J. Michael Whisman

(415) 743-2835 | Email | Vcard

J. Michael Whisman

Mike specializes in real estate law with an emphasis on retail and general commercial leasing transactions. His clients include national retail tenants, national and regional real estate developers and individual building owners.

J. Michael Whisman

Prior to joining Starr Finley in 2005, Mike practiced a mix of real estate law and retail and office leasing with MBV Law in San Francisco. From 1987 through 1998, he served as vice president and associate general counsel of the Gap’s Real Estate Law Department. In that capacity, he supervised a staff of more than 30 people, oversaw the negotiation of more than 450 retail leases per year, and managed and negotiated numerous office, warehouse, and distribution center acquisitions and leases. Mike also worked as in-house counsel for Mervyn’s Department Stores and Safeway Stores, Inc., representing them in multiple real estate and financing transactions.

Mike has been a frequent lecturer and is a participant in the ICSC Law Conference and other continuing legal education programs.

Mike and his wife, Theresa, have two grown children, Kate and John. He and his family reside in Burlingame, California. In his spare time, Mike enjoys a relaxing day with the family, golfing, sailing, gardening and remodeling his house.

Bar Admissions

  • California State Bar Association

Education

  • San Francisco Law School, J.D.
  • San Francisco State University, B.A., Economics