Ms. Laura J. Ragold | Member

Laura joined Barris, Sott, Denn & Driker, P.L.L.C. in 1995 as a summer associate. She continued to clerk with the firm throughout her final year of law school and started as a full time associate in 1996, becoming a Member in 2003. While a student at law school, she was a Senior Staff Associate on the Detroit College of Law Review.

Laura's practice encompasses all aspects of commercial real estate including sale and acquisition, financing, development, workouts, and landlord/tenant transactions for commercial properties. She has experience in several types of commercial mortgage transactions, including permanent and construction financing and conduit financing. Laura also has experience in representing Homeowner's and Condominium Owner's Associations including drafting Master Deeds, Bylaws, Building & Use Restrictions and other related documentation. Laura also has experience in negotiating and drafting purchase agreements, property management agreements, land contracts, leases, option agreements and memoranda of understanding. She has also represented various developers in a variety of public and administrative  hearings with regard to real estate licensure, land divisions and annexation.

Representative Cases/Transactions
Represented major grocery chain in multi-parcel acquisition transaction, including negotiation of easements and reciprocal operating agreements with a major retail chain.

Represented local developer in acquisition of large multi-tenant office building and later successfully settled a dispute with the Seller for the client over alleged fraud issues related to the sale.

Represented major lending institutions, including the area's largest bank, in documenting and closing loans totaling millions of dollars.

Represented major developer in multi-parcel acquisition transaction for construction of a regional shopping center with "Big Box" tenants.

Represented major developer in acquisition and financing of multi-property multi-state portfolio totaling several hundred million dollars.

Represented major developer in development of large multi-parcel, multi-tenant projects, including land divisions, reciprocal easement agreements, dedications and site planning issues.

Represented local developer in connection with the development of loft-style condominiums, including drafting Master Deed and Bylaws.

Represented major developer in several major refinancing and construction financing loan transactions with nationally known lenders.

Represented one local developer in annexation proceedings before the Michigan State Boundary Commission, and another local developer in administrative proceedings before the Michigan State Board of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons.   

Represented local developers in commercial acquisitions and sales, including related financing and development matters, each totaling several million dollars.

Experienced in real estate workouts and restructures, including negotiating documenting forbearance and settlement arrangements.

Represented landlords in connection with negotiating and drafting commercial leases, with major national chain tenants.

Education
B.S., with honors, Microbiology and Public Health, Michigan State University, 1978 

J.D., magna cum laude, Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University, 1996   

Professional Affiliations
Admitted: State Bar of Michigan; United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan

Oakland County Bar Association, Real Estate Committee  

Civic Organizations 
Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Parish, Beverly Hills, Michigan

Past President and Current Member, Marian High School Alumnae Association

Member, Board of Directors, Child Abuse and Neglect Council of Oakland County, 2001 to present

Member, Strategic Planning Committee, Child Abuse and Neglect Council of Oakland County

Member, Building Committee, Child Abuse and Neglect Council of Oakland County

Member, Beverage and Food Service Committee, Birmingham Country Club

Honors:
Recipient (together with husband, James) of Circle of Hope Award, October 2008, from Child Abuse and Neglect Council of Oakland County