Ward and Smith is proud to announce that real estate attorney Michelle Gonzalez has been selected to join the Cary Chamber of Commerce’s 2024-2025 Leadership Cary program.
Leadership Cary is a highly respected, seven-month program designed to foster emerging leaders by offering a behind-the-scenes look at the institutions, industries, and people that shape the Town of Cary. From economic development and entrepreneurship to local government, public health, and nonprofit engagement, participants gain a deeper understanding of how the community works—and how they can help lead it forward.
The program kicks off on November 19, 2024, and runs through May 28, 2025. In addition to learning from subject matter experts and community leaders, participants will strengthen their leadership skills and build long-lasting relationships across a wide range of industries.
Michelle, who practices in the firm’s Raleigh office, brings extensive experience as a commercial real estate attorney. She specializes in drafting and negotiating purchase and sale agreements, loan documents, and leases, and adeptly handles acquisitions, dispositions, and refinance transactions for a diverse range of properties, including office buildings, mixed-use developments, multifamily communities, automotive dealerships, self-storage facilities, and industrial buildings.
She also leads the due diligence process for commercial real estate transactions, conducting detailed reviews of title documents, covenants, easements, surveys, and site plans. From initial negotiations to closing, Michelle provides end-to-end legal support tailored to each client’s unique goals. Her thorough, client-focused approach ensures that transactions proceed smoothly and successfully.
Michelle joins a strong group of professionals selected for this year’s cohort—each bringing a unique perspective and a shared interest in shaping Cary’s future.
