Richard J. Burstein

Richard Burstein is a real estate attorney who represents and counsels national and regional commercial real estate developers and tenants throughout the United States. With more than 40 years of experience, he counsels clients on transactions, investments and the development of regional and community shopping centers, office complexes and industrial parks, urban redevelopment projects and multifamily residential developments.

• Represents clients in complicated projects that often involve the negotiation and documentation of joint business ventures, combinations of public and private partnerships and the cooperation of large numbers of participants, sometimes in distant parts of the country
• Represents developers, real estate investment trusts (REIT), and major retail users both as primary trust counsel and as local and real estate counsel
• Assists clients in structuring and creating sophisticated financing and ownership entities, including partnerships and REITs

Practice Areas

Representative Matters

• Represented (and continues to represent) The Taubman Company in the structuring of their major shopping center transactions
• Represented (and continues to represent) Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust in various aspects of its business, including capital markets and real estate matters
• Represented Phillips Edison & Company in connection with the acquisition and financing of their shopping center projects
• Represented (and continues to represent) Dillard’s, Inc. in connection with their participation in regional shopping center developments
• Represented Cabela’s, Inc. in connection with their development of stores throughout the United States
• Served as lead counsel in connection with One Detroit Center, Detroit, Michigan

Education

Admissions

Awards

• Listed in Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business since 2005
  • Recognized as a Senior Statesperson in the Real Estate field in Michigan; Chambers USA states: 
    • 2019 - "Richard Burstein has a wealth of experience representing developers, REITs and retailers in a wide range of real estate matters. He is highly regarded by interviewees and described as a 'real estate star.'"
    • 2018 – "Richard Burstein has over 45 years' experience advising developers, REITs and retailers. Sources highlight his strength in leasing work and call him 'an excellent relationship builder.'"
    • 2017 – "Richard Burstein has been acting for clients on real estate matters for over 45 years, and is best known for representing REITs, developers and major retailers. He recently assisted Forbes Miami with the $45 million development of the Miami WorldCenter."
    • 2016 – “Richard Burstein is a seasoned real estate attorney with a strong reputation in the market for his representation of real estate developers in financial and transactional issues relating to commercial and residential developments. He also routinely advises REIT and retail clients in a variety of complex property matters."
    • 2015 – “Richard Burstein is a real estate veteran with more than 45 years in the field and figures prominently in the area of retail, with strong expertise in shopping center properties."
    • 2014 – “[Richard] represents commercial clients on a regional and national level, with a particular focus on the retail industry. He is described as 'a good lawyer with a great reputation, and a trusted adviser to his clients.'"
    • 2013 – "[Richard] is recognized as one of the leading real estate attorneys in the state. He was recently called upon to advise Ramco-Gershenson on a significant series of real estate acquisitions, dispositions and financings."
    • 2012 – "[Richard] is experienced in advising developers on transactions and investments. Clients appreciate his astute business sense and his reliable judgment."
    • 2011 – "[Richard] recently worked with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to close a ground lease for the development of a major urban development in Salt Lake City. Burstein is noted for his excellent contacts, particularly in the retail developer industry."
    • 2010 – "[Richard is] the subject of considerable praise from satisfied clients: 'He is an intelligent, levelheaded lawyer and a great deal-maker - the type of attorney you want on your side when you have to make a deal.' In addition, 'he effectively analyzes all sides of the transaction and is very efficient with his time.'"
• The Best Lawyers in America, 1995-2025
  • Recognized in practice area of Real Estate Law
• Law Bulletin Media
  • Leading Lawyers, Real Estate Law: Commercial, 2017, 2023-2024
  • Leading Lawyers, Real Estate Law: Finance, 2017, 2023-2024
• Leading Lawyers Magazine Michigan, 2017
  • Named one of the Top 100 Leading Business Lawyers
• Michigan Super Lawyers, 2007-2020
• DBusiness, Top Lawyers, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2015-2017, and 2023-2024
• Lawdragon, 2007 and 2010
  • Top 3000 Dealmakers in America, 2010
  • Top 500 Dealmakers in America, 2007
• Who's Who Legal: The International Who's Who of Business Lawyers, named in the 2008 edition
• Martindale-Hubbell AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated 

Professional & Community Involvement

• American Bar Association
  • Real Property Section
• Fellow of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers (ACREL)
• Detroit Bar Association (DBA)
• International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC)
  • Law Conference, Chair, 1990-1991
• State Bar of Michigan
  • Real Property Law Section

News

Press Releases

Publications