Michael has been a partner and associate in law firms of national prominence, where he was involved in the development, financing and/or conversion of such well-known projects as River City, Le Meridien, Millennium Centre Tower, The Transportation Building, Grand Plaza, and other developments that have changed Chicago’s skyline. He has also negotiated and closed mergers and acquisitions of local, national and international companies.

Michael had the unique benefit of practicing for several years in commercial litigation while continuing to maintain his transactional practice. Utilizing his prior litigation experience, he is able to help his clients identify potential risks, negotiate favorable term and document contracts and other transactions with an eye toward minimizing future litigation.

Michael’s practice focuses on commercial real estate transactions, finance and business transactions. He represents developers, lenders and businesses, locally and throughout the country, in such matters as: mixed-use condominium projects; industrial and retail developments; medical office, acute care and hospital facilities; multi-family apartment and hotel development; construction and acquisition financing; office, medical, retail and industrial leasing; and tax-deferred exchanges. Toward that end, Michael uses his experience and creativity in proactively finding tax and other savings incentives available to real estate owners. He also advises companies involved in related real estate activities such as sales, marketing, leasing, property management, brokerage, and construction.

As a legal and business advisor, Michael is committed to helping clients find, develop and close deals that further their business objectives. Michael regularly advises entrepreneurs and closely held businesses on legal matters incidental to their day-to-day business operations, as well as their capital raising and start-up needs, including choice of entity, private equity raises, and operational agreements.

Much like a general counsel, Michael’s breadth of experience allows him to not only provide strategic planning and routine business transactional support to companies, but also enables him to capably “quarterback” any number of unique issues facing companies by spotting issues and engaging specialists when needed, such as intellectual property, environmental and regulatory counsel. As such, Michael has been actively involved in sales and acquisitions of technology companies, medical practices, nursing homes, and home health care businesses.

Michael presents seminars and lectures, including as a featured faculty presenter for the National Business Institute and Law Seminars International, and served as the co-chairman of the Chicago Bar Association’s Real Property Law Subcommittee on Condominium Law. Michael is also a member of several local and national real estate and business associations and is involved in many local civic and charitable endeavors, including as a Board Member of the AMITA Health Foundation. Additionally, Michael holds an Illinois real estate broker’s license and has been involved as a principal in property development, general contracting, marketing, and sales.

• J.D., University of Illinois, College of Law
• B.S., University of Illinois School of Commerce and Business Administration (Magna Cum Laude)

• Chicago Bar Association, past Chair of Real Property Condominium Law Subcommittee
• Illinois Bar Association
• National Business Institute and Law Seminars International, Featured Speaker
• Illinois Real Estate Broker
• AMITA Health Foundation Board Member

• Illinois Bar Association
• United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois