Photo of Steven M. Stankewicz

Steven M. Stankewicz

Of Counsel

Office

T:
+1.269.383.5872
O:
+1.269.381.7030
F:
+1.269.382.0244
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Education

University of Michigan Law School, J.D., 1982

Kalamazoo College, A.B., 1978

Bar Admissions

Steve Stankewicz's practice centers on business and real estate transactions, focusing primarily on the sale, purchase or leasing of property by businesses, universities, hospitals and governmental bodies.

He is also experienced in mergers, acquisitions and other transactions involving the sale or acquisition of businesses, with participation in over 250 transactions ranging in size from $250,000 to $580 million. Steve also has expertise in corporate securities, banking and lending, shareholder disputes, investment advisors, high-tech ventures, and university law.

Representative Matters

University Law

  • Purchase, sale, lease and development of business, commercial and residential properties for universities
  • Release of legislative restrictions on property
  • Public/private partnerships for dormitories
  • Property tax exemptions
  • Foundation and endowment issues

Merger and Acquisition Transactions

  • Acquisition/sale of several automobile parts suppliers
  • Charter school wind-down
  • Acquisition/sale of marinas
  • Acquisition of bank branches
  • Acquisition/sale of a civil engineering firm, veterinary practice, and physician and dental practices
  • Acquisition/sale of retail businesses, restaurant/bars, hair salon and athletic club
  • Acquisition/sale of radio stations
  • Acquisition/sale of paper companies, including out of bankruptcy proceedings
  • Acquisition/sale of tool & die/metal fabricating businesses
  • Acquisition/sale of gas stations
  • Acquisition/sale of funeral homes
  • Acquisition/sale of fruit tree nursery and farms

Real Estate Transactions

  • 1031 Exchanges
  • Buying/selling commercial real estate
  • Buying/selling residential and vacation properties
  • Sale of 60+ multi-state commercial properties in single transaction

Lending Transactions

  • Numerous loan transactions on behalf of banks and borrowers
  • 50+ opinion letters for financing and acquisitions in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio
  • 20+ subordinated debt financings
  • 18+ venture capital financing and startup financings

Shareholder Dispute Representation

  • Appraisal remedy action on behalf of forced out shareholder
  • Arbitration of physician/shareholder separation from large practice group
  • Numerous shareholder disputes and separations

Honors

Best Lawyers in America, Real Estate, 2012-present; 2014 Kalamazoo Real Estate Lawyer of the Year

University of Michigan Law School, Managing Editor, Journal of Law Reform Note: Implied Private Rights of Action under the Securities Act of 1933, Section 17(a), 14 U.Mich. J.L. Ref. 563 (1981)

Professional Activities

American Bar Association, Business Law Section

State Bar of Michigan, 1986-present; Corporation & Business Law Section; Real Property Law Section

State Bar of Indiana, 1982-present

Kalamazoo Bar Association

Civic, Cultural & Social Activities

Former Little League baseball, youth basketball and youth hockey coach

Kalamazoo Hospital Hospitality House, Former Director

Junior Achievement/Kalamazoo & Van Buren Counties, Former Director

Friends of Western Michigan University

Publications

"Introduction to Shareholders' Agreements and Management Control Issues," Coauthor, ICLE Course Handbook, November 1993

"Formation and Operation of a BIDCO," Coauthor, 69:1 Michigan Bar Journal 26, January 1990

"Comparison of Liability and Indemnification of Directors, Officers, and others under Delaware Law, Prior Michigan Law, and the Recently Adopted Amendment to Michigan Law," Coauthor, 9 Journal 102 (Fall 1986) (State Bar Corporation Finance and Business Law Section)

"Charting the Antitrust Minefields," May 1984 (Materials used at hospital law seminar).

Articles