Civil trial lawyer Michael Keith Collins focuses on disputes involving real property, partnerships and sales. A veteran of more than 100 trials, he is experienced in a broad range of business litigation matters, legal malpractice defense, and anti-SLAPP motions. Mike is also an accomplished appellate lawyer.

• Litigation
• Eminent Domain
• Real Estate

• Washington University School of Law – J.D. 1969
• Washington University – A.B. 1965

Defend Business Owner in Fraud and Breach of Contract Claims

Defending owner, who terminated negotiations for $30 million sale of real property and manufacturing business upon discovery that the land was grossly undervalued, against disappointed buyer’s suit for breach of contract, misappropriation of trade secrets and fraud.

Business Partnership Dispute

Defending a managing general partner of a partnership that owns and operates a $130 million mobile home park against dissident partners’ attempt to seize control.

Defense Trial Win for Feuding Business Partners

Obtained defense verdict and judgment for clients after eight-week jury trial in dispute among former partners who owned and divided an insurance company, office buildings, shopping centers and other real property.

Joint Venture Partners Settle Profit Dispute

Obtained highly favorable settlement for clients on first day of trial in dispute among joint venture members regarding the venture agreement and division of profits from successful $65 million warehouse development.

Property Development Challenge

Representing owners and developers of a 65-acre regional shopping/entertainment plaza to defeat claims by minority LLC member who is attacking the validity of the ownership and project agreements.

Landlord COVID-19 Rent Recovery

Representing a commercial landlord in action to recover rent deferred by COVID-19 moratorium from former tenant who is asserting defenses of frustration of purpose, force majeure and impossibility.

Trial Victory for Law Firm in Malpractice Claims

Defended prominent law firm against $12 million malpractice claim arising from section 1031 exchange acquisition of shopping center parcel, obtaining a total defense judgment after six-week trial and handled appeal that affirmed the judgment.

Golf Course Owner Prevails in Class Action Claims by Homeowners

Defended owner/developer of golf course condominium development against a $300 million class action by current and former homeowners and member challenging enforceability of easement rights and CC&R provisions regarding membership and transfer fees; obtained affirmance of judgment on appeal.

Construction Defect Claims Dismissed Mid-Trial for Property Developer

Vindicated developer of 1,200 home country club residential project against construction defect claims by obtaining a mid-trial dismissal after three months of jury trial.

Winning Defense for Residential Developer in HOA Lawsuit

Represented residential developer and major hotel chain against homeowner’s association suit involving easement rights, claims of fraud, and attacks on CC&Rs and related formational documents, obtaining judgment for clients on all claims after 10-week trial.

Anti-SLAPP Motion Leads to Dismissal of Suit Against Law Firm

Won anti-SLAPP motion obtaining dismissal of malicious prosecution suit against major law firm arising from obtaining entitlements for large real estate development; affirmed on appeal.

Business and Property-Based Trials and Litigation

Settled or completed shorter trials of hundreds of business and property-related disputes involving ownership, contracts, development, breach of fiduciary duty, brokerage and financing.