Atty. Michael J. Baum
Michael J. Baum is Co-President of Greenberg Traurig, LLP and Co-Chair of the firm's Global Real Estate Practice.
Real Estate & More Attorney · Serving Chicago, IL · 24+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About Michael J. Baum at a Glance
Michael J. Baum is a Shareholder based in Chicago, Illinois, practicing at Greenberg Traurig, LLP. They have 24+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 2002. Their practice focuses on real estate. Admitted to practice in Illinois (2002). Educated at The University of Texas at Austin (B.B.A. Finance, 1999) and Loyola University Chicago School of Law J.D. cum laude Loyola University Chicago School of Law J.D. 2002 President Loyola University Chicago School of Law J.D. International Law Society (—). Serves clients in Chicago, IL and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Michael J. Baum
- Michael J. Baum is Co-President of Greenberg Traurig, LLP and Co-Chair of the firm's Global Real Estate Practice
- He is well-recognized in the market for his client-focused approach, leveraging cross-functional and multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive legal counsel that maximizes the value of GT’s global real estate platform for clients
- Michael’s international practice includes the formation of real estate opportunity funds (private equity LP and/or GP funds, and debt funds), joint ventures, acquisitions, developments, financings, leasing, and dispositions of data centers, multi-family (single family rental, including build-to-rent programs, student housing, and senior living), industrial, office, retail, and resort properties
- He also represents both financial institutions and borrowers in connection with construction, mezzanine, and general secured real estate financings
- Concentrations •Private Equity •Digital Infrastructure •Real Estate Finance •Asset-Backed Financing •Cross-Border Transactions Recognition & Leadership Awards & Accolades •Listed, Lawdragon, 500 Leading Global Real Estate Lawyers, 2024-2025 •Listed, Thomson Reuters, 'Stand-Out Lawyers,' 2024-2026 •Listed, The Best Lawyers in America, Real Estate Law, 2016-2025 •Listed, Chambers USA Guide, 2019-2025 •'Recognised Practitioner,' 2019 • Listed, Leading Lawyers Network, 2018-2026 •'Emerging Lawyer,' 2015-2017 •Listed, Super Lawyers magazine, Illinois Super Lawyers, 2020-2022 and 2024-2025 •'Rising Star,' 2009-2017 •Listed, Latin Lawyer, 'Latin Lawyer 250 - Practice Recognition: Real Estate & Tourism,' 2020-2026 •Listed, The Legal 500 United States, Real Estate - Real Estate Finance, 2021-2022 •Listed, The Legal 500 United States, Real Estate - Real Estate, 2021-2025 •'Leading Partners,' 2025 •'Leading Lawyer,' 2024 •'Other Key Lawyer,' 2022 •Listed, Crain’s Chicago Business, “Notable Gen X Leaders in Law,” 2022 • Team Member, Chambers & Partners USA Real Estate Law Firm of the Year, 2010, 2013, 2017-2018 and 2022 •Listed, Acritas Stars Independently Rated Lawyers, “Star Lawyers,” 2018-2021 •Team Member, a U.S
- News - Best Lawyers, 'Law Firm of the Year' in Real Estate Law, 2015 •Team Member, a Law360 'Real Estate Practice Group of the Year,' 2011-2013, 2015, 2022, and 2023 •Team Member, The Legal 500 United States, 'Top Tier' Firm in Real Estate, 2013 and 2014
Practice Areas Explained
Michael J. Baum's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Michael J. Baum handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Chicago.
Real Estate Law in Chicago
Real estate attorneys handle home purchases, sales, commercial transactions, title disputes, and landlord-tenant matters.
Michael J. Baum is one of 313,729 real estate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse real estate attorneys in Illinois →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Chicago
Practicing law in Illinois. Legal matters in Illinois are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Chicago are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Illinois state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Illinois brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Illinois courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Chicago Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Chicago-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Illinois attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Chicago or all attorneys in Illinois.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Chicago Choose Michael J. Baum
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Michael J. Baum's practice in the field of real estate.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
Michael J. Baum brings 24+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Focused Real Estate Practice
Concentrating on real estate means Michael J. Baum's knowledge of relevant statutes, case law, and procedural nuances stays current — unlike generalist practices that spread attention across unrelated fields.
Local Presence in Chicago
A Chicago-based practice means Michael J. Baum attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues Michael J. Baum Handles in Chicago
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Michael J. Baum has experience with under Illinois law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Michael J. Baum directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
Search Reference
How People Find Michael J. Baum Online
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Michael J. Baum's Practice Areas & Specializations
Education & Law School Background
Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions
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