Real Estate: New Hampshire

THE FIRM This highly regarded team has a strong reputation for representing lenders and borrowers in construction financing as well as in a broad spectrum of real estate matters including loan workouts, land use matters, conservation and zoning. The group also has experience of representing clients before municipal and state authorities.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Department chair Linda Connell focuses on representing clients in acquisitions, development, leases, and sale of properties. Peers are impressed with her "extensive knowledge and pragmatic approach to work."

Peter Rotch remains "a top choice" for lending and complex real estate financing transactions, as well as foreclosures.

Jessica Nylund represents clients in commercial real estate transactions, condominium formation, land use work including zoning and permitting, leasing and title work.

Thomas Hildreth advises closely held businesses on real estate transactions, telecommunications and franchise law.

THE FIRM This team assists owners and developers on zoning and planning issues, acquisitions, financings, negotiating leases and contracts, and condominium matters. It is particularly adept at handling affordable housing projects. Clients appreciate that the group has a number of specialists in other areas complementing real estate work such as tax, environment, energy and corporate. Its impressive client roster includes Silvertech, WJP Development and Summit Land Development.

Sources say: "The lawyers at the firm are very reliable, very knowledgeable and have a great understanding of the local market."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Susan Manchester is "very smart and extremely articulate in explaining real estate concepts in layman's terms." She is highly regarded for her condominium work. In the last year she represented NeighborWorks Greater Manchester in developing affordable housing projects.

Kenneth Viscarello is described as "a deal-maker not a deal-breaker."  He focuses his practice on affordable housing development utilizing low-income housing tax credits. His clients say that "he is very passionate about his work and goes above and beyond what is expected." 

THE FIRM This 14-strong team focuses on representing private and institutional clients on the full spectrum of real estate matters. In the last year it acted for BAE Systems, Dartmouth College and the Catholic Diocese of New Hampshire. It also advised two cell phone companies on planning and zoning matters associated with the construction of a number of new cell phone towers across the state.

Sources say: "They have a great reputation and are very practical."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice leader Karen McGinley is "very well versed in real estate and helpful in explaining its technicalities to laymen." She is particularly skilled in real estate financings and transactions. Recent highlights include advising the developer and purchaser on matters associated with the redevelopment of a large brownfields site.

Susan Duprey specializes in zoning, planning and municipal law. She is a former member of the Planning Board and is particularly adept at handling very complex approval applications. She continues to represent Walmart in approval proceeedings for its store sites.

THE FIRM The real estate team at Donahue, Tucker & Ciandella is well versed in all facets of real estate transactions, financings and development projects. It has a wealth of experience in representing both borrowers and lenders in every stage of project development from purchase through to sale to the ultimate consumer.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Denise Poulos chairs the group and has significant experience on complex real estate financing and secured lending transactions. She also advises on condominium and timeshare projects. Her clients include lending institutions, local businesses and developers.

Charles Tucker focuses on advising small businesses, municipalities and developers on zoning, planning and real estate transactions. He frequently represents local nonprofit organizations.

THE FIRM Clients are full of praise for the comprehensive and business-savvy advice provided by this real estate team. The team handles every aspect of real estate transactions covering acquisition, leasing, financing and development. It advised on a variety of projects including retail centers, hotels and resorts, telecommunications, energy and industrial sites.

Sources say: "They are top of the grade on client service and are also very well versed in the practical application of the law."

KEY INDIVIDUALS James Kerouac is "pragmatic, concise and can quickly detect what's most important to the client," impressed sources reveal. He focuses on complex real estate transactions and is "knowledgeable on commercial banking from both a lender and borrower perspective."

THE FIRM This impressive team's experience ranges from advising on sales of single family residences to acting for corporate developers and institutional lenders on issues relating to multifamily subdivisions, shopping malls or commercial and industrial parks. It was recently involved in a major hospital expansion project, and has also handled work on a number of condominium projects.  

KEY INDIVIDUALS William Tucker is highlighted by peers for his impressive knowledge of bonds, financings and tax issues. He also has a wealth of experience in land use, zoning and real estate transactions.

Kathleen Sullivan comes highly recommended for her advice on land use and zoning. She is praised by peers for her impressive connections with government officials and remains an active member of the local community.

Land use specialist Charles Cleary is held in high regard by peers and clients alike. He has appeared before a range of land use boards across the state.

THE FIRM Real estate, land use and zoning remain key areas of focus for this Concord-headquartered firm. The team's broad expertise covers planning, project finance coordination, title insurance, hazardous waste and environmental matters. The firm also provides counsel on real estate litigation and tax matters. Clients are particularly quick to commend the knowledgeable, bright and detail-oriented lawyers.

Sources say: "The lawyers at D'Amante are effective and always get the job done."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Raymond D'Amante has a broad-based real estate practice covering brownfields, condominiums, bonds and financings as well as eminent domains. He has dealt with a range of properties including hospitals, retail and residential developments, ski areas and golf courses.

Bryan Pellerin is applauded by peers as "a technically proficient attorney." His expertise covers all real estate matters from developments, permitting and approvals to condominium formation to closings and title insurance.

THE FIRM This team advises on all stages of real estate development, assisting clients on sales and acquisitions and related tax issues. It also acts for lenders and borrowers in the financial aspects of real estate transactions and issues title insurance for major title insurance companies. Its client list includes local businesses, municipalities, utilities and nonprofit organizations.

Sources say: "This firm is technically proficient and politically aware."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Ruedig heads the team.

THE FIRM The widely respected group continues to serve the New Hampshire business community with advice on all aspects of real estate law, including condominium work, tax abatements, regulatory compliance and environmental issues. It represents shopping centers, municipalities, retailers, banks and insurance companies.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peter Imse is well respected in the legal community for his work on bond transactions and condominium projects. His impressive practice also covers zoning, land use planning and title insurance. He frequently advises small businesses and nonprofit organizations.

THE FIRM This team is held in particularly high regard by sources for advising local municipalities, administrative boards and school districts on land use and zoning. It provides counsel to residential and commercial sellers and buyers and also represents clients in all aspects of condominium law.

Sources say: "I like this team for being intellectually honest about the facts and law."

KEY INDIVIDUALS James Raymond is "a very good real estate attorney with extensive experience of the financing issues, particularly on the lending side." He also has business planning and commercial experience, and is admitted to practice in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts.