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John R. Blake, Jr.

Partner

617.218.2061
jblake@goodwin.com

Boston, MA

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John R. Blake Jr. Bio photo

John R. Blake, Jr. is a partner in Shipman’s Boston office. His practice is focused on real estate and commercial lending, and he has experience guiding developers, lenders, landlords, and tenants through the complex legal landscape of real estate planning, finance, leasing, permitting, and land use. Whether acquiring commercial property, structuring financing, or addressing zoning and environmental issues, John brings transactional clarity and risk management to every matter.

He works with both borrowers and lenders, representing clients in structuring debt, negotiating loan documents, and managing enforcement of secured interests. John’s facility with lending issues allows clients to proceed with confidence in real estate developments, ground-up projects, adaptive reuse, and mill conversions. He also advises on commercial leasing and handles due diligence and title matters, which helps clients avoid downstream surprises.

Clients benefit from John’s dual perspective as both a lawyer and a real estate business partner. He anticipates operational, environmental, regulatory, and contractual obstacles, providing strategic counsel to mitigate those risks. His responsiveness, depth of real estate law knowledge, and track record of navigating complex transactions make him a go-to resource for sophisticated real estate and finance engagements throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Credentials

Education

  • Vermont Law School, J.D., 1991
  • Columbia University, B.A., 1988

Bar Admissions

  • Massachusetts
  • New Hampshire

Court Admissions

  • U.S. District Court, District of NH
  • U.S. District Court, District of MA

Distinctions

  • Listed in Boston Magazine, Top Lawyer: Real Estate (Commercial) (2025)
  • Listed as a Massachusetts Super Lawyer® Rising Star: Real Estate, Banking, Environmental (2005)
  • Named a Massachusetts Rising Star by Boston Magazine (2005)

Professional Affiliations

  • Massachusetts Bar Association
  • New Hampshire Bar Association
  • Massachusetts Real Estate Bar Association

Community Involvement

  • Chelmsford Zoning Board of Appeals, Former Chair and Member (1997 - 2013)
  • Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce, Member, Board of Directors (2007 - 2010)
  • Merrimack Valley Venture Forum, Member (2008 - 2014)

Experience

Real estate

150-Acre New Hampshire Development Acquisition

Represented a developer in acquiring 150 acres in southern New Hampshire, including site planning, due diligence, and permitting.

30,000 sq. ft  Commercial Healthcare Lease for Healthcare Tenant

Represented a commercial landlord in leasing 30,000 square feet across two buildings to a major healthcare tenant.

$80 Million Title Insurance for Historic Mill Conversion

Conducted title review and underwrote an $80,000,000 lender’s title insurance policy connected to a historic tax credit–assisted mill conversion with multiple parcels.

Real estate finance

$10 Million Bridge Loan for Boston Developer

Represented a private lender in structuring a $10,000,000 bridge loan to a developer under tight timelines in metropolitan Boston.

$2.1 Million SBA 7(a) Loan for Alternative Energy Construction Company

Represented a national bank in negotiating, documenting, and closing a $2,100,000 SBA 7(a) guaranteed working capital loan for a construction company involved in alternative energy projects.

Secured Lender Adversary Proceeding in Chapter 11

Successfully prosecuted a secured lender’s claim in an adversary proceeding in a Chapter 11 case involving a mortgagor/borrower.
John R. Blake Jr. Bio photo

Boston, MA

617.218.2061

jblake@goodwin.com

Areas of Focus

  • Real Estate
  • Real Estate Finance
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