Michael is a partner in the Real Estate Group. He assists major universities, health care providers, and other institutional clients in acquiring and disposing of real estate assets and structuring development transactions. His practice takes a holistic approach to real estate deals, focusing on the intended end use of assets and clearing a transactional path to navigate private use restrictions, regulatory requirements, environmental issues, and other potential obstacles. Michael has aided clients in portfolio acquisitions, dispositions, and leasing projects; real estate financing; land use and zoning; tax increment financing; and non-profit real estate tax matters. He also represents clients in connection with non-traditional investment assets such as sporting arenas, sports leagues, shopping centers, and neighborhood hospitals. Michael chairs the Diversity Committee of Reed Smith’s Pittsburgh office, is an active member of the Reed Smith Recruiting Committee, and is a founding member of PRISM, the firm’s nationwide LGBTQ+ business inclusion group.
Experience
Representative matters
Representative matters
Assisted a university in connection with its acquisition of a brownfield site for development of a $120 million+ life science innovation project that includes a bio-manufacturing facility. In addition to navigating environmental and other regulatory issues related to the acquisition, Michael and his team negotiated a development agreement between the university and a national developer, a space lease with a for-profit bio-manufacturing company, and obtained land use entitlements.
Assisted a landowner consisting of non-profit entities in connection with a land conveyance to a university for the purpose of constructing a robotics innovation center. Michael and his team helped to structure the overall transaction and negotiate the terms of a pad-ready conveyance. The transaction included development protections to assure completion of the project.
Represented a university in its development of a $200 million+ wet lab, vivarium, and life science research facilities, including structuring the relationship between the client and a nationally recognized developer of research projects. Michael and his team assisted in the land acquisition, created a condominium regime for tax and leasing purposes, drafted and negotiated multiple ground leases and a space lease for the university's end-use of the facility, entered into multiple development agreements, negotiated construction contracts, structured parking related agreements that aligned with entitlements granted for use of the property, and addressed cross-jurisdictional permitting issues.
Assisted a university in connection with its acquisition of a brownfield site for development of a $120 million+ life science innovation project that includes a bio-manufacturing facility. In addition to navigating environmental and other regulatory issues related to the acquisition, Michael and his team negotiated a development agreement between the university and a national developer, a space lease with a for-profit bio-manufacturing company, and obtained land use entitlements.
Assisted a landowner consisting of non-profit entities in connection with a land conveyance to a university for the purpose of constructing a robotics innovation center. Michael and his team helped to structure the overall transaction and negotiate the terms of a pad-ready conveyance. The transaction included development protections to assure completion of the project.
Represented a university in its development of a $200 million+ wet lab, vivarium, and life science research facilities, including structuring the relationship between the client and a nationally recognized developer of research projects. Michael and his team assisted in the land acquisition, created a condominium regime for tax and leasing purposes, drafted and negotiated multiple ground leases and a space lease for the university's end-use of the facility, entered into multiple development agreements, negotiated construction contracts, structured parking related agreements that aligned with entitlements granted for use of the property, and addressed cross-jurisdictional permitting issues.
Assisted a health care client in the development of a new 160 bed hospital and medical office facility. The project included obtaining entitlements for hospital and helicopter use, the establishment of a condominium to facilitate tax-exempt bond financing of the hospital portions of the project, and addressing Department of Health jurisdictional issues.
Represented multiple institutional clients in obtaining City of Pittsburgh Council approval for Institutional Master Plans, paving the way for future entitled development of hospital and university related facilities.
Represented both institutional and developer clients in connection with student housing projects including a mix of portfolio multi-unit residential acquisitions and ground up development projects.
Represented a developer in connection with the development of neighborhood hospitals. The matter included negotiating the acquisition of land rights and obtaining necessary entitlements, including numerous zoning text and map amendments.
Represented multiple non-profit clients in connection with real property tax exemptions and appeals.
Assisted a real estate investment company in connection with its acquisition of hockey rink assets and junior hockey programs. The matter involved a series of real estate financed acquisitions across four states from multiple sellers. In addition, Michael and his team assisted in the negotiation of league placement rights, tournament related agreements, and sponsorship revenue sharing arrangements.
Assisted a publically traded REIT in a merger involving $4 billion in real estate assets.
Acted as lead real estate counsel for an energy company in land acquisitions and financing for multiple pipelines, electric lines and energy generation facilities. Transactions included negotiating deal terms, clearing title issues, assisting with entitlements and permitting, and loan document review and negotiation.
Obtained land development and master plan approvals for mixed-use, sustainable development in Pittsburgh’s Lower Hill District (the site of the former Civic Arena).
Obtained entitlements for urban multi-unit residential development in one of Pittsburgh’s most vibrant neighborhoods.
Obtained entitlements for one of western Pennsylvania’s largest multi-family developments in over a decade.
Obtained zoning relief and approvals for office building conversion to residential use.
Represented a National Hockey League team in real estate related matters including leasing, land use entitlements, and community benefits agreements.
Drafted and secured approval for new zoning text and map amendments for clients in both the City of Pittsburgh and in MPC governed municipalities. Amendments included changes to permitted uses, signage rights and establishing client friendly development standards.
Represented a national advertising agency in master ground leasing transactions for more than two dozen electronic billboards and in a matter involving leasing rights in a major metropolitan transit hub.
Negotiated various office leases for corporate tenants, including for a North American Soccer League club.
Obtained tax increment financing Plan approvals on behalf of a public authority, including approvals for The Gardens at Market Square TIF.
Represented developers in tax increment financing transactions involving retail and mixed use developments.
Represented a National Baseball League team in connection with real estate components of a credit facility.
Obtained an economic incentive package from the Commonwealth of Kentucky for a major manufacturing client.
Represented a manufacturing client in connection with an acquisition of a plastics manufacturing facility.
Drafted historic preservation covenants on behalf of a history center in connection with a historic grant award.
Advised a public interest group in matters involving riverfront development and establishing development standards.
Advised national lender in connection with foreclosure involving land use and title issues, including a matter involving a set of controversial use restrictions.
Advised national lender in connection with foreclosure involving land use and title issues, including a matter involving riverfront development along navigable waterways.
Represented a tech start up in acquisition of office space.
Recognitions
- Selected through peer review for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© for Real Estate Law, 2024-2025
Credentials
Education
Education
- Duquesne University School of Law, 2006, J.D., with honors; CALI Award for academic excellence in State Constitutional Law (2005); Paul J. Gitnik Award for academic achievement (2004-2005)
- Liberty University, 2000, B.S., Government, minor in French and English, magna cum laude; Dean’s List; Academic Honors Scholarship (full tuition)
Professional admissions & qualifications
Professional admissions & qualifications
- Pennsylvania
- New Hampshire
Court admissions
Court admissions
- State Supreme Court - Pennsylvania
- State Supreme Court - New Hampshire
- U.S. District Court - District of New Hampshire
Professional affiliations
Professional affiliations
- Pennsylvania Bar Association
- Dauphin County Bar Association
- New Hampshire Bar Association
Civic and Charitable Affiliations
- Leadership Council on Legal Diversity – Volunteer Mentor (2013-2014)
- Senator John H. Heinz History Center – History Uncorked Committee (2011-2013)
- Riverlife – Party at the Pier Host Committee (2012-2014)
- Pittsburgh Urban Leadership Service Experience – Pulsations Host Committee (2009-2014)
- Pittsburgh City Theatre – Gala Host Committee (2013)
Interests
Michael lives in Regent Square with his partner of nine years and enjoys mountain biking, skiing, and hiking.