Michael J. Maher

Law School
Syracuse University College of Law

Major Cases
One memorable transaction was the sale of one of the nation's largest residential real estate brokerages to Warren Buffet's organization in 2002. Helping those same principals team up a few years ago with another local broker to build a new brokerage company under a different banner has also been rewarding. I am fortunate to have worked on some of the most significant and challenging apartment purchases, sales and financing arrangements in San Diego over the past several years. But -- each client's transaction is major to that client, and I appreciate that they rely on our firm to represent them.

Professional Background
After graduating from law school, I clerked in federal court in my hometown of Cleveland. After apprenticing in the real estate practice of a mid-size Cleveland firm, we relocated to San Diego in 1986. Following a short stint with a small litigation practice, I answered a classified in The Daily Transcript for a position with McDonald, Hecht & Solberg. I have been with the firm since February 1988, grateful to have been mentored by the best. I am very fortunate to be sharing the journey of practicing law with my partners and our terrific associates, staff and administration.

Professional Affiliations
Currently, my most rewarding professional affiliation is an informal group of managing partners from relatively smaller firms in San Diego. We meet a few times a year to exchange ideas and experiences about firm management practices -- sharing what we have discovered works well, and perhaps more importantly, what we have found hasn't worked so well.

Personal Affiliations
I am honored to be serving on the recently formed Real Estate Committee of the Foundation for San Diego Zoo Global. The Committee's role is to help the Foundation staff evaluate and facilitate gifts of real estate to the Foundation and the Zoo. San Diego Zoo Global is a tremendous asset to our community, and I appreciate the opportunity to help the Foundation support the Zoo's worldwide conservation and education efforts.

Personal Background
Two guiding principles: (1) The only place you'll find success before work is in the dictionary; and (2) When asked a question, it's better not to know something than to know something that isn't so (and be sure to follow-up to find the answer you didn't know). Also on the personal side, I am fortunate to have married and spent my home and family life with the most wonderful and patient woman on the planet; Karen's contribution cannot be understated.