Lee Johnsey Headshot | Large 2023

M. Lee Johnsey, Jr.

Partner
  • (205) 226-8741
Download Resume ljohnsey@balch.com
Education
  • The University of Florida Fredric G. Levin School of Law
    J.D., 2009, with honors
  • Auburn University
    B.S.B.A., Accountancy, 2006, Spade Honorary; Omicron Delta Kappa, President
Bar Admissions
  • Alabama, 2009
  • Florida, 2010
About Lee
In-depth experience on both the transactional and litigation sides of real estate, lending, and corporate transactions allows Lee to effectively structure deals, understand and anticipate potential problem areas, and advise clients to efficiently resolve potential and existing issues.
Q&A
  • What types of clients do you represent?

    I am fortunate to represent a wide variety of clients. I regularly represent real estate developers, bank and non-bank lenders, business owners, title companies, land owners, creditors, gaming finance companies and operators, and tax credit syndicators. I also represent both tax sale purchasers and those seeking to redeem property from tax sales.

  • What type of matters do you work on most often?
  • What do you find most exciting about your work?
  • Which courts or agencies do you most often appear before on behalf of your clients?

Select Matters

  • Residential subdivision development: Representation of a developer in the acquisition and development of three residential neighborhoods which are age-restricted  and contain a number of common area amenities owned by the homeowner’s association for the benefit of the neighborhood residents.
  • Interstate Land Full Sale Disclosure  Act:  Advise developers with respect to compliance and exemptions available under the Interstate Land Full Sale Disclosure Act.  
  • Retail and multifamily development: Representation of a real estate developer in the negotiation of joint venture, and the acquisition, zoning, and development of a large retail and multifamily development in South Carolina.
  • Secured lending: Representation of lender in $18 million loan secured by multifamily real property in North Carolina.
  • Sale of real property: Representation of a property owner in the sale of real property located in Ft. Myers, Florida, partially located in a wetlands area.
  • Defense of lender liability claims: Representation of a large regional financial institution with respect to the foreclosure and subsequent management of an operating marina, and arbitration relating to deficiency balance and defense of $20 million counterclaim arising from the same lending relationship.
  • Acquisition and financing of medical school and student housing: Member of team representing bond underwriter in $175 million financing of the acquisition of a medical school and student housing in Bronx, New York.
  • Tax sales: Representation of a large regional financial institution that had foreclosed on real property in the redemption of that property from a tax sale that occurred prior to the foreclosure.
  • Low income housing tax credits (LIHTC): Member of team that regularly represents developers and tax credit syndicators in the development and rehabilitation of LIHTC properties throughout the country.
  • Gaming: Regularly represents gaming lessor and operator relating to the purchase, leasing, financing, and licensing of gaming machine on Indian reservations in Oklahoma.
  • Sale of dental practice: Representation of owner of dental practice in the sale of all corporate assets and leasing of real property to new practice, and negotiation of employment agreement for the selling doctor to be an employee of the new practice.

Publications

    News

      Speaking Engagements

        Credentials

        Education
        • The University of Florida Fredric G. Levin School of Law, J.D., 2009, with honors
        • Auburn University, B.S.B.A., Accountancy, 2006, Spade Honorary; Omicron Delta Kappa, President
        Courts
        • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Alabama, 2009
        • U.S. District Court, Middle District of Alabama, 2009
        • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Alabama, 2009
        • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida, 2010
        • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida, 2010
        • U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida, 2010
        • Alabama State Courts, 2009
        • Florida State Courts, 2010
        Bar Admissions
        • Alabama, 2009
        • Florida, 2010
        Professional Affiliations
        • Alabama State Bar, Young Lawyer's Section,  President, 2017 - 2018; Vice President, 2016 - 2017; Executive Committee, 2013 - present; Secretary, 2016; Treasurer, 2015;
        • Alabama State Bar, Board of Bar Commissioners and Executive Council, ex officio 
        • Alabama State Bar, Local Task Force, Task Force on Certain Disciplinary Considerations, Finance and Audit Committee, Bench & Bar Relations Task Force
        • American Bar Association (ABA); House of Delegates, 2015 - present; Young Lawyer's Division Assembly, 2014 - present; liaison between ABA Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section and ABA Young Lawyer's Division on membership 2014 - present; Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section's Task Force on Outreach to Young Lawyers 2015 - present; Real Property Trusts and Estates Committee, Vice-Chairman, 2014 - 2015; Ethics and Professionalism Committee, Vice-Chairman, 2013 - 2014
        • Alabama CCIM Chapter
        • Alabama Affordable Housing Association
        • NAIOP Commercial Real Estate Development Association
        Awards & Accolades
        • Chambers USA, Real Estate, 2023
        • The Best Lawyers in America®Ones to Watch
        • Birmingham Business Journal, Rising Star Lawyer 2018 
        • Birmingham Magazine, Top Attorney, 2017 & 2018
        • Mid-South Super Lawyers, Rising Star, 2017-present
        Community Involvement
        • REV Birmingham
        • Monday Morning Quarterback Club
        • Bryant-Jordan Foundation, Board Member
        • Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, State At-Large Selection Committee