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Michelle Gonzalez

Real Estate Attorney
Ward and Smith, P.A.
Email mgonzalez@wardandsmith.com
919.277.9183 Fax 919.277.9177
Post Office Box 33009, Raleigh, NC 27636-3009

With extensive experience as a commercial real estate attorney, Michelle specializes in drafting and negotiating purchase and sale agreements, loan agreements, and leases. She adeptly handles acquisitions, dispositions, and refinance transactions for a diverse range of commercial properties, including office buildings, mixed-use developments, multifamily communities, automotive dealerships, self-storage facilities, and industrial buildings.

Additionally, Michelle directs the due diligence process for commercial real estate transactions, conducting extensive reviews of relevant documents and ground-up developments, including declarations, covenants, easements, surveys, and site plans. This process further includes drafting deeds of trust, promissory notes, and the necessary documentation to complete each closing.

Michelle is committed to providing comprehensive support throughout the transaction process. From initial negotiations to closing, she guides clients through complex legal issues, ensuring a smooth and successful outcome. Michelle is dedicated to providing legal counsel tailored to meet the unique needs of each client.

Education

  • J.D., cum laude, St. Thomas University School of Law, 2014; St. Thomas Law Review, Articles Editor
  • B.A., Florida International University, 2011

Honors and Distinctions*

  • The Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch, Best Lawyers®, 2025

Ones To Watch - Firm Logo

Professional and Community Affiliations

  • Urban Land Institute, Member
  • ULI Triangle, DEI Committee, Member
  • Tenth Judicial District Wake County Bar Association
  • Wake County Real Property Lawyers Association

Admitted to Practice

  • North Carolina, 2018
  • Southern District of Florida, 2015
  • Florida, 2014

* Please see the following websites for an explanation of the membership standards for the following recognitions: www.bestlawyers.com; businessnc.com/special-sections/legal-elite/; and www.superlawyers.com/north-carolina.

An attorney‑client relationship may only be established through direct attorney‑to‑client communication that is confirmed by the execution of an engagement agreement. The content of any unsolicited email sent to Ward and Smith, P.A., or to any of its attorneys at an email address available on this website, will not create an attorney‑client relationship and the contents of such unsolicited email shall not be considered confidential. Therefore, do not use this website or the email addresses available on this website to provide confidential information about yourself or a legal matter to Ward and Smith or any of its attorneys.

  • American Board of Trial Advocates
  • Legal Elite Business North Carolina 2024
  • Super Lawyers 2021
  • Recognized by Best Lawyers 2025
  • U.S. News Best Lawyers 20234
  • 2024 Chambers USA

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