Real Estate
Legal Services
Real Estate
Kerr Russell possesses substantive experience across the entire spectrum of real estate law. We assist clients in all types of real estate matters, ranging from transactions to litigation. Our attorneys handle legal matters arising in the context of commercial, industrial, retail, automotive and residential projects.
Clients can rely on Kerr Russell at each stage of the transaction. We prepare applications and documentation necessary for securing financing, perform due diligence investigations, and negotiate transaction documents, including development, construction and leasing agreements. Our real estate transaction team assists in resolving all manner of real estate challenges, including distressed property situations, environmental issues, and title anomalies.
When real estate disputes cannot be resolved by mutual agreement, we draw on the resources of our experienced litigation group in vigorously defending our clients’ interests and attaining their ultimate goals.
We assist our clients with any and all of their real estate needs, including:
- Acquisitions and dispositions
- Retail, commercial and residential leases for both landlords and tenants
- Development of office, industrial, shopping center and research buildings and parks
- Automotive research and development facilities and parts distribution centers
- Hospital, health care and physician facilities
- Construction claims, liens and foreclosures
- Planning and subdivision activities
- Zoning, building and use restrictions and other land use limitations
- Environmental regulations, sanctions and compliance
- Mortgages, liens, easements, rights-of-way and other encumbrances
- Construction and development contracting
- Taxation and special assessments, including tax abatement and revenue bond financing
- Tax increment financing and tax credits
- State economic development grants for infrastructure improvements
- Oil, gas and mineral rights
- Survey, architectural, engineering and other design professional liability
- Condominiums, cooperatives and homeowners associations
- Title and boundary disputes
- Condemnation
- Entity formation
- Historic sites and structures
- Property management issues
- Broker agreements
- Economic Development Incentives
Experience that Delivers Results
Our services are geared toward producing practical, business-oriented solutions for clients. We help clients in Michigan, across the country, and throughout the world.
+Practicing Attorneys & Staff
Attorneys
+Related Insights
March 21, 2023
New Law Clarifies Lenders’ Rights to Collect Rent From Tenants of a Borrower
When a landlord defaults on a mortgage of its rental property, the lending institution will typically seek to collect rent from the borrower’s tenants in order to secure repayment of the loan.
November 9, 2022
Commercial Lease Terminations in Michigan
In the realm of “do’s and don’ts,” when a party to a commercial lease (whether it be the landlord or the tenant) desires to “break” a lease in the State of Michigan, the “don’ts” reign supreme (or at the very least, the “do’s” come with great caution).
July 23, 2020
Working Remotely Drives Industry Changes
Attorney Anna Valk answers questions alongside other area real estate experts in a Q&A for dbusiness Magazine (July-August 2020).
Question: What is a Real Estate Transfer Tax Valuation Affidavit and why should I use it?
August 21, 2019
What's the deal with Short-Term Rentals? Q&A in DBusiness
Real Estate Attorney Ann Valk Answers Questions in DBusiness Magazine (July/August 2019, p.82)
July 9, 2018
Brandy Mathie, Anna Valk contribute to DBusiness Q&A section: "Expert Advice Can Help You Protect Your Property Investment"
In the July/August issue of DBusiness Magazine, Kerr Russell real estate attorneys Brandy Mathie and Anna Valk contribute to the Q&A section: "Expert Advice Can Help You Protect Your Property Investment."
January 26, 2018
Download Kerr Russell's updated firm brochure and overview of services
Kerr Russell is proud of Detroit. We are proud to have had a seat at the table here since 1874. Our exceptional attorneys understand the unique challenges facing business leaders. Our legal solutions are prompt, accurate, economical, and focused around your needs in every area. We know Michigan business like the back of our hands.
January 15, 2018
Honoring the legacy of Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.
On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and every day, we at Kerr Russell honor Reverend King’s leadership and his legacy as well as the critical importance of diversity and opportunity in this great land of ours. Strength comes from difference; a multiplicity of voices brings positive change; understanding and inclusion inspire creativity and innovation.
May 21, 2013
Dan Beyer pens "A Trial Lawyer's Perspective on Presenting the Litigated Real Property Case" for the Real Property Law Section State Bar of Michigan
Dan Beyer contributed "A Trial Lawyer's Perspective on Presenting the Litigated Real Property Case" to the Real Property Law Section State Bar of Michigan' Michigan Real Property Review. Click here to read the piece.
+Related News
November 3, 2022
Kerr Russell Ranked As U.S. News “Best Law Firm” 2023
Kerr Russell is once again ranked as a “Best Law Firm” by U.S. News and Best Lawyers. Firms included on the list are recognized for professional excellence with consistently impressive ratings from clients and peers.
August 22, 2022
Lisa B. Hysni joins Kerr Russell
Lisa B. Hysni has joined Kerr Russell as Member and Chair of the Real Estate practice group.
August 18, 2022
Kerr Russell Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers in America© 2023 and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch
Eighteen Kerr Russell members were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2023. Notably, fourteen of the named attorneys have been listed in The Best Lawyers in America for more than five years.
November 15, 2021
16 Kerr Russell Attorneys Recognized As DBusiness 2022 Top Lawyers
A total of 16 lawyers from Kerr Russell are named DBusiness magazine Top Lawyers for 2022. The attorneys are selected through a peer review process, polling more than 18,000 attorneys across Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, and Livingston Counties.
November 4, 2021
Kerr Russell Ranked As U.S. News “Best Law Firm” 2022
Kerr Russell is once again ranked as a “Best Law Firm” by U.S. News and Best Lawyers®. Firms included on the list are recognized for professional excellence with consistently impressive ratings from clients and peers.
January 4, 2021
Anna Valk and Kathleen Westfall Named Members
Attorneys Anna Valk and Kathleen A. Westfall were named members at Kerr Russell. The two were selected at the end of 2020 for promotions effective January 1, 2021.
November 16, 2020
22 Kerr Russell Attorneys Recognized as DBusiness 2021 Top Lawyers
A total of 22 lawyers from Kerr Russell are named as DBusiness Magazine 2021 Top Lawyers. The attorneys are selected through a peer review process. DBusiness polled more than 18,000 attorneys across Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, and Livingston Counties.
November 9, 2020
Kerr Russell Ranked As U.S. News “Best Law Firm”2021
Kerr Russell is once again ranked as a “Best Law Firm” by U.S. News and Best Lawyers. Firms included on the list are recognized for professional excellence with consistently impressive ratings from clients and peers.
September 18, 2020
Kerr Russell Attorneys Named 2020 Michigan Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
Super Lawyers named 11 Kerr Russell members to the list of 2020 Michigan Super Lawyers and included four Kerr Russell attorneys on the list of 2020 Michigan Rising Stars.
August 20, 2020
Kerr Russell Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers in America© 2021 and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch
Seventeen Kerr Russell members were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2021. Notably, twelve of the named attorneys have been listed in The Best Lawyers in America for more than five years.
July 14, 2020
15 Lawyers From Kerr Russell Recognized as Leading Lawyers 2020
A total of 15 lawyers from Kerr Russell are named to the 2020 list of Leading Lawyers in Michigan. Only those lawyers who are most often recommended qualify for this honor.
March 17, 2020
Coronavirus/COVID-19 Business Continuity: A Message to Our Community, Clients and Friends
Kerr Russell is committed to its community, clients and people. As the world navigates through the impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus), we want to assure you that Kerr Russell is committed to supporting our community, clients and people as effectively as we have through every other crisis our Nation has encountered over our firm’s nearly 150-year history.
Our firm is fully operational: We have made sure that our lawyers and staff are able to safely and effectively serve our clients’ needs and continue operations on an uninterrupted basis. Most of our people
November 15, 2019
19 Kerr Russell Attorneys Recognized as DBusiness Top Lawyers for 2020
A total of 19 lawyers from Kerr Russell are named as dBusiness Magazine 2020 Top Lawyers. The attorneys are selected through a peer review process. dBusiness polled 19,000 attorneys across Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, and Livingston Counties.
November 4, 2019
Kerr Russell Ranked as U.S. News “Best Law Firm”2020
Kerr Russell is once again ranked as a "Best Law Firm" by U.S. News and Best Lawyers. Firms included on the list are recognized for professional excellence with consistently impressive ratings from clients and peers.
September 3, 2019
15 Kerr Russell Attorneys Recognized on the 2019 Michigan Super Lawyers List
A total of 15 lawyers from Kerr Russell are named as Thomson Reuters, 2019 Michigan Super Lawyers. The award is given annually to attorneys who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.
August 15, 2019
15 Lawyers From Kerr Russell Are Recognized In The Best Lawyers In America© 2020
A total of 15 lawyers from Kerr Russell are named to the prestigious 2020 Edition of the Best Lawyers in America©. The award is given annually in recognition of being named as part of the “top legal talent in the U.S.”
August 14, 2019
Kerr Russell Featured as "Faces of Corporate Law 2019" by DBusiness
Kerr Russell is honored to once again serve as DBusiness Magazine's "Faces of Corporate Law." Attorneys pictured: Anna Valk (real estate), John Gatti (corporate/taxation), and Katie Westfall (health care).
April 3, 2019
Two Kerr-Russell Members name Top Women Lawyers By Super Lawyers
Kerr Russell attorneys, Katherine Cser and Anna Valk were recently named Top Women Lawyers 2019 by Super Lawyers. Katherine received honors for Employment & Labor Law and Anna received honors for Real Estate Law. Super Lawyers awards attorneys for excellence in practice through a peer-influenced and third-party validated process.
September 20, 2018
Kerr Russell recognizes our 2018 dbusiness Top Lawyers in Metro Detroit honorees
Kerr Russell recognizes this year’s dbusiness Top Lawyers in Metro Detroit honorees - 21 attorneys, many for multiple practice areas.
September 7, 2018
15 Kerr Russell attorneys recognized as 2018 Super Lawyers
Congratulations to the following attorneys who have been designated "Super Lawyers" by Thomson Reuters:
September 6, 2018
Kerr Russell attorneys, friends attend second annual New Americans Appreciation Gala - September 6 at The Henry
It was a beautiful evening celebrating the remarkable accomplishments of immigrants in America.
Kerr Russell’s Brandy Mathie, Robert Anderson, James Cambridge and Mary Cambridge, Miroslava Orduno Rincon and KeVin Knox, and Roy Sexton attended the 2nd annual New Americans Appreciation Gala on September 6 at The Henry in Dearborn.
August 15, 2018
15 lawyers from Kerr Russell were recognized in The Best Lawyers in America© 2019
A total of 15 lawyers from Kerr Russell have been named to the prestigious 2019 Edition of the Best Lawyers in America©. The award is given annually in recognition of being named as part of the “top legal talent in the U.S.”
May 15, 2018
Kerr Russell supports, attends Matrix Human Services Mission Fundraising Breakfast
Kerr Russell was pleased to support Matrix Human Services today at the Matrix Mission Fundraising Breakfast at the Detroit Athletic Club. A magnificent nonprofit doing incredible work in our community. Thank you, Matrix. #MatrixMission. Attending on behalf of Kerr Russell were Jason Bank, Brandy Mathie, and Roy Sexton.
March 12, 2018
Hour Magazine salutes "Michigan 2017 Super Lawyers: The Top Women," including Kerr Russell's Joanne Swanson, Katherine Cser, Anna Valk
The March 2018 Hour Magazine includes a special advertising section saluting "Michigan 2017 Super Lawyers: The Top Women." Kerr Russell honorees include:
Joanne Geha Swanson, civil litigation defense - since 2006
Katherine Cser, employment and labor - since 2014 - also named to "Rising Stars" list
Anna Valk, real estate - since 2016 (not listed in the magazine, but recognized by "Super Lawyers")
March 9, 2018
Kevin Block featured in Wayne State University Law School "Raising the Bar" newsletter
From Wayne State University Law School's "Raising the Bar" newsletter.
February 22, 2018
PHOTOS: Kevin Block participates in Wayne State Law panel on benefits of joining the State Bar of Michigan Business Law Section
Thanks to Wayne State University Law School for this opportunity, and thank you to Kaylee Place, director of marketing and communications, for these great photos.
February 16, 2018
Dan Beyer, William Blasses obtain favorable judgment (deed in lieu of foreclosure)
Daniel Beyer and William Blasses successfully obtained judgment in favor of one of the Kerr Russell’s clients in the Macomb County Circuit Court. The plaintiff, a defaulting borrower, sought to overturn a deed in lieu of foreclosure in an effort to unwind a transaction and try to recover property it had previously transferred to the lender.
February 15, 2018
Jason Bank, new member of Detroit Athletic Club
Congratulations to Kerr Russell member Jason Bank (bankruptcy, restructuring) on becoming a member of the Detroit Athletic Club. Other Kerr Russell partners who belong to the DAC include Mark Cunningham, Dan Schulte, and Kurt Vilders. Associate Stephen Reaume is also a member.
February 12, 2018
Eric Lark re-elected chair of Northville Township Planning Commission
Congratulations to Kerr Russell member Eric Lark who was recently re-elected chair of the Northville Township Planning Commission. He has served as chair since January 1, 2016. He has been a member of the planning commission since January 1, 2013.
February 9, 2018
Kerr Russell supports "Life is a Cabaret" American Cancer Society Relay for Life event
On February 7, Kerr Russell turned out in force to support Life is a Cabaret: LIVE Musical Fundraiser for Relay For Life of Canton and Plymouth, MI. Director of Marketing Roy Sexton performed a number of songs during the show and served as a co-emcee alongside Christopher Tremblay, Ed.D.. Kerr Russell attendees (pictured) included Angie Lyons-Hincks, Candice Hadley, Brandy Mathie, Ashley Racette, Sue Smith, Cindy Villeneuve, Jan Clarey, Jeffrey May, Kathleen Westfall, Gail Showler, Laura Evans Jones, Karen Schumer, Debra Behrmann, Heather Kalfayan, Kristina Kalfayan, Kelly Hinojosa, Jackie Klima, Susan Willis, and their friends and family.
January 3, 2018
Kerr Russell highlighted in Best Lawyers - Business, Winter 2017 issue
Look for Kerr Russell attorneys and advertising (pages 92-95) in the Best Lawyers - Business, Winter 2017 issue. Earlier in 2017, a number of Kerr Russell's attorneys and practice areas were honored with U.S. News and World Report Best Lawyers recognition.
December 18, 2017
Kerr Russell team makes holiday donations to Capuchin Soup Kitchen, Wigs 4 Kids, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Ann Arbor, and Children's Hospital of Michigan
One of our traditions here at Kerr Russell is to hold a holiday raffle to benefit three local charities as well as to conduct a toy drive for local children. This year's raffle (many of the beautiful and festive prizes picture here) raised a record total of $3,450 which will be divided equally among three organizations: Capuchin Soup Kitchen, Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan, Inc., and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Ann Arbor.
December 12, 2017
Kerr Russell, an Automation Alley member
Automation Alley is Michigan’s leading nonprofit technology and manufacturing business association, connecting industry, academia and government to fuel Southeast Michigan’s economy and accelerate innovation. Automation Alley focuses its efforts on innovation and technology, entrepreneurship, talent development, defense and international business, providing resources, funding and actionable intelligence to help members grow and prosper in the digital age.
November 30, 2017
Merry and bright ... Kerr Russell welcomes the holiday season
It's a time to celebrate, reflect and remember. However you mark the holidays, we hope your days are filled with warmth and thankfulness, good times, and endless cheer. As another year draws to a close, we at Kerr Russell are grateful to you. You give purpose to our work and add meaning to our relationships. Your trust is a cherished gift. Enjoy these images as we get our offices ready to celebrate the holiday season. Design by Mandy Lark of Lark Interior Design.
November 16, 2017
Culture of Connection - new Kerr Russell ad to appear in Michigan Lawyers Weekly and dbusiness
Kerr Russell introduces the second ad in the new "Est. in Detroit 1874" series: "A culture of connection." The piece emphasizes the firm's 143-year presence in Detroit as part of the larger business and legal community. "We are relationship focused. We know our people and our clients are the lifeblood of our firm."
November 3, 2017
Kerr Russell launches new advertising in upcoming issues of dbusiness and Crain's Detroit
With this month's issue of dbusiness, focused on Top Lawyers in Metro Detroit, Kerr Russell launches its new brand advertising with "A Track Record of Results." Working with Identity Public Relations and Marketing, Kerr Russell's marketing team developed the creative to emphasize the firm's longstanding place in Detroit's legal and business history.
November 1, 2017
Kerr Russell ranked in the 2018 U.S. News - Best Lawyers® "Best Law Firms" list nationally in 1 practice area and regionally in 17 practice areas
U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers, for the eighth consecutive year, announce the "Best Law Firms" rankings.
October 17, 2017
Kerr Russell welcomes new associate Andrew Eurich
Andrew Eurich started this week as a new associate at Kerr Russell. His practice focuses on corporate and transactional (M&A) work. Having recently served as in-house corporate counsel for a broadcast communications company, Andrew has had extensive experience in contract drafting, structuring of acquisitions and divestitures, real estate deals, banking transactions, regulatory compliance, and intellectual property.
October 16, 2017
Kerr Russell supports Detroit Athletic Club (October 2017 DAC News)
From the October 2017 DAC News ...
We are proud of Detroit. We are proud to have had a seat at the table here since 1874.
Our exceptional attorneys understand the unique challenges facing business leaders. Our legal solutions are prompt, accurate, economical, and focused around your needs in every area, including business law, labor and employment, immigration, mergers and acquisitions, real estate and construction, healthcare, medical practices, tax, contract negotiation, restructuring, automotive, manufacturing, and commercial litigation.
September 12, 2017
16 Kerr Russell attorneys recognized as 2017 Super Lawyers
Congratulations to the following attorneys who have been designated "Super Lawyers" by Thomson Reuters.
November 7, 2016
Kerr Russell attorneys named 2017 Top Lawyers by dBusiness Magazine
Kerr Russell counts 11 attorneys among this year’s Top Lawyers as recognized by dBusiness magazine. The 2017 Top Lawyers were selected based on a peer review survey of 19,000 attorneys in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, and Livingston counties. Attorneys are asked to nominate lawyers among 48 legal specialties.
November 1, 2016
Kerr Russell Attorneys Named 2016 Super Lawyers
Kerr Russell attorneys have been named SuperLawyers for 2016, two have been named to the Michigan Top 100 and four have been named as Rising Stars.
Experience that Delivers Results
Our services are geared toward producing practical, business-oriented solutions for clients. We help clients in Michigan, across the country, and throughout the world.