Michael P. McGee

Principal and Chief Executive Officer

mcgee@millercanfield.com

Detroit
T: +1.313.496.7599
O: +1.313.963.6420
M: +1.313.300.3341
F: +1.313.496.8450

Chicago
T: +1.312.460.4277
O: +1.312.460.4200
F: +1.312.460.4201

Michael P. McGee was elected Chief Executive Officer of the firm in April 2013. In this role, he oversees the firms 17 offices in five countries.

For 28 years, he was integral to Miller Canfield's Public Finance group, with 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 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

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.

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.

Representative Matters

Aerotropolis Legislation and Intergovernmental Agreement
Represented a Michigan County in both formulating legislation and crafting the public-private intergovernmental agreement between two counties, four cities, and three townships to establish an aerotropolis aimed at attracting logistics, transportation and manufacturing firms to transportation hubs and other regional facilities.

Professional Activities

American Bar Association
State Bar of Michigan, Public Corporation Law Section, Board Member
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, 2011 Outstanding Service Award
Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, Regional Ambassador Award
Michigan Super Lawyers, Bonds/Government Finance 2006-present; Top 100 Michigan Super Lawyers 2008-2009
Best Lawyers in America, Public Finance Law 2010-present
DBusiness Magazine, Top Lawyers, Municipal Law and Public Finance 2011

Civic, Cultural + Social Activities

Michigan Saves, Board of Directors, 2011
Citizens Research Council of Michigan, Board of Directors, 2011
Turnaround Management Association, Michigan Chapter, Board of Directors, 2011
Detroit Regional Chamber, Leadership Detroit XIV Graduate
Rotary International Foundation, GSE Member
Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG), Past vice-chairman

Publications

"PACE programs, growth of green building due diligence take spotlight," (Co-authors Mark J. Bennett and Eric M. Jamison), Michigan Lawyers Weekly, April 19, 2010

"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

"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, March 30, 2010

Seminars + Events

News

Alerts

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