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Industries Real Estate

Industry Overview

The real estate industry has witnessed significant transformation in both its daily business practices and financial underpinnings. Rapidly evolving consumer requirements and the arrival of “big data” to the sector are driving innovation in areas like home construction, retail development, and urban/suburban migration. Telecommuting and co-working are transforming workplaces, with implications that impact properties from languishing industrial spaces to technology-filled smart cities, introducing new legal hurdles to navigate and opportunities to explore.

Our Approach

Our ability to help our clients, local and national developers, landlords, retailers, portfolio managers, municipalities, and construction firms maintain full control over their real estate dealings, during any economic cycle has been demonstrated for more than 100 years. We offer proven legal counsel and strategic advice across all real estate transactions, development, permitting, leasing, and financing. We understand how to position our clients for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Newsroom

Publication

The Next Big Area of Environmental Regulation: PFAS

March 5, 2024

This is Part I of the three part series.  Stay tuned for Part II, where our attorneys delve further into the federal regulations on PFAS.Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”) are everywhere in our environment, including in our water, air, food, and soil.  PFAS are human-made chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products for decades.  You can find PFAS in everyday products like non-stick cookware, cosmetics, and water-repellent clothing, and in other industrial products like firefighting foam.Because PFAS do not break down in the environment (some forms can take …

Firm News

Hinckley Allen Expands Into Florida

February 5, 2024

On February 5, 2024, Hinckley Allen announced its strategic expansion into the rapidly growing Florida market through its combination with Ferencik Libanoff Brandt Bustamante & Goldstein, P.A., a preeminent Florida-based construction and business law firm, effective February 1, 2024. The combination brings seven attorneys and ten new professionals to Hinckley Allen. The Fort Lauderdale, Florida office is the firm’s seventh location, in addition to offices in Boston, MA; Providence, RI; Hartford, CT; Manchester, NH; Albany, NY; and Chicago, IL.

Publication

The New Year Brings New Land Use Court to Rhode Island

January 17, 2024

Effective January 1, 2024, Rhode Island has a newly created Superior Court Land Use Calendar open for business. This specialized Calendar is designed to expedite judicial review of land use matters, including decisions of local boards with respect to special use permits, variances, and subdivision review. The Land Use Calendar is intended to avoid the lengthy delays that often accompany administrative appeals.

Publication

Ensuring Seller Accountability: Post-Closing Options for Buyers

November 29, 2023

When it comes to real estate transactions, buyers are protected by the Purchase and Sale Agreement which operates as a contract between the buyer and seller. Purchase and sale agreements typically contain numerous representations and warranties from the seller relating to the property sold. These promises survive the closing of the transaction for a defined period of time which can be anywhere from three (3) to twenty-four (24) months, depending on what is negotiated between seller and buyer.

Publication

Massachusetts State Courts Uphold Enforceability of Rent Acceleration Default Remedy

December 4, 2023

In a significant case affecting commercial leases in Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court recently issued a decision finding that a full rent acceleration remedy in a commercial lease is enforceable under Massachusetts law. The case is entitled Cummings Properties, LLC vs Darryl C. Hines 492 Mass.

Publication

The Rise of Biometric Technology in Retail: Balancing Innovation and Compliance

December 4, 2023

"Biometrics" refers to the automated recognition of individuals through unique physical characteristics. While most of us are familiar with using biometric data, such as facial recognition on an iPhone, to unlock personal devices, many may not realize the extent to which this technology is employed by retailers nationwide and the reasons behind its adoption.

Firm News

Hinckley Allen’s Thomas Bhisitkul Named Go To Commercial Real Estate Lawyer by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly

March 28, 2024

Hinckley Allen is pleased to announce that Thomas Bhisitkul, a partner in the firm’s Real Estate Practice Group, was named a 2023 "Go To Commercial Real Estate Lawyer" by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. The award acknowledges top legal professionals in the Massachusetts community for their expertise, history of success, and innovative client-centered solutions.

Firm News

Hinckley Allen’s Legal Excellence Recognized by Boston Magazine

November 21, 2023

Hinckley Allen is pleased to announce that numerous attorneys have been recognized by Boston Magazine, earning the prestigious title of "The Top Lawyers of 2023." This annual accolade, initiated in 2021, is designed to highlight outstanding legal talent in the region. Attorneys have the opportunity to nominate their peers in specific areas of expertise, with the rankings determined solely through peer voting.

Firm News

Kirsten E. Kenney Named Vice Chair of Hinckley Allen’s Real Estate Group

October 25, 2023

Hinckley Allen is proud to announce that partner Kirsten E. Kenney has been named the Vice Chair of the Real Estate Group. Kirsten will share responsibility for overseeing the practice group with Partner and current Chair David Barry Connolly.

Firm News

Kirsten E. Kenney Honored in NEREJ's 2023 Women in Commercial Real Estate

October 3, 2023

Hinckley Allen is pleased to announce that Kirsten E. Kenney, Partner and Vice Chair of the Real Estate Practice Group, is honored as one of the New England Real Estate Journal’s (NEREJ) 2023 Women in Commercial Real Estate. Kirsten’s distinguished practice in commercial real estate focuses on commercial real estate law in both finance and development, and she represents some of the nation’s largest banks and commercial developers.

Case Study

Hinckley Allen Leads the Charge for Affordable Housing in CT

March 28, 2024

Hinckley Allen represented Connecticut developer, Sager Development LLC, in securing land use approvals for a new affordable multifamily community in Farmington. After just two hearings, the Town Plan and Zoning Commission unanimously approved applications for regulation amendment, rezoning, and site plan approval for a 65-unit Low Income Housing Tax Credit development near the UConn Medical Center, pursuant to Connecticut’s Affordable Housing Land Use Appeals Act, General Statutes § 8-30g. Approximately 80% of the community will be affordable, with 15 of those units to be administered by F…

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