Overview
For more than two decades, Thomas Kabel has counseled clients in all facets of acquisition, disposition, leasing, financing, and development of real property. He has extensive experience representing commercial lenders in conventional financing and has also served as bank and bond counsel on numerous industrial revenue and other tax-exempt financings.
In addition to his experience representing clients in commercial real estate matters, Mr. Kabel also has experience representing Michigan universities and community colleges in various financing transactions, including tax-exempt bonds, tax anticipation notes, financing under Michigan's New Jobs Training Program and financing with the Michigan State Building Authority. He is certified by the National Association of Development Companies (a trade association of companies that have been certified by the Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide funding for small businesses) to close SBA loans under the SBA's 504 Loan program.
No matter the size or complexity of a transaction, Mr. Kabel’s clients have come to depend on his specialized legal expertise to navigate every aspect required in commercial real estate transactions. From drafting and implementing intricate financial structures on a variety of developments to navigating greenfield and brownfield projects large and small, including technical and retail centers and residential housing projects, he is renowned in the industry. He has been recognized time and again by numerous respected legal publications for his expertise in Real Estate Law.
Mr. Kabel has been an integral part of several major development projects in Michigan. His involvement is noteworthy, as each project entailed considerable complexity and the drafting of sophisticated agreements. He served as part of the bond team representing Oakland County in connection with its issuance of $18,000,000 of bonds to assist with the financing of the Michigan Motion Picture Studio in Pontiac, Michigan. He also served as part of the team representing the developer in its $190,000,000 renovation of the Book Cadillac Hotel in Detroit which consisted of numerous layers of financing and included conventional loans, state and federal historic tax credits, state brownfield credits, conservation easements, and various other incentives. He additionally represented the City of Detroit Housing Commission in its major renovation of the Jeffries Housing project through the use of federal HOPE VI loans.
Thomas Kabel is a longstanding member of the Real Property Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan. Mr. Kabel has served in many leadership roles for the Real Property Law Section over the years, culminating in his elevation to Chair of the Section for the 2022-2023 fiscal year. He is also a member of the Real Property, Trust and Estate Law Section of the American Bar Association.
Mr. Kabel is a Shareholder based in the firm's Troy office. He frequently shares his knowledge with clients, other lawyers, and industry professionals while serving as presenter at numerous seminars and other continuing legal education programs throughout the year and as author of a variety of articles pertinent to the real estate industry, including Equitable Subrogation: Why the Refinance Lender's Security Interest May Not be as Secure as it Thinks, Michigan Real Property Review.
Primary Practice Areas
Credentials
Education
Wayne State University Law School 1999, J.D. (cum laude)
Grand Valley State University 1995, B.S.
Admissions
- Michigan
Memberships
- American Bar Association - Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section
- State Bar of Michigan - Real Property Section; former Chair
- American College of Mortgage Attorneys
Awards & Recognitions
Awards & Recognitions
The Best Lawyers in America®, Real Estate Law, 2016-2025
Oakland County Executive's Elite 40 Under 40, Class of 2014
Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business, Senior Statesperson Real Estate, 2015, 2018-2024
Michigan Super Lawyers, Rising Star in Real Estate, 2012
Michigan Super Lawyers, Real Estate, 2013-2024
DBusiness Top Lawyers in Metro Detroit, Land Use and Zoning Law, Real Estate Law, 2011-2012, 2014, 2016-2018, 2020-2023, 2025; Banking & Financial Service Law, 2016, 2017, 2020, 2021
Senior Articles Editor, Wayne Law Review, Wayne State University Law School