Michael P. "Mike" Kuppersmith, Real Estate Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Chicago, IL
Trusted real estate attorney serving Chicago.
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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Quick answer
Michael P. "Mike" Kuppersmith is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on Real Estate.
- Based in
- Chicago, ILLINOIS
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Real Estate
- Handles Real Estate matters from Chicago, ILLINOIS.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law (2026).
About Michael P. "Mike" Kuppersmith: Michael P. "Mike" Kuppersmith is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on Real Estate.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Michael takes on
Michael concentrates on real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Real Estate cases in Chicago, Illinois
Michael takes real estate matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Michael P. "Mike" Kuppersmith — real estate lawyer in Chicago
Michael P. "Mike" Kuppersmith is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on Real Estate.
Michael P. Kuppersmith is a partner in Holland & Knight's Chicago office. He concentrates his practice in the area of commercial real estate law, with an emphasis on the leasing, acquisition, development and disposition of office, retail, residential and industrial properties, corporate facilities work, real estate financings, including construction, bridge and permanent financings, securitized financings and multiproperty secured revolving credit facilities, workouts involving distressed real estate assets, and the development and redevelopment of commercial properties. Mr. Kuppersmith has represented publicly traded real estate investment trusts, commercial and residential developers, office, retail, and industrial landlords and tenants, financial institutions and institutional investors on their real estate transactions around the country. He also has significant experience representing multinational corporations on their corporate facilities needs and in sports facilities work. Mr. Kuppersmith has extensive experience in all aspects of commercial real estate transactions in California. Representative transactions that Mr. Kuppersmith has acted as lead counsel on include:
- Representing the tenant on an 880,000 square foot build to suit transaction for a distribution center in New Jersey and a 600,000 square foot distribution center in Lebanon, Indiana.
- Representing a retail real estate investment trust on refinancings of major retail projects, generating loan proceeds in excess of $1,500,000,000 in 2008 and $2,000,000,000 in 2007.
- Representing the developer of a 300 acre mixed-used redevelopment project in San Francisco, California in connection with a series of land transfers between the developer, the City of San Francisco, Port of San Francisco and the State of California.
- Representing a multinational corporation and its subsidiaries on multiple office facilities leases involving more than 3,000,000 square feet of office space in locations throughout the United States, including Arizona, California, New York, Indiana, Minnesota, Massachusetts, Virginia, Washington, D.C. and New Jersey and on sale/leaseback transactions.
- Negotiation of multiple anchor tenant leases with national retailers on behalf of a publicly traded retail real estate investment trust.
- Representing a publicly traded real estate investment trust on the acquisition, development, financing and refinancing of a 2,000,000 square foot retail center in Ontario, California.
- Representing a publicly traded real estate investment trust on the construction financing for a 1,200,000 square foot retail development project in Madrid, Spain.
- Representing a publicly traded real estate investment trust in connection with the $280,000,000 acquisition and financing of a 2,000,000 square foot retail project in Milpitas, California.
- Representing the developer in connection with a 150,000 square foot anchor office lease for an office building in Evanston, Illinois.
- Representing a financial index company in connection with its New York headquarters lease at Rockefeller Center.
- Representing the owner/ground lessee in connection with the restructuring of a long term ground lease covering 20 acres on Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, California, the development and financing of two new office buildings on the property and the lease-up of the project to three investment banks and Stanford University.
Mr. Kuppersmith has lectured on commercial leasing for Continuing Education of the Bar in California.
How Michael handles real estate matters
Michael P. Kuppersmith is a partner in Holland & Knight's Chicago office. He concentrates his practice in the area of commercial real estate law, with an emphasis on the leasing, acquisition, development and disposition of office, retail, residential and industrial properties, corporate facilities work, real estate financings, including construction, bridge and permanent financings, securitized…
Who Michael represents
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for real estate matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
The University of Texas
J.D. · 1987
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
Illinois, Illinois S
ACTIVE
California, The Stat
ACTIVE
Michael studied at J.D. in The University of Texas.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. in The University of Texas. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Michael has received 5 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Phi Beta Kappa
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Order of the Coif
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Phi Beta Kappa (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Order of the Coif (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated (2026).
Locations
Michael P. "Mike" Kuppersmith's office in Chicago
Michael's primary office is at 70 West Madison Street, Suite 5200, Chicago, Illinois, 60602-4378. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Michael P. "Mike" Kuppersmith
Michael has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Michael P. "Mike" Kuppersmith — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new real estate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a real estate attorney in Chicago, Illinois
A short list to run through before you commit: How many real estate matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Michael
Michael discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in real estate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every real estate matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Michael's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many real estate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Michael P. "Mike" Kuppersmith
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a real estate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michael offer a free consultation?
Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some real estate attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do real estate cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple real estate matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Chicago?
Michael is licensed in Illinois. Matters governed by Illinois law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Michael will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Michael?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michael accepting new real estate clients right now?
Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Real Estate attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois
Michael handles real estate matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified real estate attorneys in that community.
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