Michael C. Kelley serves as a partner at Lawson Huck Gonzalez, PLLC, leading the Orlando office.

Michael possesses extensive expertise in construction and development, focusing his practice on risk management and strategic litigation tactics. He handles transactional and project management aspects of construction and development projects, including acquisition, operation, management, and (when necessary) restructuring, in a variety of real estate and infrastructure markets. Michael helps clients make informed decisions to avoid, defend against, or utilize litigation efficiently, to protect advantageous relationships, and to enhance overall profitability and economic value. His clientele includes both municipal and private entities whom he represents across a wide spectrum of legal and business scenarios.

Before joining Lawson Huck Gonzalez, Michael was a partner in the construction practice group of a prominent AmLaw 200 Florida-only firm. He previously served as Chief Development Officer and in-house counsel for a private equity and development company, where he honed skills from the client-side and was responsible for a commercial asset portfolio that spanned 12 states and over $500MM in market value.

Michael has specific experience in major roadway construction and design projects; hospitality, medical, and seniors housing developments and disputes; managing large development and material supply contracts for a multi-national energy corporation; and as general counsel and in-house legal for various construction related companies. He also gained invaluable experience as a clerk for Michael G. Williamson, a federal bankruptcy judge for the Middle District of Florida. Prior to embarking on his legal career, Michael contributed to various businesses in roles encompassing ownership, sales, project management, construction financing and material supply. Hailing from Orlando, Michael has a deep-rooted connection to the construction industry, having grown up serving in his family’s construction businesses.