Michelle is chair of the firm's Global Club and Branded Residences Group and co-chair of the Hospitality, Tourism, and Leisure Team. Michelle advises her club, community association, hotel operator, and developer clients with projects in the U.S. as well as the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Latin America, and Asia. Michelle uses her global hospitality industry experience to guide her clients through complex substantive issues in the current legal and economic environment, as well as operational, business, and financial issues to be addressed through the life of the project. As a Florida Supreme Court qualified arbitrator, a certified circuit civil mediator, and one of four professionals selected by the American Arbitration Association for the National Golf Industry Panel, Michelle serves as arbitrator or mediator to resolve a wide range of disputes. 

What are some of the traits that you admire the most amongst your peers? 

The ability to find or create a solution to a problem when one is not readily apparent to the others involved.

At this point in your career, what would you say has been your biggest accomplishment? 

Being honored by BoardRoom Magazine as “Club Lawyer of the Year, 2020”

What’s one piece of advice that greatly impacted you and your career trajectory? 

Never give up! Grit, determination, and perseverance will enable you to overcome almost all obstacles.

What inspired you to become an attorney?

My father was a real estate developer where I grew up in Long Island, NY. I learned to appreciate the residential real estate market through him, especially those that included private clubs or related social and recreational amenities, and the importance of good legal representation for the project to succeed.

What are key trends that you are noticing? The industry? 

Branded residences are the fastest growing segment in the hospitality industry. Consumers’ appreciation of the branded residential experience, coupled with the added protections (whether real or perceived) of an exclusive “member only” environment, have significantly increased the demand for this type of product.