Efficient. Experienced. Undaunted.
Roy is a seasoned real estate litigator with more than 30 years of experience representing property owners and real estate entrepreneurs in complex disputes and development matters.
As a shareholder at Bernstein Shur, Roy focuses on land use, real estate litigation, and probate litigation, offering practical, results-driven counsel to individuals and businesses navigating high-stakes conflicts.
Roy works directly with property owners—often business owners themselves—who are seeking to develop land or resolve disputes with abutters, municipalities, or other parties. His real estate practice spans both commercial and residential matters, including boundary disputes, easements, zoning and permitting issues, and contested development projects.
In addition to his real estate work, Roy has a subspecialty in probate litigation. He is known for handling complex fiduciary matters, including disputes before the New Hampshire Supreme Court and Probate Divisions and the Complex Trust
Docket. He frequently represents beneficiaries in cases involving breaches of fiduciary duty, contested wills, and trust mismanagement—such as in the high-profile Hodges matter. Roy’s clients value his ability to cut through complexity, provide clear strategic guidance, and fiercely advocate for their interests—whether at the municipal board level, in court, or on appeal.
No matter the issue, my mission remains the same: to empower my clients with the information they need to make strategic and well-informed decisions.
What he's great at
Roy excels in navigating the complex intersections of real estate, land use, and business. With deep experience and a steady, strategic approach, he helps clients solve problems, protect their interests, and move projects forward—whether in court, across the negotiation table, or before a municipal board. His assertive yet thoughtful style makes him a trusted advisor in the following areas:
- Real Estate Litigation
- Representing clients in complex and challenging real estate disputes, including boundary line disputes and tax abatements.
- Land Use & Zoning
- Advising clients on land use regulations and zoning issues, and representing them before municipal boards and state regulatory agencies.
- Real Estate Transactions
- Managing all stages of real estate transactions, including acquisition, financing, leasing, and development, with a specialty in commercial real estate.
- Business Transactions
- Providing counsel on various business transactions, ensuring compliance and strategic alignment with clients’ goals.
- Real Estate Mediation
- Offering mediation services to resolve real estate disputes efficiently and amicably.
How he delivers
Roy is known for his strategic, client-centered approach and his ability to guide clients through high-stakes legal matters. He successfully represented the plaintiffs in Hodges v. Johnson—a widely cited decision and the seminal New Hampshire case on trust decanting—in which the state’s Supreme Court ruled that trustees had unlawfully breached their duties to the trust’s beneficiaries.
In addition to his courtroom work, Roy frequently appears before municipal boards and state regulatory agencies, achieving favorable results for clients facing zoning, permitting, and other land use challenges.
Seminal Victory in New Hampshire Trust Decanting Case
Successfully represented the plaintiffs in Hodges v. Johnson, the leading New Hampshire Supreme Court decision on trust decanting, in which the Court held that trustees had unlawfully breached their duties to the trust’s beneficiaries.
$3.2M Judgment in Trust Decanting Trial
Secured a $3,225,000 judgment on behalf of beneficiaries in a trust decanting case against a former trustee following a three-day trial.
$600K Arbitration Award in Construction Dispute
Obtained a $600,000 arbitration award for a client in a breach of contract matter involving the construction of a lakefront residential property.
Defense Verdict in Boundary and Right-of-Way Dispute
Achieved a trial court verdict dismissing all claims in a boundary line and right-of-way case, successfully restoring the client’s property rights.
Land Use Approvals for 76-Unit Apartment Project
Obtained planning board and zoning board approvals from the City of Manchester for the development of a 76-unit residential building in the downtown district.
Why you'll enjoy working with him
Clients value Roy’s clarity, efficiency, and experience. He works best with people who are used to making decisions—business owners, entrepreneurs, and property owners—who don’t want to be told what to do, but want the right information to decide for themselves. Roy delivers just that: straightforward, strategic guidance backed by decades of experience. He’s undaunted by complexity, focused on practical solutions, and committed to helping clients move forward with confidence.
Who he is off the clock
Outside of his legal practice, Roy stays active in the New Hampshire community. He teaches an annual CLE for new lawyers through the New Hampshire Bar Association’s Real Estate Section and currently serves on the board of the SEE Science Center, an interactive children’s science museum. He also previously served as Board Chair for Families in Transition, the state’s largest provider of shelter, meals, and support for individuals experiencing homelessness. When he’s not working or volunteering, Roy can be found falling down while mountain biking, hiking, or skiing.