Wolfson Bolton Kochis advises owners, developers, investors, landlords, tenants, and businesses across a wide range of commercial real estate matters throughout Michigan and nationwide. Our Real Estate practice lead, Thomas “Jake” Howlett, provides clear, strategic guidance through every phase of property ownership and development, from acquisition and leasing to zoning, development, and dispute resolution.
Real estate matters often involve complex financial, regulatory, and operational considerations. Our attorneys understand the pace and pressure of commercial real estate deals, including tight deadlines, shifting market conditions, due-diligence challenges, and multi-stakeholder coordination. We help clients anticipate risk, identify opportunity, and execute transactions efficiently while aligning legal strategy with long-term business goals.
Clients rely on our real estate team because we combine industry knowledge with a practical, business-first approach.
We advise clients on commercial and industrial facilities, office buildings, retail centers, mixed-use projects, and land-use matters. Our attorneys collaborate closely with developers, brokers, lenders, construction professionals, and municipalities to keep projects moving forward with clarity and momentum.
Our real estate attorneys work closely with the firm’s litigation, corporate restructuring and bankruptcy, and commercial finance teams.
This multidisciplinary approach allows us to advise clients on financing, distressed assets, construction disputes, and landlord–tenant conflicts with a broader strategic lens.
Commercial real estate transactions require careful planning, clear documentation, and thoughtful risk assessment. We guide clients through every stage of the transaction so they understand their rights, obligations, and exposure before closing.
We assist with:
Our goal is to identify potential obstacles early and structure transactions that support development, investment, and operational objectives.
Leasing arrangements shape long-term operational and financial outcomes for both landlords and tenants. We assist with drafting, reviewing, and negotiating leases across all major commercial property types.
Our experience includes:
We work to ensure lease terms align with our clients’ operational needs, growth plans, and risk tolerance.
Development projects involve multiple phases—from planning and financing to permitting, construction, and completion. Our attorneys guide clients through each stage and help resolve challenges as they arise.
We assist with:
When disputes arise during development, our real estate team works closely with our
commercial litigation attorneys to pursue efficient and strategic resolutions.
When real estate disputes occur, we provide strong representation focused on protecting value while minimizing business disruption.
We handle disputes involving:
Our litigators partner closely with our real estate attorneys to align dispute-resolution strategy with transactional realities and business objectives.
Our real estate clients include:
We advise clients involved in industrial, commercial, retail, residential, and mixed-use development projects.
Due diligence typically includes review of title, survey, environmental issues, zoning compliance, leases, financials, and the physical condition of the property. It is important to negotiate due diligence timelines and scope during the initial purchase agreement negotiations.
Commercial leases allocate long-term financial obligations, maintenance responsibilities, operating costs, and the allocation of risk between landlords and tenants.
Landlords may pursue negotiation, demand compliance, or initiate eviction or damages actions depending on the lease terms and circumstances.
Real estate litigation arises from a wide range of issues, but most disputes fall into a handful of recurring categories—primarily contract disputes, title issues, land use conflicts, landlord/tenant disputes, construction and development disputes and environmental liability.
Sometimes, but zoning risks should be evaluated carefully before closing to avoid costly delays or limitations on use.
Ideally at the earliest planning stage, so potential risks can be identified and addressed proactively. Municipal approvals, special use and other permits may be required and often require counsel’s assistance.
If your organization needs assistance with real estate transactions, development projects, or property-related disputes, our Real Estate team is available to support your objectives.
Contact Thomas “Jake” Howlett, Real Estate practice lead, to discuss how we can help advance your project or protect your investment.
PRACTICE LEAD – Real Estate
Jake advises business clients on real estate matters and complex commercial disputes with a practical, business-minded approach shaped by his experience as both an attorney and former real estate development executive.