Michael represented a wide range of regional, national and international commercial banks and credit providers in debt finance transactions across an array of specialized industries. His experience included unsecured, personal property secured and real property secured transactions, including loans, leases, syndications, participations and lease financing.
Because every deal is different, Michael thrived under the constant challenge of structuring and closing his client’s most unique and diverse transactions. He completed deals that ranged in size and monetary value, and included smaller loans issued by a single lender and borrower and larger transactions involving syndicated loans made by multiple lenders to borrowers and foreign affiliates.
Michael also brought his transactional knowledge and understanding of finance to representing business clients. He advised on general corporate matters and, in particular, mergers and acquisitions.
Regardless of the scale and complexity of the transaction, Michael remained focused on his client’s bottom line and commercial objectives, and was appreciated for executing the full spectrum of commercial and real property-related transactions smoothly, cost-effectively and timely.
Michael served as the head varsity lacrosse coach for Catholic Central High School and as a certified Michigan High School Athletic Association and collegiate lacrosse official. He is a member of the Michigan Lacrosse Hall of Fame and still plays masters lacrosse.
Professional and Community Involvement
Member, Commercial Finance Association (CFA)
Member, Association of Commercial Finance Attorneys (ACFA)
Member, Turnaround Management Association (TMA)
Member, State Bar of Michigan Business Section and Tax and Real Estate Section
Member, American Bar Association Real Property Law Section, Business Law Section and various committees
Member, Grand Rapids Bar Association and several committees
Board member, Legal Aid of West Michigan
Board chair, American Heart and Stroke Association Western Michigan
Board member, San Juan Diego Academy
Member, The Economic Club of Grand Rapids; former program committee member
Former officer and director, West Michigan Chapter of the Association of Corporate Growth; current member of award committee
Former member, Notre Dame Alumni Board (Michigan)
Member, Michigan Lacrosse Hall of Fame
Honors
The Best Lawyers in America, 2007-2019, 2022-2023
Grand Rapids Magazine Top Lawyers, 2022
Michigan Super Lawyers, 2007-2012
Chambers USA, 2007-2023
IFLR1000 Guide to the World’s Leading Financial Law Firms, 2022