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Christopher Centore
Real Estate Practice Area Chair at Barclay Damon LLP - Energy - Commercial Leasing - Commercial Financing
Professional Background
Christopher Centore is a highly skilled attorney specializing in real estate law and financial transactions, with a focus on serving a diverse range of clients from individuals and small businesses to major international corporations. He offers his expertise in negotiating and handling complex real estate acquisition and sale transactions, ensuring that every detail is meticulously managed to meet his clients' goals.
As an experienced legal counsel for energy and utility clients, Chris provides invaluable advice on various critical aspects of development, acquisition, sale, and site-control matters across the United States. He showcases proficiency in high-stakes transactions, particularly in the acquisition of hydroelectric, nuclear, and co-generation power plants. Chris also plays a pivotal role in electric and gas-transmission corridor developments across New York State, as well as throughout the New England to Midwest regions, demonstrating his expansive knowledge of energy-related real estate.
Moreover, Chris's contributions to the oil and gas development industry are noteworthy, as he has provided essential real estate counsel in one of New York State's largest-ever acquisitions of oil and gas rights. In the field of renewable energy, Chris serves as a vital advocate for solar, wind, and hydroelectric project owners and developers, assisting them in negotiating, drafting, and securing site-control documents, including leases and easements, while effectively addressing title issues as they arise.
In addition to his extensive experience in real estate transactions, Chris collaborates closely with the firm's commercial litigation attorneys to navigate real estate disputes. He adeptly manages cases involving easements and rights of way, riparian rights, adverse possession, and complex title issues. His wide-ranging expertise also encompasses landlord and tenant relationships as he represents clients in commercial lease negotiations across various sectors, including retail, office, manufacturing, and shopping centers, as well as ground-lease transactions pertaining to real estate development.
Moreover, Christopher is a NY-licensed title insurance agent and serves as examining counsel to several title insurance companies. He is adept at analyzing and examining real estate titles, frequently managing large, complex title insurance policies that offer critical protections for his clients. In his role representing institutional lenders, Chris is well-versed in handling both real estate-secured and non-real estate-secured commercial financing transactions. His experience includes the negotiation of conventional mortgage loans, secured lines of credit, Small Business Administration (SBA) guaranteed loans, letter-of-credit-secured civic facility revenue bond transactions, and construction loans, all of which underscore his versatility in financial legal matters.
Education and Achievements
Christopher Centore boasts a solid educational foundation that underpins his successful career in law. He commenced his academic journey at Westhill High School, where he laid the groundwork for his future studies. Following this, Chris attended Cornell University, earning a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Industrial and Labor Relations, which provided him with a robust understanding of the intricacies of workplace dynamics and economic relations.
Building upon this groundwork, Chris furthered his education at SUNY Buffalo Law School, obtaining his Juris Doctor (J.D.). His education has been complemented by his continuous professional development in the ever-evolving legal landscape.
In his professional career, Chris has taken on significant leadership roles, notably serving as the Real Estate Practice Area Chair at Barclay Damon LLP. In this position, he has guided and mentored junior attorneys, while also steering the firm's strategic practices related to real estate transactions. Previously, he was a Partner at the same firm, where he cultivated strong relationships and built an impressive portfolio of successful cases and transactions.
Achievements
Christopher has an impressive track record of accomplishments within the realms of real estate and energy law. His involvement in high-profile acquisitions, notably in energy and natural resources, positions him as a sought-after expert in these critical fields. Through his adept negotiation skills and keen understanding of the law, he has helped his clients secure essential rights and properties that drive both personal and corporate interests forward.
Chris's role as examining counsel for title insurance companies further enhances his professional credentials, demonstrating his authority in a sector where understanding intricate title matters is crucial. His capacity to manage large, multifaceted title insurance policies showcases his attention to detail and commitment to safeguarding his clients through diligent legal practices.
Ultimately, Christopher Centore combines a rich educational background with extensive practical experience, making him a vital resource in the fields of real estate law, financial transactions, and energy-related developments. His proactive approach to legal challenges, commitment to client satisfaction, and leadership in the legal community present a distinguished profile that is characterized by both accomplishments and a steadfast dedication to the practice of law.
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Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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