Michael Donaldson
Shareholder – Carlton Fields

Description of field of expertise

Michael Donaldson practices administrative, land use, and environmental law with a particular focus on assisting and representing owners and developers of affordable housing seeking to obtain available funding, including low-income housing tax credits, State Apartment Incentive Loan program funding, and Multifamily Mortgage Revenue Bond program funding. Michael also represents developers, building contractors, and other licensed professionals with licensure issues before the state, and corresponding local government regulatory agencies, including representing clients in licensure disciplinary proceedings. His practice also includes representing clients in competitive bid protests and other contract procurement matters at both the state and local levels. Michael also represents clients in general litigation matters in circuit court including construction litigation and representing lending institutions in consumer finance litigation.

 

What advice would you offer to new attorneys interested in your field?

The practice of law includes so many distinct practice areas; first, you should select an area of law that you will feel comfortable practicing for the rest of your legal career. Next, you should strive to gain experience in your selected area that will make you marketable in the legal community and an indispensable member of your firm. For me, that included spending the first years of my legal career practicing at two state agencies where I learned the ins and outs of the areas in which I wanted to practice. With that experience, I was able to market myself, and Carlton Fields noticed, and the rest is history. That experience also allowed me to market myself to potential clients and build a growing client base.

 

Final thoughts…

Always keep in mind that the practice of law can be a stressful and time-consuming profession. Longevity in the practice should include a healthy balance that includes family, friends, and faith.