Michael Klemm is an MSBA Board Certified Real Property Law Specialist and head of the Real Estate and Land Use, Zoning & Development practice groups at Hellmuth & Johnson. Michael has more than 25 years of experience as an attorney, having successfully represented clients in hundreds of real estate transactions.
Michael drafts, reviews, and negotiates real estate purchase agreements, leases, easement agreements, and loan documents on behalf of his clients and discusses key provisions and alternatives with them. He drafts association governing documents for residential and commercial developers and assists boards of directors with updating declarations, bylaws and rules and regulations. He coordinates and reviews title work, surveys, environmental assessments, property inspections, and other due diligence matters and provides practical advice regarding significant problems and realistic solutions. He also assists clients with title insurance, real estate closings, and 1031 tax-deferred exchanges.
Michael achieved board certification as a Real Property Law Specialist based on his substantial involvement in the field of real estate law, continuing legal education, adherence to a high standard of professional responsibility and ethical conduct, attorney references, and written examination, and he has maintained certification throughout his career. Fewer than 3% of licensed attorneys in Minnesota are certified as specialists in their field by the Minnesota State Bar Association.
Michael’s background includes more than a decade serving as an assistant city attorney, working closely with city planners, community development directors, and civil engineers regarding commercial, industrial, and residential development projects. He has drafted development contracts, planned unit development agreements, and ordinance amendments; conducted public hearings regarding applications for subdivision, platting, and development approvals as chairman of a planning commission; and conducted public hearings regarding applications for variances and conditional use permits, and heard appeals of administrative decisions, as chairman of a board of adjustment and appeals. Michael applies his knowledge and experience in city hall to help real estate owners and developers navigate land use, zoning and subdivision regulations and obtain governmental approvals and entitlements for their projects.
Michael has received numerous honors and awards, including:
Michael worked as a teaching assistant in college and as a supplemental instructor in law school. He enjoys helping clients understand the complexities of real estate transactions and related risks and strategies so they can make informed business decisions.
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