Tom Johnson

For developers, businesses, and property owners across North Carolina, the process of acquiring, developing, and managing real estate can be filled with intricate legal challenges. From navigating complex zoning regulations and securing essential permits to negotiating multifaceted commercial transactions, having a legal partner with deep expertise and a proven track record is absolutely essential. In the heart of North Carolina's capital, Raleigh, locals have an exceptional and highly experienced resource in Thomas H. "Tom" Johnson, Jr.

Tom Johnson is a distinguished Partner at the highly regarded Williams Mullen law firm, where he brings over 30 years of extensive experience to his practice in commercial real estate, with a particular specialization in planning, zoning, and land use issues. What truly sets Tom apart is his unique blend of legal prowess and practical insight gained from his tenure as a former city council member in Greenville, N.C. This firsthand experience on the other side of the table provides him with an invaluable perspective, allowing him to anticipate challenges and effectively guide clients through the often-complex real estate development process.

Tom is not just an experienced attorney; he is a North Carolina Board Certified Specialist in Real Property Law (Business, Commercial, Industrial, and Residential Transactions). This prestigious certification signifies an elevated level of experience, knowledge, and professionalism, held by only a select number of attorneys in the state. He is also a founding member and past chair of the North Carolina Bar Association's Zoning, Planning and Land Use Section, showcasing his leadership and deep commitment to this specialized field. His consistent recognition in prestigious legal directories like North Carolina Super Lawyers (including Top 100 North Carolina Super Lawyers and Top 25 Raleigh Super Lawyers), The Best Lawyers in America©, and Chambers USA further cements his reputation as a top-tier real estate and land use attorney. For North Carolinians embarking on significant real estate projects or facing land use challenges, Tom Johnson offers unparalleled expertise and strategic guidance.

In the realm of real estate development and land use, a strategically located legal advisor can make a significant difference in efficiency and access to key decision-makers. Tom Johnson is based in the heart of North Carolina's capital, Raleigh, offering excellent accessibility for clients across the state.

You can find Tom Johnson at:

301 Fayetteville St Suite 1700, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA

This prime address places his office within the prestigious Williams Mullen firm, situated directly on Fayetteville Street, a central and easily recognizable thoroughfare in downtown Raleigh. This location is not only convenient for local Raleigh businesses and developers but also highly accessible for clients traveling from other cities and counties across North Carolina. Its proximity to state and local government offices, planning departments, and regulatory bodies—which are frequently involved in land use and zoning matters—provides a significant logistical advantage. The ease of access, whether by walking from nearby business hubs or via public transportation and major roadways, underscores the firm's commitment to facilitating seamless interaction for its clients with the state's and city's real estate and regulatory infrastructure.

Tom Johnson offers a comprehensive suite of legal services within the broad area of commercial real estate, with a deep specialization in planning, zoning, and land use issues. His extensive experience allows him to guide clients through every phase of property acquisition and development. Key service areas include:

• Planning, Zoning, and Land Use: This is a core focus, where he assists clients with all aspects of navigating land use regulations, including:
  • Representing clients before city and county boards throughout North Carolina on rezoning petitions.
  • Handling applications for special use permits and variances.
  • Facilitating the issuance of certificates of appropriateness in historic districts.
  • Permitting of large, multi-use commercial developments, hotels, and residential developments.
• Commercial Real Estate Acquisitions and Sales: Preparing and negotiating purchase and sale agreements for various types of commercial properties.
• Real Estate Development: Assisting developers with finding and acquiring suitable sites, navigating the complex regulatory approval process, and ensuring smooth project execution from start to finish.
• Commercial Leasing: Preparing and negotiating commercial leases for retail and office spaces, ensuring favorable terms for clients.
• Loan Transactions: Negotiating and closing complex loan transactions related to real estate projects.
• Telecommunications Industry Expertise: Providing specialized legal assistance to wireless telecommunications providers for the development of tower sites and wireless networks throughout North Carolina. This includes navigating the unique land use and regulatory challenges in this sector.
• Due Diligence: Conducting thorough due diligence for real estate transactions to identify potential issues and mitigate risks.
• Property Finance: Advising on financing structures for real estate projects.

Tom Johnson stands out as a preeminent real estate and land use attorney in North Carolina due to several distinctive features and highly regarded highlights:

• North Carolina Board Certified Specialist: He is a Board Certified Specialist in Real Property Law (Business, Commercial, Industrial, and Residential Transactions). This distinction signifies certified expertise and dedication to the field, offering clients a recognized level of proficiency.
• Extensive Experience (30+ Years): With over three decades of practice, Tom brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of North Carolina's complex real estate laws and local regulations.
• Former City Council Member Insight: His unique background as a former city council member in Greenville, N.C., provides an invaluable "insider's" perspective on how local governments make decisions regarding planning, zoning, and development, offering clients a strategic advantage.
• Founding Member & Past Chair, NC Bar Association (Zoning, Planning and Land Use Section): His leadership within the North Carolina Bar Association demonstrates his deep commitment to and influence within this specific area of law.
• Consistent Industry Recognition: Tom is consistently recognized by leading legal publications:
  • North Carolina Super Lawyers (2017-present), including the Top 100 North Carolina Super Lawyers list (2022) and the Top 25 Raleigh Super Lawyers list (2022).
  • The Best Lawyers in America® for Real Estate Law (2021-present) and Land Use and Zoning Law (2024-present).
  • Leading individual in real estate law by Chambers USA (2014-present), with client feedback praising his understanding of land use and presentation skills.
  • Named a "Leader in the Law" by North Carolina Lawyers Weekly (2014).
• LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP): This accreditation from the U.S. Green Building Council demonstrates his understanding of sustainable design and construction practices, adding value for clients pursuing green development initiatives.
• Active Community Involvement: Beyond his legal practice, Tom is actively involved in the community, serving on the Raleigh Chamber Board of Advisors and Economic Development Board, and on the board of directors of the Triangle Community Coalition. This commitment highlights his dedication to the growth and well-being of the local community.
• Comprehensive Real Estate Focus: His expertise spans the entire real estate lifecycle, from site acquisition and financing to complex permitting and commercial leasing.

In the specialized field of real estate and land use law, "promotions" are not typically offered in the consumer sense. However, for potential clients in North Carolina, Tom Johnson and the Williams Mullen firm emphasize a crucial initial step that serves as an invaluable first "offer": the initial consultation.

Prospective clients seeking to navigate complex real estate transactions, obtain zoning approvals, or address land use challenges are encouraged to contact Tom Johnson to discuss their specific needs. While the exact terms of initial consultations can vary depending on the complexity and nature of the inquiry, these discussions typically provide an opportunity to:

• Detail your specific real estate development or land use objectives and challenges.
• Gain preliminary insights from a highly experienced and Board Certified attorney.
• Understand the legal pathways, potential hurdles, and strategic approaches to achieve your property-related goals.
• Determine how Tom Johnson's unique expertise and the resources of Williams Mullen can best serve your interests.

This initial engagement is essential for developing a tailored strategy and understanding the scope of work involved. It underscores the firm's commitment to personalized service and ensuring that clients are well-informed from the outset about the strategic and legal support available to them for their significant real estate ventures.

To connect with Tom Johnson and discuss your commercial real estate or land use needs in North Carolina, you can use the following contact information:

Address: 301 Fayetteville St Suite 1700, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA

Phone: (919) 981-4006

Mobile Phone: +1 919-981-4006

These direct contact details provide convenient access to his office at Williams Mullen in downtown Raleigh. Whether you prefer to call for an initial discussion or use the mobile number for direct inquiries, these contact methods ensure that developers, businesses, and property owners can easily reach out to leverage Tom Johnson's extensive expertise in navigating North Carolina's complex real estate landscape.

For developers, businesses, and property owners across North Carolina, especially those in the Raleigh and wider Triangle area, seeking to navigate the often-complex world of commercial real estate and land use, Tom Johnson is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended legal partner. His over 30 years of experience, combined with his unique background as a former city council member, provides an unparalleled "insider's" understanding of both the legal framework and the practical realities of obtaining approvals and executing development projects in the state.

His status as a North Carolina Board Certified Specialist in Real Property Law is a clear indicator of his deep expertise and commitment to the highest standards in the field. This, coupled with his consistent recognition in prestigious legal rankings, offers Floridians the assurance that they are engaging with a top-tier professional. The convenient downtown Raleigh location ensures easy access to state and local government bodies, streamlining the process for clients. For North Carolinians embarking on significant real estate ventures, whether it's a multi-use development, a commercial acquisition, or complex zoning issue, Tom Johnson offers the strategic insight, negotiation skills, and proven track record essential for success right here in their home state.