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GENERAL OVERVIEW
Michael Nelson is a
progressive entrepreneur and executive leader with a track record of successful
business and real estate transactions. Nelson has extensive experience in
residential & commercial construction, land development and construction claims
as a licensed attorney, as well as a licensed builder and licensed real estate
broker. Nelson is also a formally trained and state court qualified Mediator.
Mr. Nelson is also a LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) by the U.S. Green
Building Council, which distinguishes him as a building professional with a
demonstrated and thorough understanding of green building practices and
principles. He is among very few attorneys in the United States to earn the LEED
AP credential.
Nelson’s credentials, experience and personable communication skills, uniquely
qualifies him to promote and facilitate resolutions in the construction
industry.
EDUCATION
Michael Nelson earned his Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Business Administration from
Michigan State University. He earned a Masters of Business Administration (MBA)
from the University Of Detroit Graduate School Of Business. He also earned his
Juris Doctor (JD) from the University Of Detroit School Of Law. Mr. Nelson
selected The University Of Detroit for his graduate and post-graduate education
based on certain of the private Jesuit institution’s philosophies on ethics,
academics and professional responsibility.
Nelson completed the Institute of Continuing Legal Education’s General Civil
Mediator training which also qualifies him to be appointed as a Mediator by
Michigan State Courts. He also completed a mediation internship with the Oakland
County Mediation Services through which he successfully mediated several pending
court cases.
Nelson also regularly participates in continuing legal education classes in real
estate and construction topics. He is a presenter for continuing legal education
on the topic of green building.
Nelson’s business acumen coupled with his extensive business and legal education
help to successfully resolve business disputes.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
For over 15 years as a practicing attorney, Nelson has advised corporate clients
on all aspects of commercial and residential real estate and has represented
investors, owners and contractors in land use planning, development and
construction. He has also represented client companies in projects from planning
through occupancy.
In 1999, Michael Nelson founded Legal Counsel, P.C. a Michigan based commercial
law firm. Among other things, Legal Counsel, P.C. works with clients in the
construction industry in negotiating and drafting contract documents as well as
in resolving disputes arising from the construction process. Nelson's practice
also emphasizes early and late stage mediation of business and construction
conflicts, including disputes in green projects.
As a licensed builder and LEED AP, Nelson advises commercial developers and
property owners on the costs and benefits of sustainable building design and
sustainable construction management practices. He advises contractors, owners
and investors on financial matters pertaining to green building. He is also a
frequent speaker on green building topics, including LEED.
As a licensed real estate broker, Nelson has provided real estate planning,
analysis, marketing and development services for contractor clients. He has also
negotiated and facilitated complex real estate agreements for real estate
development opportunities.
Prior to founding Legal Counsel, P.C., Nelson served as General Counsel to one
of the Midwest’s largest privately held industrial & environmental services
company and he represented the company in a sale of the company to a regional
competitor. Prior to serving as General Counsel, Nelson served as In-House
Counsel to one of the largest privately held solid & hazardous waste treatment
and disposal companies in the United States. As In-House Counsel, he advised his
corporate clients on real estate, environmental and regulatory matters,
including compliance, permitting and facility siting. As General Counsel and
In-House Counsel, he managed outside litigation and represented the client
companies in both formal and informal alternative dispute resolutions.
His legal expertise together with the subject matter expertise in real estate &
construction is a key advantage to clients in successfully identifying and
orchestrating resolutions to various construction related conflicts.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Michael is a member of the Michigan Bar Association and of the Alternative
Dispute Resolution Section of the Bar. He is a past member of the Environmental
Law Section. He is active in his community and is a member of the Milford Rotary
Club. He is also active in his local United Methodist Church where he served as
the Chairman of the Board of Trustees through a $3,000,000 renovation, and is
currently Chairman of the Administrative Council. Recently (2007) Nelson also
served on the State of Michigan 21st Century Energy Plan Advisory Committee
which assisted in formulating the state’s energy and renewable energy policies.
