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Michael Goodwin's practice encompasses all facets of commercial real estate, with particular emphasis on development, public/private partnerships, debt and equity financing, ground leases, and hospitality.

Michael represents developers in the Washington, D.C. region on all aspects of complex development projects. He has handled many of the catalyst projects spearheading the region's extraordinary growth over the past 30 years. These projects include trophy office properties, full-service hotels, theaters and other cultural venues, multifamily residential, and a Metro station. Creative public/private structures support many of these projects.

Michael also regularly represents universities, private institutions, and governmental authorities in transactions with private developers. The transactions involve reconciling the programmatic objectives of the nonprofit or public entity with the developer's market realities. They span projects as diverse as the District of Columbia's new convention center headquarters hotel and the redeployment of the old convention site for upscale mixed uses.

Michael is heavily involved in hospitality projects nationwide, handling hotel projects for owners and developers. His work includes the development of full-service hotels, as well as acquisitions/sales, debt and equity financing, public incentives, and management and franchise agreements.

Recognition

Washingtonian Magazine
"Top Lawyers" Real Estate (2024)
"Top Lawyers Hall of Fame" (2022)
"Top Lawyers" Real Estate (2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2022)
Best Lawyers
Leisure and Hospitality Law (Washington, D.C.) (2006-2025)
Real Estate Law (Washington, D.C.) (2006-2025)
"Lawyer of the Year" Real Estate Law (Washington, D.C.) (2014, 2018, 2024)
"Lawyer of the Year" Leisure and Hospitality (Washington, D.C.) (2021)
"Lawyer of the Year" Leisure and Hospitality Law (Washington, D.C.) (2017, 2019)
IFLR1000
"Notable Practitioner" Real Estate Finance (USA) (2019-2024)
"Notable Practitioner" Real Estate Acquisitions (USA) (2019-2024)
More

Credentials

Education

  • J.D., Harvard Law School, 1984, with honors
  • A.B., University of Chicago, 1981, with honors

Admissions

  • District of Columbia
  • Virginia

Activities

  • Fellow, American College of Real Estate Lawyers, 2003-Present
  • Board of directors, District of Columbia Chamber of Commerce, 2007-2009
Overview