Michigan Lawyers Weekly Names Steve Sallen a “Go To” Lawyer in Commercial Real Estate
Maddin Hauser is pleased to announce that Michigan Lawyers Weekly named Steven D. Sallen a “Go-To” lawyer in commercial real estate for the second time. Steve was previously recognized in 2021 and selected for Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s Hall of Fame in 2020. He has earned praise for his legal acumen in several peer-reviewed listings, including Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers, Leading Lawyers, and DBusiness Top Lawyers.
The “Go To Lawyers” program recognizes legal leaders in a particular field of law as nominated by their peers. These elite attorneys are highly skilled in their fields, think creatively and explore all options for a client, enjoy a record of success, and are top-of-mind referrals by friends and other lawyers.
A Leader in His Field and the Firm
Steve has enjoyed a distinguished career at Maddin Hauser, serving as president, CEO, Environmental Law Group chair, and Real Estate Practice Group co-chair. Throughout his 40 years of practice, Steve has left his mark on many significant commercial real estate developments and transactions while advising clients on their day-to-day real estate and business issues. Steve brings integrity, civility, and expertise to negotiating and closing real estate projects, both large and small.
Steve has been pivotal in countless landmark projects involving office buildings, mixed-use developments, retail properties, and industrial parks. Because of his meticulous approach and creative solutions, he has helped orchestrate numerous complex deals, navigated regulatory hurdles, and mitigated risks.
In a very personal project for Maddin Hauser, Steve negotiated the long-term lease for a new Class A office location. Their historic 2024 move occurred following nearly forty years in their former location.
What Makes Steve a Go-To Lawyer in Commercial Real Estate?
Steve concentrates his practice in real estate, environmental, and corporate law. His clients include some of Michigan’s most successful manufacturing firms, real estate developers, general contractors, and commercial real estate brokers. Steve’s professional accomplishments and impact on the local landscape are significant, as highlighted below in a few select matters.
While assisting a real estate entrepreneur, he negotiated the purchase of a major shopping center anchored by a national retailer and the subsequent buyout of the remaining term of the retailer’s lease. After securing the anchor space, Steve worked with the client to negotiate the terms of new leases with three national big-box retailers.
In another noteworthy transaction, Steve negotiated the termination of a client’s long-term ground lease with a regional superstore, then sold the property outright to the chain. This multimillion-dollar deal was the transaction of a lifetime for the client and the referring real estate broker.
As a further testament to Steve’s standing in the local real estate industry, he developed the Commission-Safe® Marketing Program, a proven system of re-useable tools and checklists, training, and consulting for commercial real estate brokers. Many Southeast Michigan premier brokers have adopted the system since its creation in 2009.