Michael Kessler

Practice Areas

An experienced and versatile securities lawyer, Michael regularly advises companies, underwriters, private equity sponsors, and fund managers on a range of capital-raising initiatives and mergers and acquisitions transactions. He focuses his practice on the real estate, specialty finance, REIT, banking, private equity, and technology sectors, particularly novel financing structures. He is recognized for his innovative expansion of the REIT sector into new asset classes. He has helped develop new fund structures, including migrating fund vehicles into public company and permanent capital formats.

Michael routinely advises special committees dealing with conflicting interest strategic transactions. He acts for clients on public and private M&A transactions and on a range of equity and debt capital markets projects, including IPOs, SEC-registered and cross-border Rule 144A/Regulation S offerings, convertible, high-yield, and investment-grade bonds, and liability management. Mike has a deep understanding of finance, restructuring, and private credit matters.

His thorough knowledge of regulatory compliance and reporting requirements helps clients navigate complex legal and tax issues. He also serves as outside counsel on corporate governance matters, including executive compensation, shareholder activism, board fiduciary duties, risk management, and corporate social responsibility.

Professional Memberships

Oliver Scholars, which prepares high-achieving African American and Latino students from underserved NYC communities for success at top independent high schools and prestigious colleges, board of directors, Nominating and Governance Committee, chairman; Children’s Arts Guild, which offers arts education to underserved children, board of directors.

Education