Mr. Syme's practice covers a wide range of business and commercial real estate transactions, focusing on affordable housing and commercial finance matters.  He represents housing authorities, municipal government entities and developers in the financing development and revitalization of low income communities.  Mr. Syme also serves as Cohen & Grigsby's Vice President of Finance and Treasurer, and he is listed in The Best Lawyers in America for business.

Michael focuses his practice in:

• Affordable Housing
• Corporate Transactions
• Commercial Finance
• Commercial Real Estate 

Education

• J.D., Boston University School of Law (Paul J. Liacos Scholar), 1986
• B.S., Pennsylvania State University (cum laude, Accounting Honors Program), 1983
• Admitted to practice in Pennsylvania, 1986

Representative Matters

• Negotiated and closed numerous HOPE VI/mixed financing developments.
• Served as general counsel to a large public housing authority
• Negotiated Moving-to-Work Demonstration Program with HUD
• Assist Housing Authority in creation of affiliated entities
• Negotiated documents necessary to acquire real estate and develop strip shopping centers.

Memberships

• Member, Pennsylvania and Allegheny County Bar Associations
• Member, American Bar Association – Business, Banking and Corporate Sections
• Co-chair, American Bar Association's Pennsylvania Forum on Affordable Housing
• Member, National Organization of Housing & Redevelopment Organization
• Past president, Family Services of Western Pennsylvania

Seminars & Speeches

• Speaker at HUD sponsored seminars regarding the use of Affiliates and the Capital Fund Financing Program
• Speaker at Annual Conference on Affordable Housing and Community Development Law presented by the American Bar Association Forum on Affordable Housing
• Speaker at the Florida Association of Housing and Redevelopment Organization Annual Conference regarding Mixed Finance Revitalization