Thomas W. Forster

Real Estate and Corporate Attorney

Tom is an accomplished real estate and corporate attorney with extensive experience guiding clients through complex transactional, corporate, and real estate matters. He provides strategic counsel on the acquisition, financing, sale, leasing, and subleasing of commercial properties, as well as the negotiation of joint ventures, asset and stock purchase transactions, and the syndication of membership interests. Tom’s practice encompasses the acquisition, financing, exchange (including 1031 exchanges), preservation, and sale of multifamily, office, industrial, retail shopping center, condominium, and mixed-use developments.

Tom represents a diverse clientele, including publicly traded companies, closely held family businesses, individual investors, builders, developers, lenders, real estate brokers, family offices, and property managers. His clients value his ability to navigate the full spectrum of real estate transactions, and he is recognized for his pragmatic approach, strong negotiation skills, and commitment to achieving successful outcomes.

Chambers USA, a leading legal ranking publication, highlights Tom’s “ability to advise on the full gamut of real estate transaction work,” describing him as “a deal maker and tough negotiator.” One client remarked, “Whatever comes up, I have confidence he can handle it.”

Experience

Represented a client in the acquisition and financing of a seven-property shopping center portfolio spanning four states.

Advised a client on an equity investment in a portfolio of 21 student housing projects valued at over $500 million.

Represented a client in securing a $92 million office building refinance loan involving multiple lender participants.

Counseled a joint venture investor in connection with a $65 million senior housing project.

Managed the sale of an interest in a regional chain restaurant portfolio.

Guided a client through the acquisition, preservation, financing, and tax credit syndication of four projects valued at more than $40 million.

Represented a client in a joint venture involving over 30 properties related to concrete, sand, and gravel operations.

Advised a client on a portfolio of industrial leases with a combined value exceeding $400 million.

Assisted a client in the development of a shopping center with more than 400,000 square feet of leasable area.

Served as an intern to the Honorable Justice Patricia Boyle of the Michigan State Supreme Court.

Honors and Recognitions

Best Lawyers in America^®, Real Estate Law, since 2017

Chambers USA^©: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business as a Leader in the field of Real Estate

Community Alliance Star Award, 2012

DBusiness^© Top Lawyers, Real Estate Law, 2013, 2020, 2021, 2022

Michigan Super Lawyers^® since 2008

Michigan Super Lawyers^® Rising Star, 2008 – 2012

Professional Affiliations

American Bar Association

State Bar of Michigan, Real Property Section

The Florida Bar, Real Property Section

University of Michigan Alumni Association

Community Involvement

Guadalupe Center

Leadership Ann Arbor