyder LLP is pleased to announce Chambers Guides, an international publisher of guides to the world’s leading lawyers, has recognized seventeen partners of the Firm as leaders in their fields, including top rankin…
Best Lawyers Recognizes 41 Hinckley, Allen & Snyder Attorneys
September 22, 2011Hinckley, Allen & Snyder LLP is proud to announce that 41 of its attorneys have been recognized by their peers as being among the nation’s best lawyers in the 2012 edition of The Best Lawyers in America ® 2012. Best Lawyers is based on a peer-review…
Hinckley, Allen & Snyder Receives Top Ranking in Chambers USA 2011
July 1, 2011PROVIDENCE, RI - Hinckley, Allen & Snyder LLP is pleased to announce Chambers Guides, an international publisher of guides to the world’s leading lawyers, has recognized nineteen partners of the Firm as leaders in their fields, including top rankings…
Acquisition & Financing of 50K Square Foot Industrial and Manufacturing Property
Hinckley Allen represented Eastern Real Estate, a well-known Boston based real estate investment company, in connection with the acquisition and financing of a 50,000 square foot, fully leased industrial and manufacturing property in the suburban Boston co…
Counsel for City in Acquisition and Development of Historic Property
Represent the City of Portsmouth, NH in the acquisition of the historic Thomas J. McIntrye building from the federal government via the National Historic Monuments Program and in negotiations with a private developer for the rehabilitation and modernizatio…
Development Counsel for Live/Work/Stay/Play Project in Southern NH
Development counsel for the Tuscan Village Project which involves the redevelopment of the former 120 acre Rockingham Park Racetrack into one of New England’s premier “live, work, stay, play” projects. Tuscan Village is a 2.8M SF mixed-use destinati…
Counsel for Unique Mixed-Use Development
Rock Row is an experiential mixed-use development thoughtfully designed to fuse the newest building innovations and open green-spaces with its iconic natural features. Through careful planning, Rock Row combines healthy urban living, destination retail, mo…
Structuring & Leasing for New Lifestyle & Entertainment Complex
Client, Global Property Development Corporation is developing a lifestyle and entertainment destination in Amesbury, MA. Maples Crossing, set to become a premiere lifestyle and entertainment complex, will consist of 410,000 SF across three buildings, with …
U.S. counsel for New England Based Real Estate Investment Company in $114M Tel Aviv Stock Exchange Financing Deal
Served as U.S. counsel to a New England based Real Estate Investment company, Waterstone Property Group, which raised $114 million dollars in a bond offering on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange in Israel. The client is the first Massachusetts Real Estate compan…
Shopping Center Redevelopment
Hinckley Allen represents the owner of a shopping center in southern New Hampshire. The landlord is in the process of redeveloping and modernizing the center. We negotiated a lease with a national, credit tenant predicated upon receiving permits and approv…
Events
WEBINAR: Changes to Commercial Real Estate for Restaurants, Bars, Retail, Office Industrial, Multifamily and New Development
September 3, 2020To learn more about this webinar or to register, please click here.
WEBINAR: COVID-19: Planning for Return to Work, Considerations for Employers
May 6, 2020NOTE: You must pre-register to attend this webinar. Click here or visit the link below.Join Hinckley Allen as we discuss what employers should consider and plan for to ensure they are prepared to reopen/return to the workplace when states lift stay-at-h…
State of the Real Estate Market | Rock Row
September 25, 2019John H. Sokul, Jr. is speaking on a panel related to his work with Rock Row, a mixed-use development project in Maine, at New England Real Estate Journal's State of the Market. Hinckley Allen serves as real estate counsel to owner/developer Waterstone Prop…
State of the Market | Real Estate
July 11, 2019John H. Sokul, Jr. will speak at New England Real Estate Journal's (NEREJ) upcoming Northern New England State of the Market summit. He will provide his legal insight on the latest trends, his cutting-edge experiences, and how to keep up with a fast-paced …
The Land of Oz (Opportunity Zones)
March 22, 2019John H. Sokul, Jr. and Jeff Groshek join the Arnett Development Group's (ADG) and New Hampshire Commercial Investment Board of Realtors (NHCIBOR) panel on "The Land of Oz (Opportunity Zones) to help attendees to understand the Qualified Opportunity Zone pr…
Real Estate Networking Reception
July 16, 2018Please join us for our second annual ICSC New England Conference & Deal Making kickoff networking reception at Tuscan Kitchen, located at Seaport Square in Boston's Seaport District. Enjoy a taste of regional Italian cooking, relax, connect with coll…
New England State of the Real Estate Market
July 12, 2018Hinckley Allen Partners Ronald D. Ciotti and John H. Sokul, Jr. will be speaking at the New England Real Estate Journal's Portsmouth Northern New England State of the Market summit. Ron will speak about "Construction Projects and Trends." John will provide…
The Changing World of Commercial Real Estate
December 13, 2017Hinckley Allen Partner John H. Sokul, Jr. will be speaking at the New England Real Estate Journal's (NEREJ) 2017 Summit: the Changing World of Commercial Real Estate. Sokul brings his cutting-edge retail experience to the 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.Register here.Th…
Globalaw Annual Members Meeting 2017
October 25, 2017Hinckley Allen Partners John H. Sokul, Jr and William S. Fish, Jr. attended the Globalaw Annual Members Meeting (GLAMM). The Annual Meeting, held in London, was attended by over 100 lawyers. The Meeting featured expert speakers from around the world focu…
ICSC New England Conference & Deal Making
July 19, 2017Hinckley Allen Partner John H. Sokul, Jr. will be at the International Council of Shopping Centers New England Conference & Deal Making moderating a timely and lively topic with nuts and bolts, practical approaches, solutions and insights into recurri…
New England Real Estate Journal: 2017 Summit
June 29, 2017Hinckley Allen Partners Ronald Ciotti and John Sokul will be speaking at the New England Real Estate Journal (NEREJ) 2017 Summit. This is an annual summit which will consist of three panels having to do with Capital investments and financing ability, const…
ICSC New England Retail Connection
March 8, 2017We hope to see you at the Hartford International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) Retail Connection. The New England Retail Connection is the one-stop for education, networking and deal making designed for retail real estate professionals seeking to de…
NEREJ Northern New England Office & Industrial Summit
February 23, 2017Hinckley Allen's Partner John Sokul is moderating a panel about leasing office space at the Northern New England Office & Industrial Summit hosted by The New England Real Estate Journal.Event information.The New England Real Estate Journal (NEREJ) re…
ICSC New England Idea Exchange
July 19, 2016The one-stop for education, networking and deal making. These one- to two-day regional meetings provide an opportunity for attendees to gain information about current industry issues, meet and interact with colleagues doing business in the same region and …
ICSC: 2015 New England Retail Connection
March 4, 2015The 2015 New England Retail Connection will provide you with the ability to meet and interact with retailers, brokers and restaurant/entertainment operators seeking locations in the New England Area. Learn more.Hinckley Allen will participate in the Deal …
National Business Institute - Real Estate Development: A Legal Primer
June 12, 2013With the real estate market finally showing signs of recovery, it won’t be long before advising on real estate development becomes a major part of your practice again. Are you prepared to give your clients the latest information about the current rules a…
2012 New England Retail Connection
March 7, 2012The 2012 New England Retail Connection will provide you with the ability to meet and interact with retailers, brokers and restaurant/entertainment operators seeking locations in the New England Area.Over 400 attendees year to year! 90 sold out table tops, …
Bisnow Presents Boston Power Networking
February 9, 2012BISNOW: "Among the crowd of 200 at The Black Rose Pub Thursday, we snapped Bisnow Schmooze event sponsor Hinckley Allen Snyder’s David Connolly engaged in pre-pre-pre St. Pat’s Day revelry with Consigli’s Vance Freymann and Hinckley colleague John So…
Testimonials
“One of John’s major strengths is his ability to create strategic teams to solve real estate valuation issues. In a significant, complex eminent domain matter, he assembled a team of appraisers, engineers, planners, and other real estate professionals whose work provided the foundation for a victory in what ultimately turned out to be the largest eminent domain award in New Hampshire’s history with the final award exceeding the original offer by over 500%. In another case, he assembled a team of professionals that, against all odds, succeeded in materially changing proposed construction and taking plans to minimize and eliminate property impacts in a way that preserved long term value for his client. John is New Hampshire’s foremost permitting attorney as it relates to property development.”
Webster A. Collins, Executive Vice President/Partner, CBRE – New England
“I have worked closely with John on a variety of matters. He is always well-versed in the subject matter and thorough, yet he is able to apply common sense in his work. John has consistently provided us with excellent legal service at a price that makes sense in the context of the project, thereby delivering tremendous value. I would strongly recommend John to anyone seeking to have a quality working relationship with outside counsel.”
Raymond M. Murphy, Managing Director and General Counsel
Eastern Real Estate LLC
“John worked with me on Home Depot’s new store development projects. I value his clear understanding of the NH regulatory landscape and his ability to craft practical common sense solutions to even the most complex issues in a cost effective manner. He was a true asset to our HD development team.”
Cynthia Warren, General Counsel
Pyramid Hotel Group
“John Sokul is the first attorney I call upon when I need real estate representation. Twenty years ago I had a complicated problem that he was able to solve quickly. Since that time, he has always been available with practical solutions that I can understand.”
Scott Walker, Owner
Premiere Properties
“John represented the Chamber of Commerce in a particularly complex real estate transaction. Having someone of his caliber looking out for the best interests of the Chamber gave us the confidence to take a big step forward. John’s attention to detail, combined with his ability to see the big picture put us in a real win-win situation.”
Timothy G. Sink, President
Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce
“John is a “traditional” lawyer, someone who takes a personal interest and steadfast loyalty to attain the best results for his client. His good judgment generates confidence and his experience speaks for itself. He is a great resource!”
Alfred Tauber, Founder
Avaloch Farm Music Institute
“Clients and team members absolutely love John. Why? – because he brings to the table very strong legal talents, couples them with a fresh, personable but direct approach, and presents himself extremely well in public. Clients take comfort knowing that John can efficiently manage complexities along the way. Clients can trust John knowing that their project goals will be optimized. I always enjoy working with John, as we both share the same ideals.”
Karl Dubay, President and Owner
The Dubay Group
“John is a highly skilled attorney, and I had the pleasure of working with him on a difficult land use matter in Massachusetts. John has excellent people skills and I would highly recommend him.”
Al Maiorino, President
Public Strategy Group, Inc.
“John secured all of the required project entitlements for a new large (250,000 sf) shopping center including site plan, wetlands and zoning approvals. He was the point person who coordinated with all of the design and engineering professionals. His work product and response time were excellent. His presentations to the various boards and city council were clear and concise. John thoroughly understands the “nuts and bolts” of complex real estate development. I consider John the quarterback of our development team and I recommend him without hesitation or qualification.”
Kevin M. Dowd, Esq., General Counsel and Senior Vice President
Developers Realty, Inc.
“Transaction, zoning and land use specialist, John Sokul of Hinckley Allen is a “smart efficient, and practical lawyer who knows what it takes to get a deal done.” He recently advised McDonald’s on a complex transaction relating to the development of a large, multi-tenant shopping center.”
Reprinted with permission from Chambers USA, The 2012 Client’s Guide
“John Sokul of Hinckley Allen in [Manchester] handles commercial real estate transactions, zoning and land use. He represents owners, developers, retailers and investors, and moves up the table following ringing endorsements from clients: “He is extraordinarily good – what jumps out immediately is his ability to communicate with a coherent and logical argument.”
Reprinted with permission from Chambers USA, The 2011 Client’s Guide