Matthew R. Johnson
Most of my work is with clients in all phases of real estate projects. I help negotiate construction contracts and resolve disputes when they arise. Once the building construction is complete, I represent real estate agents, buyers, and sellers in the purchase, sale, and leasing of residential and commercial properties. I also assist businesses of all sizes with their commercial disputes.
 
Individuals, businesses, and organizations of all sizes come to us for legal help with real estate matters and commercial litigation. Those clients include public and private business owners, contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers. I am counsel to the New Hampshire Realtors Association and advise the organization and its members on risk management issues and current legal issues. My experience also involves loan workouts, foreclosures, and bankruptcies.
 
I believe strongly in being an active member of the community. I am the past Chair of the Associated Builders and Contractors NH/VT Chapter. I also serve as an advisor to the New Hampshire Veterans Cemetery Association. Also outside of work, I enjoy tennis, skiing, and cooking. Time with my family is especially important to me. Until my kids outgrew my skill, I coached Bedford Athletic Club youth soccer teams. I continue to enjoy watching my kids compete for their high school teams. My family and I are members of Bedford Presbyterian Church.

Representative Matters

  • Won short-term rental dispute at NH Supreme Court
  • Negotiated comprehensive resolution of a zoning dispute between an airport and a municipality
  • Negotiated construction contract for multi-million dollar municipal project
  • Defended local construction company against lawsuit by multi-national trucking company
  • Won trial court victory for general contractor over defective field conditions
  • Won trial court victory over discriminatory eviction based on sexual orientation
  • Secured payment for contractor creditor in large bankruptcy reorganization
  • Won multiparty franchise arbitration over asset sale
  • Won trial court victory for sales representative in international contract manufacturing dispute
  • Represented two contract manufacturers in breach of contract actions
  • Regularly represents banks with respect to work-out/foreclosure/bankruptcy of multi-lot subdivisions and commercial properties
  • Regularly represents real estate agents in civil litigation and before the New Hampshire Real Estate Commission
  • Counsel to New Hampshire Realtors®

Videos

Digital Crossfire Series

Publications

Speaking Engagements

  • Legal presentations to Title Insurers, 2021
  • Regular presentations to local Realtor Boards, 2012 - present
  • "Bankruptcy and Broker Lien Law," NHCIBOR, November 10, 2017
  • YouTube Series "Risk Management in Real Estate," for NH Realtors Association, 2012 - present
  • "Bankruptcy Issues in Real Estate Conveyancing," New Hampshire Bar Association, September 30, 2015
  • "A Prectical Discussion of Ethical Issues Facing Real Estate Attorneys," 2015
  • Broker Legal Seminars, 2014
  • "Business Succession Planning," Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. seminar, June 25, 2014
  • Basic Construction Law – Contracts, 2012, 2014
  • “The Fundamentals of Bankruptcy – 2014” seminar, 2014
  • “The Impact of Bankruptcy on Civil Litigation” seminar, 2013
  • New Hampshire Association of Realtors®, GRI 103 Realtor Training 2007-2013
  • "Environmental Risks of Distressed Properties," seminar at Devine Millimet, November 10, 2011
  • NBI and Lorman seminars:
    • Litigating Disputes Over Easements and Restrictive Covenants
    • Foreclosure and repossession (multiple)
    • Landlord-Tenant Law
    • Beginners Bankruptcy
    • New Bankruptcy Code Amendments Impact on Creditors
    • Construction Defects
    • Public Contracting
  • "Landlord-Tenant Legal Issues" seminar, 2009
  • "Realtors in the Crossfire" seminar, 2009
  • "Real Estate Agent Professional Liability" seminar, 2006
  • "Foreclosure and Repossession in New Hampshire" seminar, 2006
  • "Structural Engineers as Expert Witnesses", keynote address, 2006
  • "Construction Defect Cases" seminar, 2006
  • "How The New Bankruptcy Legislation Affects Commercial Real Estate Brokers" seminar, 2006
  • "A Creditor's Perspective In New Hampshire, With Emphasis On The New Bankruptcy Legislation" seminar, 2005
  • "Landlord-Tenant Law Update" seminar, 2005
  • "Foreclosure and Repossession" seminar, 2005
  • "Construction Law" seminar, 2004 & 2005
  • "Fundamentals of Construction Law" seminar, 2004
  • "Real Estate Agent Professional Liability" seminar, 2003
  • "Landlord-Tenant Legal Issues" seminar, 2002

Community Involvement

  • Daniel Webster Council, Past Vice President of Exploring, Executive Board member, through 2014
  • Daniel Webster Council, Law Explorer Post, Chief Supervisor, through 2012
  • Manchester City Library Foundation, Chair through 2022
  • Manchester Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Class of 2013
  • Soccer Coach, Bedford Athletic Club, 2010-2015
  • Bedford Presbyterian Church, Member
  • Past Chair and current Board Member of Associated Builders and Contractors NH/VT Chapter
  • Advisor, New Hampshire Veterans Cemetery Association


We Can Help You

Contact us today to learn more about how the attorneys at Devine Millimet can help you with your legal needs.


            Services & Industries

            Accountant & Real Estate Professional Liability

            Business, Commercial & Financial Litigation

            Commercial & Residential Leasing Disputes

            Dispute Resolution & Litigation

            Engineering & Construction Law

            Insolvency & Restructuring

            Insurance Defense

            Real Estate

            Regulatory Compliance for Businesses

            Bar Admissions

            Massachusetts

            New Hampshire

            Education

            William & Mary Law School, JD, highest honors, 1997

            Middlebury College, BA, cum laude, 1992

            Awards & Affiliations

            New England Super Lawyers - Top Rated Real Estate Attorney, 2008, 2013, 2015 - 2020

            Received the Best Lawyers® 2021 Construction Law "Lawyer of the Year" award in Manchester

            Received the Best Lawyers® 2019 Litigation - Construction "Lawyer of the Year" award in Manchester

            Included in The Best Lawyers in America© for his work in Construction Law since 2013, and Litigation - Construction since 2015

            BV Distinguished Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

            Chair, Pro Bono Committee - Firm Recipient Distinguished Pro Bono Service Innovative Project Award, 2008


            Associated Builders and Contractors, NH/VT Chapter, Board of Directors

            Associated General Contractors of New Hampshire, Inc., Member, Legislative Affairs Committee, 2012

            New Hampshire Bar Association

            Student Notes Editor, William & Mary Law Review

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