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Sean A. Cottle

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Sean A. Cottle

Shareholder and Co-Chair, Real Estate

55 South Market St., Suite 900
San Jose, CA 95113

408-947-2404 | 408-287-2583
sean.cottle@hogefenton.com
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Sean A. Cottle

Main Bio

Practice Overview

Developers, property owners, and commercial investors across California turn to Sean Cottle when they need a deal lawyer who has structured and negotiated more than $2 billion in real estate transactions, from Silicon Valley offices to commercial properties throughout California and beyond, including Opportunity Zone investments.

Sean’s practice centers on the purchase, sale, and leasing of commercial, industrial, and retail properties, as well as the acquisition and sale of residential development property. While much of his work is rooted in the Bay Area, his transactions have reached as far as Knoxville, Tennessee; Peoria, Illinois; and Fort Worth, Texas.

Beyond the deal table, Sean advises landowners, developers, builders, and subcontractors on the full life cycle of a project, from entitlement and construction issues to post-sale matters and project advocacy. He also serves as outside general counsel to several contractors.

A recognized authority on Opportunity Zones and Opportunity Funds, Sean speaks frequently on these topics and has earned the respect of his clients and the broader business community.

Representative Matters include:
  • $54 million Office Deal in San Jose, CA
  • $27 million Land Deal in Mountain View, CA
  • $27 million Office Deal in Knoxville, TN
  • $24 million Residential Development Deal in Redwood City, CA
  • $23 million Commercial Deal in San Jose, CA

Practice Areas

Education

  • J.D., Tulane University
  • B.A., Economics/Political Science, Kenyon College

Admissions

  • California
  • U.S. District Court, Central, Eastern, Northern & Southern Districts of California
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit

Affiliation & Awards

Professional Activities

Sean is a member of NAIOP – Commercial Real Estate Development Association, a member of the Building Industry Association – Bay Area (Life Spike Member), the California Building Industry Association, and the Real Property Section of the California State Bar Association.

Community Activities

Sean is involved in the Rotary Club of San Jose and was appointed to the Board of Directors in July 2019. Sean was a member of the Board of Directors of the San Jose Chamber of Commerce from October 2010 to December 2019. He previously served as Chair of the Board in 2015 and as First Vice-Chair for Economic Development. He also served on the Board of Directors of the San Jose Downtown Association from March 2007 until December 2012 as a member of its Executive Committee and former treasurer.

Awards

  • Chartered Fellow of Construction Lawyers Society of America (CLSA)
  • AV Preeminent® (highest level of professional excellence) Peer Review Rated
  • CV, BV and AV are registered certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies.
  • Northern California Super Lawyers Real Estate, Land Use/Zoning and Construction Litigation, 2020 – 2026
  • Best Lawyers in America Real Estate, 2021 – 2026

Representative Experience

Representative Matters

Listed below are examples of property transactions that Sean has worked on since joining Hoge Fenton:

  • Commercial Buildings:
    • San Jose, CA – $23 million
    • Livermore, CA – $17 million
    • Campbell, CA – $12 million
  •  Land:
    • Mountain View, CA – $27 million
    • Mountain View, CA – $15 million
    • San Jose, CA – $10 million
  • Office Buildings:
    • San Jose, CA – $54 million
    • Knoxville, TN – $27 million
    • San Jose, CA – $22 million
  • Retail Center & Warehouse:
    • Knoxville, TN – $21 million
    • Fort Worth, TX – $15 million
    • Phoenix, AZ – $13 million
  • Residential Development:
    • Redwood City, CA – $24 million
    • San Jose, CA – $18 million

Speaking & Publications

Speaking Engagements

Mackrell International California Minority Counsel Program Bay Area Green Business