Melissa Papke was recently elected to the American College of Real Estate Lawyers (ACREL) Class of 2017. A formal induction ceremony will be held in Los Angeles during the annual meeting in October.
ACREL convenes lawyers distinguished for their skill, experience and high standards of professional and ethical conduct in the practice of real estate law. Fellowship in the College is by invitation only, after considerable peer review and based on a candidate’s accomplishments as a practitioner and commitment to the improvement of real estate law and practice.
Papke has practiced real estate law for more than 15 years and leads Varnum’s Real Estate Practice Team. Her practice is focused on corporate and real estate matters, with an emphasis on commercial sales, acquisitions, leasing and redevelopment, as well as construction law.
She is recognized in real estate law by The Best Lawyers in America® and is also presiding Michigan State Chair, a Regent, and a Fellow of the American College of Mortgage Attorneys. She serves on the Council and as Co-Chair of the Energy Subcommittee of the Real Property Law section of the State Bar of Michigan and is a member and former President of the Grand Rapids Bar Association Real Estate Section. Melissa remains a licensed member of the State Bar of New York, where she began her practice, back in 1998.
ACREL was organized in 1978 to afford lawyers distinguished for their skill, expertise and high standards of professional and ethical conduct in the practice of real estate law an opportunity to gather together and address issues of common interest and importance to real estate practitioners.
The College meets twice a year. Fellows are expected to participate as active members of a committee, speak at an ACREL program and to author materials supporting presentations.
Among its objectives, ACREL aims to:
- promote high standards of professional and ethical responsibility in the practice of real estate law,
- address issues of importance to real estate law by participation in law reform matters and legislative, administrative and judicial initiatives where appropriate, and
- cooperate and consult with national, state and local bar organizations, government agencies and other groups that have an interest in real estate law and practice.