Michelle Gonzalez

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

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

Related News

• 67 Ward and Smith Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers® in America for 2025
• Real Estate Attorney Michelle Gonzalez Joins Ward and Smith

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.