Career
Michael Botnick has more than 40 years of experience in commercial transactions, litigation and construction matters. A certified mediator, he is admitted to the American Arbitration Association National Roster of Arbitrators and Mediators. He is also a Fellow of the Construction Lawyers Society of America, an invitation-only organization. His practice encompasses transactions, real estate, contracts and corporate law, as well as trusts and estates.
For over 30 years, Michael has dedicated a hefty portion of his time practicing construction law for clients in the public and private sectors, an area in which he has been recognized by Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business. Peers praise his pragmatic approach to disputes and his focus on reaching the best solution for clients, whether by a negotiated settlement or litigation. The publication further states that he is "very good at breaking it down, anticipating issues before they happen and coming up with practical solutions that avoid wasting time and money." Michael is also listed in the A.M. Best's Directory of Insurance Professionals.
From 1994-2003, Michael served as Deputy City Attorney for the City of New Orleans. In that capacity, he was responsible for the negotiation, drafting and preparation of all public bid, professional, and personal service contracts for the City. He also assisted all City departments in the drafting of contracts and served in an advisory capacity to these departments. During this time, he chaired the committee responsible for reviewing all contracts, leases, capital projects and professional and personal service contracts for compliance with policy and legal requirements before submission for the Mayor's consideration and signature. From 1993-1994, Michael served as Director of Economic Development for the City of New Orleans. He was the City's Lead Counsel for the 1988 Republican National Convention, the Pope John Paul II visit, the Harrah's Casino project and in various complex and high-profile state and federal litigation matters.
Recognition:
• Ranked in Chambers USA, Construction Law, 2010 to Present | Real Estate, 2024 to Present
• Recognized in the Legal 500 New Orleans Elite Guide - Commercial Disputes
• Listed in The Best Lawyers in America® for Administrative / Regulatory Law, Commercial Litigation, Construction Law, Litigation - Construction, Litigation - Land Use and Zoning, Litigation - Real Estate, and Real Estate Law (listed in publication since 2017)
• Recognized in the Lawdragon 500 Leading Real Estate Lawyers list (Since 2024)
• Appointed as an "Assigned Neutral" pursuant to a Case Management Order ("CMO") executed by the Judges of Civil District Court for the Parish of Orleans
• Charter Fellow, Construction Lawyers Society of America
• Recipient of the New Orleans CityBusiness Leadership in Law Award, 2019
• Diversity Law Institute's "Diversity Award," 2018
• Selected to Louisiana Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers (Thomson Reuters), 2013 to Present
• Named a New Orleans Magazine Top Lawyer - Construction Law
• Rated Martindale-Hubbell® A-V Preeminent™
• Listed in A.M. Best's Directory of Recommended Insurance Attorneys
Professional Memberships
• Member, Trial Law Institute
• Member, Diversity Law Institute
• American Arbitration Association
• American Bar Association
• Federal Bar Association
• Louisiana State Bar Association
• New Orleans Bar Association
• New Orleans Academy of Trial Attorneys
