Overview
Jonathan represents real estate developers and businesses in the acquisition, entitlement, financing, and construction of commercial real estate projects, which includes a focus on renewable energy projects in Wisconsin. He helps his clients navigate state and local government issues, including zoning and tax issues. Jonathan also works on behalf of commercial and residential contractors to structure and negotiate their contracts, and guide them throughout the project life cycle. Additionally, Jonathan advises clients who are seeking to limit capital gains exposure in their sale of property by structuring 1031 exchanges.
Known for his diligent approach to resolving complex legal issues, Jonathan provides timely and thorough guidance to his clients. Through his transparent and communicative nature, he works to establish the resolution of outstanding issues clients maintain and uncertain legal positions clients wish to take.
Prior to joining Michael Best, Jonathan worked with the Mergers & Acquisitions team at a multinational professional services firm, where he assisted clients on matters from an indirect tax perspective. He also gained valuable experience with a variety of real estate and tax issues as a clerk at two Chicago-based firms.
Experience
Solutions in action
- Counsel clients in the purchase, sale, and leasing of real property, including office, retail, multi-family, and manufacturing spaces.
- Draft and negotiate construction and architect contracts on behalf of both owners and contractors for commercial and residential projects, including the $35 million redevelopment of a historic athletic club and a $30 million corporate office headquarters.
- Participate in New Markets Tax Credit, Historic Tax Credit and other complex financing transactions on commercial real estate developments.
- Draft and advise on easements, licenses, and land use and zoning issues.
- Assist with 1031 exchanges and advise on tenancy-in-common agreements relating to same.
Credentials
- Loyola University Chicago School of Law, Juris Doctor (J.D.), 2015, CALI Award for Legal Writing; Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot Fellow; Loyola Federal Tax Clinic
- Loyola University Chicago School of Law, Master of Laws (LL.M.), 2015
- University of Wisconsin - Madison, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), 2011
- Wisconsin
- Illinois
- Selected to Real Estate Rising Stars, Super Lawyers®, 2024-2025
- Best Lawyers®, “Ones to Watch” (Milwaukee Area), Real Estate Law, 2022-present
Engagement
- Member, American Bar Association
- Member of Wisconsin Bar Association
- Member, Illinois Bar Association
- Member, Chicago Bar Association
- Member of Commercial Association of Real Estate Wisconsin (CARW)
- Board Member of Schlitz Audubon Center
- Advocacy Council Member of Milwaukee Preservation Alliance
Insights

New Year, More Coverage: End-of-Year Illinois Supreme Court Case Drastically Expands Construction Defect Insurance Coverage in Illinois
When a loss occurs on a job site, one of the initial questions stakeholders raise is whether the incident will be covered by insurance.Read
Jan 26, 2026

Wisconsin Appellate Court Upholds Statutory Protections for Mobile Service Tower Siting Permits
Can you hear me now? Good. Not in writing? Not good enough. The Wisconsin Court of Appeals, District II (“Appeals Court”) relayed this sentiment in a recent decision[1] to overturn the Town of Fond du Lac’s (“Town”) rejection of a conditional use permit (“CUP”) for a new mobile service tower because the Town failed to issue its final decision to the applicant in writing.Read
Jun 4, 2025

Hole-y Moley – Can My Landlord Really (de)Fault Me for My Success?
Restaurants and retail are notoriously difficult landscapes to stay afloat in, and it’s ordinarily never jarring to learn when a commercial landlord seeks to evict a tenant for breach of its lease. But the story splits in a recent legal battle in New York City involving a landlord declaring an acclaimed bagel shop in default under its lease on account of it achieving too much success. Some may allege it’s a “schmear” campaign, propelled by other jealous retailers.Read
Dec 4, 2024
