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Desktop Image: Jefferson, Michael
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Michael D. Jefferson

Associate

T 206.757.8131 Seattle
I strive to solve clients' problems so they can focus on growing their businesses.
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Mike Jefferson is a member of the firm's real estate and construction and government contracts groups. He advocates on behalf of and advises real estate owners, designers, contractors, and specialty subcontractors. Mike negotiates and drafts complex build-to-suit, spec, and market refurbished commercial real estate leases, subleases, and purchase agreements throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

An experienced litigator, Mike has prosecuted and defended a range of construction-related disputes, including delay claims, change order disputes, lien and bond claims, construction defect claims, breach of warranty disputes, enforcement of bonds, equitable lien claims, and breach of contract, fraud, unfair and deceptive trade practices, and quantum meruit claims in state and federal courts.

Prior to joining DWT, Mike served his country as a judge advocate in the United States Marine Corps and was recognized for his counsel on rules of engagement and personnel rescue while deployed with Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.

Practice Highlights

Construction

Represents owners, lenders, contractors, and specialty subcontractors in a range of construction-related disputes, including delay claims, change order disputes, lien and bond claims, construction defect claims, breach of warranty disputes, enforcement of bonds, equitable lien claims, and breach of contract, fraud, unfair and deceptive trade practices, and unjust enrichment claims in state and federal court.

Government contracts

Prepares legal opinions and advises on a wide assortment of federal compliance issues and civil law matters, including administrative law, property law, constitutional law, the Privacy Act, FOIA, assessments of incident liability, ethics, financial conflicts of interest, government contracting, Defense Support of Civil Authorities Act (DSCA), fundraising, and regulation of private organizations.

Real estate

Negotiates complex build-to-suit, spec, and market refurbished commercial real estate leases, subleases, and purchase agreements throughout the globe, all with guaranty agreements,  totaling $3.7 billion and 22.1 million square feet of real estate.

Admitted to Practice

  • North Carolina, 2010
  • Washington, 2021

Education

  • J.D., Emory University School of Law, 2010
    • Hispanic Law Society
  • B.A., Political Science, Spanish, Wake Forest University
    • President and Founder, Organization of Latin American Students

Languages

  • Spanish

Memberships & Affiliations

    • Construction Law Forum, American Bar Association
    • Washington State Bar Association

Professional Recognition

    • Named "One to Watch" by Best Lawyers in Real Estate Law, 2025

Background

    • Corporate Counsel, Real Estate and Construction, Amazon.com Inc., 2019-2020
    • Associate, Fox Rothschild LLP, Greensboro, N.C., 2016-2019
    • Associate, Spilman Thomas & Battle PLLC, Winston-Salem, N.C., 2015-2016
    • Assistant Public Defender, Forsyth County Public Defender's Office, Winston-Salem, N.C., 2015
    • Legislative Research Manager, Compliance, Walmart Inc., Bentonville, Ark., 2014-2015
    • Judge Advocate, United States Marine Corps, Camp Lejeune, N.C., 2010-2014
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