Service Areas
Education
- University of Michigan Law School, J.D.
- University of Michigan, M.P.P., A.B.
Bar Admissions
- Illinois
- Michigan
Over the past 25 years, Michael P. McGee has had primary responsibility for general obligation and revenue bond issues amounting to more than $3.5 billion. With two academic degrees in public policy in addition to law, he brings a unique perspective to his broad legal experience in structuring public/private economic development and public improvement projects.
Michael has served as bond counsel and underwriters’ counsel for hundreds of transactions in various areas including economic development, transit and transportation. In addition, he has negotiated complex intergovernmental agreements for a wide variety of clients, including a major economic development project for the Southeast Michigan region and related legislation.
“Complex transactions--often with chaotic facts--involving multiple parties and many levels of government participation require listening carefully, evaluating the concerns of all sides, and suggesting a structure that respects differing views while achieving the common objective.”
Michael P. McGee
Michael is a frequent lecturer to Michigan Municipal League Elected Officials' Academy; Michigan Government Finance Officers Association; Michigan Municipal Treasurers' Association; Michigan Association of Counties; Michigan Association of Township Supervisors; and Michigan Association of County Administrative Officers. Published articles regarding public law issues and ethical issues confronting local public officials.
Experience
In one of his career highlights, Michael acted as bond counsel on the largest municipal bond financing in Michigan history – the $1 billion revenue bond issue for improvements to Detroit Metropolitan Airport.
Professional Activities
- American Bar Association
- State Bar of Michigan, Public Corporation Law Section, Board Member
- Detroit Regional Chamber, Leadership Detroit XIV Graduate
- National Association of Bond Lawyers
- Michigan Municipal League
- Michigan Townships Association
- Michigan Government Finance Officers Association
- Michigan Association of County Administrative Officers
- Michigan Association of County Drain Commissioners
- Public Administration Foundation of Michigan
Honors + Awards
- University of Michigan Law School, Editorial Board, Michigan Law Review, 1980-82
- Michigan Municipal League, Special Award of Merit
- Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, Regional Ambassador Award
- Michigan Super Lawyers, Bonds/Government Finance 2006-present; Top 100 Michigan Super Lawyers 2008-present
- Best Lawyers in America, Public Finance Law 2010-present
Civic, Cultural + Social Activities
- Rotary International Foundation, GSE Member
- Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG), Past vice-chairman
Publications
"Intergovernmental Cooperation—Myths and Realities," Michigan Municipal Review, July/August 2010
"Brave New World: The Changing World of Municipal Finance," Public Corporation Law Quarterly, State Bar of Michigan, Spring 2010, #2
"Commentary: PACE programs, growth of green building due diligence take spotlight," (Co-Author Mark J. Bennett), Michigan Lawyers Weekly, April 19, 2010
"The Lawyer and the Bridge: How a Public Corporation Lawyer Saved the Mackinac Bridge," Public Corporation Law Quarterly, State Bar of Michigan, Summer 2007
"Government Entities Brace for an Accounting Tidal Wave," Hot Points, Fall 2006
"Financing Stormwater Facilities – or - Through the Looking Glass, Again," Michigan Municipal Review, July/August 2003
"Ethics," a chapter within the Michigan Municipal League’s Handbook for Municipal Officials, most recently published in 2003
Speeches
"Understanding Tax Increment Finance: The Legal Basics," 2010 Economic Development Finance Conference, Detroit, Michigan, 3/30/10