John L. Allen

John L. Allen, Business Attorney in Albany, New York

Over 49 years of legal practice · focused on Business and Real Estate · 4.6/5 rating from 15 verified client reviews

Senior CounselatWhiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP

Albany, NY

Practicing business in Albany since 1977.

49+
Years practicing
4.6 ★
15 client reviews
3
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

John L. Allen is a senior counsel based in Albany, NY. The practice focuses on Business and Real Estate. John has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 15 client reviews.

Based in
Albany, NY
Experience
over 49 years
Known for
Business · Real Estate
  • Handles Business and Real Estate matters from Albany, NY.
  • Over 49 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About John L. Allen: John L. Allen is a senior counsel based in Albany, NY. The practice focuses on Business and Real Estate. John has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 15 client reviews.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by John L. Allen

John concentrates on business and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case John handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Albany, New York

John takes business matters in Albany, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.

Real Estate cases in Albany, New York

John takes real estate matters in Albany, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.

Biography

About John L. Allen — Over 49 years of New York business experience

John L. Allen is a senior counsel based in Albany, NY. The practice focuses on Business and Real Estate. John has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 15 client reviews.

John L. Allen joined Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP as a partner in January, 2006 after nearly twenty years as a member of Shanley, Sweeney, Reilly & Allen, P.C. His areas of expertise include commercial and residential real estate financing, including construction loan financing and securitized financing for both borrowers and lenders; commercial leasing, including shopping centers and office buildings for landlords and tenants; and commercial real estate acquisitions, including land assemblages, and sales, including tax-deferred exchanges.

Background/Education

Mr. Allen is a graduate of Haverford College (B.A., 1970), State University of New York at Albany (M.S., 1972) and Albany Law School of Union University (J.D., 1976).

Representative Accomplishments

•Represented borrowers in 2017 and 2018 on loan transactions in excess of $95 million.
•Drafted easement agreements and termination of easements with municipalities and utilities in connection with the development of real estate projects.
•Served as lender’s counsel in financings totaling more than $85 million in 2017-2018.
•Negotiated the settlement of a tax certiorari proceeding involving the most highly assessed property in a Montgomery County town, which resulted in a 62% reduction in the parcel’s assessment.

Professional/Community

Mr. Allen has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Early Childhood Education Center, a pre-school program for children with special needs, since 1992. He is also a member of the Siena College Saints Alive! Advisory Council and Co-President of the Academy of the Holy Names Booster Club. Since 1971, he has served as an Admissions Volunteer for Haverford College. He is also a former member of the Siena College Board of Associate Trustees and the Wildwood Programs, Inc. Board of Directors.

How John handles business matters

John L. Allen joined Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP as a partner in January, 2006 after nearly twenty years as a member of Shanley, Sweeney, Reilly & Allen, P.C. His areas of expertise include commercial and residential real estate financing, including construction loan financing and securitized financing for both borrowers and lenders; commercial leasing, including shopping centers and office…

Who John represents

John reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business and real estate matters in Albany and the surrounding New York area.

Credentials

John L. Allen's legal education and bar admissions

  • Albany Law School of Union University

    J.D. · 1976

  • Haverford College

    B.A. State · 1970

Jurisdictions

John's state bar admissions

  • Massachusetts

    1996 · ACTIVE

  • New York

    1977 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. District Court,

    1977 · ACTIVE

John studied at J.D. in Albany Law School of Union University and B.A. State in Haverford College.

Law school and academic background

John completed J.D. in Albany Law School of Union University and B.A. State in Haverford College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice John runs in New York is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of John L. Allen

John has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

John's professional memberships and bar associations

  • Affiliations Mr

    membership

  • Allen is admitted to practice in the State of New York, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and U

    membership

  • S

    membership

  • District Court for the Northern District of New York

    membership

  • He is a member of the New York State and Albany County Bar Associations and has lectured on commercial real estate matters for continuing legal education programs

    membership

  • Mr

    membership

  • Allen also wrote a column on real estate for the Capital District Business Review for nine years

    membership

Locations

John L. Allen's office in Albany

John's primary office is at 99 Washington Avenue, Suite 1900, Albany, NY, 12260. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP

99 Washington Avenue, Suite 1900

Albany, NY 12260

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Client feedback

Client reviews of John L. Allen — 4.6/5 rating from 15 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of John. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Albany.

4.6

15 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once John L. Allen claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire John L. Allen — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with John usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

John charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; John will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a business attorney in Albany, New York

A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for John

John discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. John confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

John's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about John L. Allen

  • How much does it cost to hire John for a business case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. John walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does John offer a free consultation?

    John charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check John's current terms during booking.

  • How long do business cases in New York typically take?

    Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. John gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can John take my case if I'm outside Albany?

    John is licensed in New York. Matters governed by New York law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — John will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with John?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. John will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is John accepting new business clients right now?

    John's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Business attorneys serving Albany and Brooklyn in New York

John handles business matters throughout New York. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.

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