This attorney has been selected for the recognitions mentioned herein, which have been conferred by the corresponding publications and/or organizations noted. An overview of the award selection methodologies for these recognitions can be found here. Links to certain specific methodologies are embedded in individual entries. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.

Overview

John Michalski represents clients in matters involving sophisticated commercial real estate transactions, complex land development and redevelopment projects, and appeals of land development approvals.

John has extensive experience advising clients on the land development approval process for various types of complex projects, including those involving office, commercial, multi-family residential, mixed- use, educational, renewable energy, industrial and warehouse facilities, as well as those matters involving general development plans or planned developments. He has assisted clients with several high-profile development projects that have faced significant opposition.

John represents clients on various redevelopment projects governed by the New Jersey Local Redevelopment and Housing Law. John routinely advises clients on designations of Areas in Need of Redevelopment, the preparation and adoption of Redevelopment Plans, and the negotiation and drafting of Redevelopment Agreements and Financial Agreements for the payment in lieu to taxes (PILOT) pursuant to New Jersey’s Long Term Tax Exemption Law and Five Year Exemption and Abatement Law. Prior to joining the firm, he represented municipalities in matters involving constitutional challenges to both Redevelopment and Rehabilitation designations.

John advises clients on the land development appeal process. He has appeared before both the trial court and appellate division on numerous occasions in connection with an objector challenge to a local land use board approval or other municipal zoning action.

John represents clients on complex commercial real estate transactions, particularly transactions involving land development contingencies and land development due diligence. He also represents clients in lease transactions.

Prior Experience

During law school, John worked with several members of the Judiciary in the State of New Jersey. He interned for the Honorable Virginia A. Long, associate justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court; the Honorable Joseph H. Rodriguez, senior judge for the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey in Camden; and the Honorable Eugene D. Serpentelli, assignment judge of Ocean County, Superior Court of New Jersey. After graduating law school, John served as law clerk to the Honorable B. Theodore Bozonelis, assignment judge of Morris and Sussex Counties, Superior Court of New Jersey.

Credentials

Bar Admissions

New Jersey
New York

Court Admissions

U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey

Clerkships

Superior Court of New Jersey, Hon. B. Theodore Bozonelis, 2006-2007

Education

Rutgers School of Law - Camden
J.D. Rutgers Journal of Law & Religion (2006)

University of Scranton
B.A. (2002)

Leadership & Community

Professional Associations

  • New Jersey State Bar Association, Land Use Law Section – Board of Directors
  • NAIOP, Commercial Real Estate Development Association, New Jersey Chapter
  • New Jersey Builders Association

Honors

  • Chambers USA — New Jersey, Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use, 2024
    This award is conferred by Chambers & Partners. A description of the methodology is available here. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.
  • Best Lawyers® — "Ones to Watch," Land Use and Zoning Law, 2021-25; "Ones to Watch," Real Estate Law, 2021-25
    This award is conferred by Best Lawyers. A description of the methodology is available here. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.
  • New Jersey Super Lawyers — Rising Star, 2016-19
    This award is conferred by Thomson Reuters. A description of the selection methodology is available here. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.