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Honigman LLP

Real Estate

USA Guide 2026 : Michigan

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Honigman LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Honigman LLP

Honigman is a leading law firm serving local and national real estate clients with respect to real estate transactions throughout the U.S. and internationally. Ranked Band 1 in Michigan by Chambers USA since 2003, our real estate practice is known for our value, sophistication, responsiveness, and unparalleled advice, as well as our legal and business acumen and industry relationships. Since 1948, we have been at the forefront of real estate handling high-profile transactions and helping to shape and develop all sectors and asset classes. We have helped to transform skylines, communities, and economies locally and nationally.

Our Real Estate attorneys handle the full spectrum of real estate matters. We negotiate development agreements and approvals, construction documents, financing arrangements, purchase and sale agreements, and leases for hundreds of millions of square feet of commercial real estate. Our experience includes development, acquisition, disposition, financing, and leasing of some of the country’s most vibrant downtown projects, most luxurious shopping centers, and most successful hotels and mixed-use projects. Additionally, we represent numerous clients in connection with office, industrial, manufactured and multifamily home, and self-storage projects across the U.S.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Real Estate - Michigan

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Honigman has a stellar regional real estate practice, known for the depth of its expertise across the full spectrum of real estate matters, including complex development financings for commercial and residential properties. The firm acts for clients in the environmental, hospitality, retail and affordable housing sectors, among others, and is adept at representing property owners. Its team includes highly experienced attorneys in property-related environmental issues and REITs. The group's expertise is spread across its offices in Detroit, Ann Arbor, Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, Bloomfield Hills and Lansing.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Honigman advised Forbes Frankel Troy Ventures on the redevelopment of the former Kmart World Headquarters site in Troy, Michigan; a 40-acre property that had remained vacant since 2006.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Honigman is one of the strongest law firms in Michigan. It has a wealth of knowledge and resources.

    Real Estate respondentUSA

  • Honigman demonstrates high moral standards, fair billing practices, experience and knowledge unlike many others in the industry. You also get direct interaction with partners on deals.

    Real Estate respondentUSA

  • Given its near-ubiquitous presence on large and sophisticated matters in and around Michigan, Honigman has a keen commercial awareness.

    Real Estate respondentUSA

  • Our counsel was very quick to communicate concerns, options and suggestions to navigate a very nebulous process.

    Real Estate respondentUSA

  • Honigman sets itself apart with the number of specialists on each subject matter that it can bring to the table. For every situation that we come across, it seems to have someone that is an expert.

    Real Estate respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Lowell D Salesin
    Lowell D Salesin

    Lowell D Salesin

    Lowell Salesin, the practice co-head, is commended for his depth of experience, which includes representing REITs and major developers in a broad spectrum of acquisitions and financings.

    • Lowell is a machine.

      Real Estate respondentUSA
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  • J. Adam Rothstein
    J. Adam Rothstein

    J. Adam Rothstein

    Adam Rothstein regularly advises retail and hospitality clients on the real estate aspects of their business. He is also well versed in assisting REITs with various acquisitions and financings. He co-chairs the real estate department at Honigman.

    • I view Adam as a member of my team. I trust him explicitly.

      Real Estate respondentUSA

    • It's a true pleasure working with Adam. There are not many out there like him.

      Real Estate respondentUSA

    • Adam is a very smart lawyer and very business savvy. He is very good at generally advising on all areas in the real estate sector.

      Real Estate respondentUSA
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  • David Jacob
    David Jacob

    David Jacob

    David Jacob is a notable transactional real estate lawyer whose extensive experience spans acquisitions, redevelopments, leasing and joint ventures.

    • David is a very strong practitioner. I found him to be very capable and good to deal with.

      Real Estate respondentUSA

    • David Jacob is a great person. He has extraordinary experience and is very capable.

      Real Estate respondentUSA

    • David has wide and deep experience with real estate matters and has the calm demeanor needed to successfully work with any type of opposing counsel.

      Real Estate respondentUSA

    • David is a great real estate lawyer.

      Real Estate respondentUSA
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  • Karen R. Pifer
    Karen R. Pifer

    Karen R. Pifer

    Karen Pifer has a national practice and is a trusted adviser to clients in various types of real estate transactions. Her experience includes the acquisition, development, financing and leasing of shopping centers, hotels and industrial buildings, among other real estate projects.
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Ranked Individuals at Honigman LLP (4)

Michigan

Members

Provided by Honigman LLP

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