Michael C. Kelley is a partner in the Orlando office of Shutts & Bowen LLP, where he is a member of the Construction Litigation Practice Group.
Michael’s practice focuses on construction, commercial and real property litigation, as well as transactional matters involving construction projects and the acquisition, development, financing, operation, and disposition of real estate. He counsels businesses that develop, own, build, occupy and invest in real estate or construction projects, helping them to make better, more profitable decisions and preserve longstanding relationships and economic value. Michael helps his clients anticipate, prepare for and defend against litigation proactively, or when a dispute must be resolved, utilize litigation efficiently and effectively. He represents clients in the construction and real estate industries, including corporations, builders, developers, designers and high-end investors in a broad range of litigation and transactional matters.
Prior to joining Shutts, Michael was the Chief Development Officer and in-house counsel for a private equity and development company. His legal experience includes complex business litigation, real estate and corporate transactional work, repositioning and restructuring construction and development projects, contracts management for a global energy company and in-house support for a construction supply company. He previously served as a clerk for a federal bankruptcy judge for the Middle District of Florida, Michael G. Williamson. Before entering the practice of law, Michael served in ownership, economic feasibility, sales, management, finance and support roles for various construction and development businesses. Michael grew up in Orlando, working in his family's construction business.
Credentials
Education
- University of Florida Levin College of Law, J.D., cum laude, 2012
- Phi Delta Phi, Member
- Gators for Alternative Dispute Resolution, President (2010—2012)
- Federalist Society - University of Florida Chapter, President (2010—2012)
- Rollins College, B.A., Economics, magna cum laude, 1998
Bar Admissions
- Florida
Court Admissions
- U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida
Professional and Civic
- The Collaborative Orlando, Advisory Board Member (2016–present)
- Orlando Society Room, Founder (2017-present)
- Construction & Legal Vocational Guild, Facilitator (2019–present)
- Orange County Bar Association
- Construction Law Committee
- Chair (2022-2023)
- Judicial Relations Committee
- Co-Chair (2021-2023)
- Board Member (2016-2019, 2021-present)
- Construction Law Committee
- The Christ School, Trustee (2016–2020)
- Orlando Traveling Memorial, Advisory Board Member (2016–present)
- Gotham Fellowship, Class of 2016
- Federalist Society Orlando Lawyers Chapter, Vice President (2015-present)
- First Presbyterian Church of Orlando
- Member (2014-present)
- Elder (2021-present)
- Rockledge Rotary, Secretary (2013)
- Conflict Resolution Initiative (CRI), Co-founder (2010-2012)
- National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, Orlando Director (2006—2007)
- Legacy of Hope International, Financial Consultant (2005—2007)
- Habitat for Humanity and American Cancer Society, Volunteer
News & Insights
Presentations
- “Florida Construction Lien Law Essentials: The Good, Bad and Ugly,” Lorman Education Services (coming September 16, 2016).
- "Control risk with contract provisions and construction bonds," Lorman Education Services (coming August 30, 2016).
In The News
- "FLYING HIGH: Orlando attorney unveils a few things to know when using drones in construction," The Orlando Business Journal (April 10, 2020)
Multimedia
- "How Coronavirus (COVID-19) is Impacting Construction & Real Estate Development," YouTube (March 17, 2020)
- "Government Action, Job Site Preparation, Insurance Protection - Coronavirus Update (COVID-19)," YouTube (March 30, 2020)
- "How to Properly Handle Construction Stop Work Orders," YouTube (April 24, 2020)
- "Coronavirus (COVID-19) Construction and Business Legal Update," YouTube (April 25, 2020)
- "Abandonment of Construction Project Sites - How to Avoid the Most Common Mistakes," YouTube (May 28, 2020)
- "How to Identify Financial Distress and What to Do Next," YouTube (June 11, 2020)
Publications
- Co-author, "Avoid Becoming an Unwary Creditor in your Business Partner’s Bankruptcy Proceeding," Client Alert (May 22, 2020)
- "CONSTRUCTION MEMORANDUM: The CARES Act and Construction-Related Updates," Shutts & Bowen COVID-19 Solutions (March 31, 2020)
News & Speaking Engagements
Blog Posts
Practice Areas
Industry Focus
Accolades
- Best Lawyers in America®, Ones to Watch
- Real Estate Law, 2023, 2024
- Commercial Litigation, 2022, 2023, 2024
- Construction Law, 2022, 2023, 2024