Michele J. Thurnblom
PEOPLE

Michele J. Thurnblom

Partner
thurnblom.michele@dorsey.com

Overview

MICHELE HELPS CLIENTS ACCOMPLISH THEIR GOALS BY ASSISTING THEM WITH COMPLEX REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS.

Michele is a partner in the Real Estate and Land Use Group and has advised clients in the acquisition, exchange, development, construction, financing, sale and leasing of commercial real estate for over 19 years.  During that time, Michele has served as the Assistant General Counsel, Real Estate (Americas), for Honeywell International Inc.  In that role, she was responsible for managing all real estate legal needs with respect to Honeywell’s “Americas” portfolio of leased and owned properties, which is comprised of over 500 sites in the U.S., Canada and Latin America.  In addition, Michele provides real estate support for mergers and acquisitions, bond offerings and new market tax credit financings.

Education & Admissions

William Mitchell College of Law (J.D., 1997), summa cum laude
Law Review Member and Editor
CALI Awards for Business Planning and Evidence

University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management (B.S., Business, 1991), Dean's List

Admissions

  • Minnesota

Experience

Representative Transactions

  • Michele continues to advise Honeywell International Inc. as outside counsel in matters of acquisition, disposition and leasing of office, industrial, distribution and warehouse space throughout the country.
  • Michele has supported large redevelopment and disposition activities with respect to projects in Jersey City, NJ ($90M) and Morristown, NJ ($53.5M), including review and negotiation of letters of intent, purchase and sale agreements, redevelopment agreements, association documents, declarations of covenants and easements, as well as platting and subdivision documents.
  • Michele has represented developers in connection with the acquisition, development and financing of various mixed-use projects, including uses for office, residential, hotel, retail, entertainment and transit.
  • Michele has experience creating residential common interest communities for single families, seniors, independent and assisted living uses, and recreation-oriented developments.
  • Michele has represented borrowers and all types of lenders in connection with real estate secured financings for construction and permanent loans and loan work-outs, including HUD, FNMA, FHLMC and MHFA financing arrangements.
  • Michele has acted as local counsel for a national pharmacy chain in property acquisition, disposition and retail development.

Industries & Practices

  • Banking & Financial Institutions
  • Development & Infrastructure
  • Public-Private Partnerships
  • Real Estate & Land Use

Professional & Civic

Professional Achievements

  • Member, Minnesota Bar Association
  • Member, Hennepin County Bar Association

Accolades

  • Listed in Best Lawyers in America©, 2021-2025

     North Star Lawyer

  • MSBA North Star Lawyer, 2020

    Contributed 50+ Pro Bono Hours in 2021 Contributed 50+ Pro Bono Hours in 2020

  • Contributed more than 50 Challenge pro bono hours, 2020-2021
  • Named a "Rising Star" by Minnesota Super Lawyers, 2007-2008
Michele J. Thurnblom