Morningstar Law Group – Raleigh Law Firm – Durham NC Attorneys

Michael Ovsievsky is a commercial real estate attorney in our Raleigh office who represents owners, developers, investors and end-users in the acquisition, development, disposition and financing of real estate projects, including office, laboratory, industrial, multifamily, hospitality and retail space. He regularly advises clients on complex transactional matters, including the drafting and negotiating of purchase and sale agreements, development agreements, easements and restrictive covenants, and financing documents.

In addition, Michael has significant experience working on behalf of landlords/developers and tenants/end-users in a variety of lease structures, including ground lease and build-to-suit lease arrangements in various settings, including industrial, research and office parks, mixed-use commercial developments, and grocery and big-box anchored shopping centers.

As a business lawyer, Michael represents corporate and operating company clients in a variety of real estate, M&A and commercial matters. He negotiates letters of intent and primary deal documents in asset and stock purchase structures and joint venture arrangements, leads due diligence, and guides transactions through closing.

Michael has been practicing law in North Carolina for nearly two decades. Prior to joining Morningstar Law Group, he was a partner with K&L Gates, where he focused on real estate investment, development and finance.


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Accolades

  • Best Lawyers: Real Estate Law (2021-2024)
  • Business North Carolina Legal Elite: Real Estate (2022)
  • Green Building Certification Institute: LEED Accredited Professional (LEED-AP)
  • Super Lawyers Rising Star (2012-2018)

Representative Experience

  • Represented biotech division of global Fortune 500 firm, as tenant/end-user, in the development and leasing of new ~90,000 SF office, lab and research facility in Research Triangle Park, NC
  • Represented owner/developer in developing, leasing and financing of ~200,000 square foot mixed use (retail, office and medical office) project in Durham, NC
  • Represents multifamily developer in acquisition, entitlements, financing and development of various apartment projects throughout North Carolina
  • Represented academic medical center in parcel sale, development agreement and long term build-to-suit lease arrangement (including expansion options, purchase options and rights of first refusal) with private developer for ~80,000 square foot wellness center.
  • Negotiated and closed joint venture between land owner and developer in connection with acquisition of raw land, build-to-suit lease for national pharmaceutical company headquarters, and related construction and permanent financing.
  • Represents national home builder in all aspects of acquisition, entitlements, and development of single family and townhome development projects throughout North Carolina.

Presentations & Publications

  • “Design, Management and Construction Agreements – Managing Key Terms.” Morningstar Law Group CLE (2017)
  • “Real Estate and Environmental Considerations in M&A” (co-presenter). North Carolina Bar Association – Business Law Section Annual Meeting (2016)
  • “Moving or Expanding? Concepts and Considerations in Corporate Facilities Development in North Carolina.” Morningstar Law Group CLE (2016)

Education

  • Seton Hall University School of Law, J.D. (2002)
  • Rutgers University, B.A., Political Science; Economics (1999)

Admissions

  • North Carolina (2008)
  • New Jersey (2002)
  • New York (2002)

Professional

  • University of North Carolina – Kenan Flagler Business School, Leonard W. Wood Center for Real Estate Studies: Adjunct Professor of the Practice, Real Estate Law (2014-Present)
  • Urban Land Institute: Triangle District Council Member
  • Cary Chamber of Commerce: Leadership Cary Graduate (2011)
  • United Way of the Greater Triangle: Young Leaders Society Member and Steering Committee Member (2011-2013)