
Nick Hockens, General Attorney in New York
Over 23 years of legal practice · focused on General, Real Estate, and Zoning
ShareholderatGreenberg Traurig, LLP
New, NY
Practicing general in New York since 2003.
- 23+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Nick Hockens?
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Quick answer
Nick Hockens is a shareholder based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on General, Real Estate, and Zoning. Nick has over 23 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Greenberg Traurig, LLP.
- Based in
- New York, NY
- Experience
- over 23 years
- Known for
- General · Real Estate · Zoning
- Handles General, Real Estate, and Zoning matters from New York, NY.
- Over 23 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Nick Hockens: Nick Hockens is a shareholder based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on General, Real Estate, and Zoning. Nick has over 23 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Greenberg Traurig, LLP.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Nick Hockens
Nick concentrates on general, real estate, and zoning. Each area below outlines the kind of case Nick handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
General
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Real Estate
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Zoning
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General cases in New York
Nick takes general matters in 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 Nick agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in New York
Nick takes real estate matters in 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 Nick agrees to represent you.
Zoning cases in New York
Nick takes zoning matters in 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 Nick agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Nick Hockens — Over 23 years of New York general experience
Nick Hockens is a shareholder based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on General, Real Estate, and Zoning. Nick has over 23 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Greenberg Traurig, LLP.
Nick Hockens concentrates his practice on the representation of developers, institutions and non-profit organizations before the New York City Planning Commission, Board of Standards and Appeals, and Landmarks Preservation Commission. He represents clients in a variety of New York land use and zoning matters, including re-zonings, special permits, variances, designations and alterations of landmarked buildings, and air rights transactions.
Concentrations
•Land use and zoning
Recognition & Leadership
Awards & Accolades
•Team Member, City & State, 'Top 50 NYC Lobbyists,' 2021
•Listed, The Legal 500 United States, Real Estate - Land Use/Zoning, 2021-2023 and 2025
•Listed, The Legal 500 United States, Real Estate and Construction - Land Use/Zoning, 2015-2020
•Team Member, Chambers & Partners USA Real Estate Law Firm of the Year, 2017-2018 and 2022
•Team Member, a U.S. News - Best Lawyers, 'Law Firm of the Year' in Real Estate Law, 2015
•Team Member, a Law360 'Real Estate Practice Group of the Year,' 2011-2013, 2015, and 2022-2023
•Team Member, The Legal 500 United States, 'Top Tier' Firm in Real Estate, 2013 and 2014
•Member, Winning Team, Chambers USA Award for Excellence, Real Estate, 2010 and 2013
How Nick handles general matters
Nick Hockens concentrates his practice on the representation of developers, institutions and non-profit organizations before the New York City Planning Commission, Board of Standards and Appeals, and Landmarks Preservation Commission. He represents clients in a variety of New York land use and zoning matters, including re-zonings, special permits, variances, designations and alterations of…
Who Nick represents
Nick reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general, real estate, and zoning matters across New York.
Credentials
Nick Hockens's legal education and bar admissions
Harvard Law School
J.D. · 2002
Oklahoma State University
B.A. Northwestern · 1986
Jurisdictions
Nick's state bar admissions
New York
2003 · ACTIVE
Nick studied at J.D. in Harvard Law School and B.A. Northwestern in Oklahoma State University.
Law school and academic background
Nick completed J.D. in Harvard Law School and B.A. Northwestern in Oklahoma State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Nick runs in New York is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Nick Hockens's office in New York
Nick's primary office is at One Vanderbilt Avenue, New York, NY, 10017. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Nick Hockens
Nick has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
No reviews yet
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Nick Hockens — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new general attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Nick usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Nick charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Nick'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; Nick will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a general attorney in New York
A short list to run through before you commit: How many general 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 Nick
Nick discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in general practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every general 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. Nick confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Nick's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many general practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Nick Hockens
How much does it cost to hire Nick for a general case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Nick walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Nick offer a free consultation?
Nick charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Nick's office. Some general attorneys offer free consults — check Nick's current terms during booking.
How long do general cases in New York typically take?
Simple general 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. Nick gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Nick take my case if I'm outside New York?
Nick 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 — Nick 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 Nick?
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. Nick will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Nick accepting new general clients right now?
Nick's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
General attorneys serving Albany and Brooklyn in New York
Nick handles general matters throughout New York. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified general attorneys in that community.
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