My Why

What powers my practice

I was inspired to become an attorney by my father, who was an attorney, as I saw how the profession provided him the opportunity and skills to help people with their challenges and accomplish their goals.  I also saw how that allowed him and his firm to prosper.   What I enjoy the most about the practice of law is the daily collaboration with colleagues, clients, and community partners towards shared success and not just individual accomplishments, much like being part of a winning team.

Overview

Mike is an experienced transactional attorney who serves as outside general counsel to many real estate investment and corporate clients. He is viewed by his clients as a strategic counselor and advisor. He spearheads the firm’s Corporate Advisory Service, which is specially built for business leaders who seek comprehensive strategic counsel, combining top-tier legal counsel with government relations and corporate affairs advice.

In addition to his daily legal practice, Mike commits significant time to the management and growth of Michael Best. Mike is a member of the firm’s Management Committee, first being named to the leadership committee in 2015. Mike has also served as the Firm Strategic Recruiting Partner since 2018 where he supports the Firm’s strategic growth by identifying and recruiting outstanding attorneys, groups, and firms nationwide to the Michael Best organization. Mike’s efforts have contributed to Michael Best’s tremendous growth in recent years, expanding  from offices in Wisconsin and Chicago to 19 offices across 10 states and over 400 attorneys. In addition to his current roles, Mike has held several other leadership positions in the Firm, including serving as Chair of the firm’s Transactional practice group.

"Michael is very business-savvy and he understands how to get deals done in a way that makes people opposite him feel disarmed."
— Chambers Guide to the USA
"Michael Green is active in advising clients on real estate development projects and transactional matters."
— Chambers Guide to the USA
"He provides great legal advice across many disciplines and provides the leadership, management and resources we need to deliver results across our diverse legal needs."
— Chambers Guide to the USA
"Mike's strategic approach is unmatched."
— Chambers Guide to the USA

Experience

Solutions in action

Mike leads the firm’s Project Development and Finance team and the Public‐Private Partnerships (P3) team, bringing experience and creative thinking to structuring complex, large‐scale, and high‐profile and/or politically sensitive development projects throughout the United States.

Mike's project development, P3, investment and finance experience includes:

Credentials

  • University of Wisconsin Law School, Juris Doctor (J.D.), 1997
  • University of Notre Dame, Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.), 1989

  • Illinois
  • Wisconsin
  • District of Columbia

  • Leading Real Estate Lawyer, Chambers USA, 2024-present
  • The Midwest’s Best Lawyers in America©, Real Estate Law and Corporate Law, 2021
  • Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame, Midwest Real Estate News, 2018
  • Leader in the Law, Wisconsin Law Journal, 2013
  • Executive Register, InBusiness, 2013-present
  • Wisconsin Best Lawyers, published by Best Lawyers and selected by peer recognition, 2012-present
  • Best Lawyers®, Real Estate Law; Corporate Law, 2011-present
  • Best Lawyers in Madison, Madison Magazine, 2004

What clients say about Mike (Chambers USA):

Engagement

  • Member, American Bar Association, Business Law Section, Sports and Entertainment Law Section
  • Member, State Bar of Wisconsin, Business Law Section, Real Property Law Section, Sports and Entertainment Law Section
  • Member, Illinois Bar Association
  • Member, International Council of Shopping Centers
  • Past Member, Chicago Title Insurance Company Advisory committee
  • Yellow Belt Certified, Legal Lean Sigma

  • Board Member and Legal Counsel, Friends of Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center, Inc.
  • Member and Legal Counsel, St. Maria Goretti Parish Finance Council
  • Member, University of Notre Dame Monogram Club
  • Past Board Member, Madison Areas Sports Commission
  • Past Board Member, Wisconsin Sports Development Corporation

Insights

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