Zachary R. McMichael
Shareholder
P: 314.505.5464
F: 314.505.5465
E: mcmichael@capessokol.com
HIGHLIGHT
Represented prominent St. Charles County homebuilder to secure favorable PUD zoning district for contensious subdivision project and defend zoning from challenge by neighboring property owners.
HIGHLIGHT
Obtained judgment in favor of real estate developer against St. Louis County municipality in long-running dispute over ownership and maintenance of road in subdivision development, affirmed on appeal.
Experience at Work
Zach is committed to helping his clients determine the proper role litigation plays in their business, knowing when to avoid litigation entirely and when to settle a claim, but also when to press a case to trial. He works with a variety of clients to address their complex business disputes, ranging from zoning and land use to multi-party construction defects and shareholder disputes. Most frequently, he represents clients in the business of real estate development and land use, helping them to resolve disputes affecting their business.
As a trial attorney, Zach has experience in all aspects of the litigation process, from pre-filing strategy determinations to trials and appeals. He has an extensive geographic practice, which he focuses in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and St. Charles County, but has also practiced in federal courts in New Jersey, Illinois, and Missouri.
In the Community
Zach is an active member of his community, where he serves as a board member for condominium associations and community improvement districts. Zach is also a board member of Citizens for a Greater Downtown St. Louis, an organization that works with residents, businesses, property owners, and the City of St. Louis to improve the Downtown and Downtown West neighborhoods for all stakeholders.
Awards & Recognitions
AWARDS
- The Best Lawyers in America® | Ones to Watch: Commercial Litigation (2024)
Memberships & Associations
Professional Organizations
- Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis
Education
Educational Background
- J.D., Washington University in St. Louis School of Law, with honors (2015)
- B.S., Chemistry, Pfeiffer University, summa cum laude (2012)
- B.S., Economics, Pfeiffer University, summa cum laude (2012)
Significant Experience
Representations
- Successfully argued to Court of Appeals that trial court’s setting aside of default judgment was improper, resulting in entry of judgment in favor of client against a commercial tenant and guarantor.
- Obtained a dismissal in favor of a large St. Charles County real estate developer in a lawsuit brought by neighboring property owners challenging zoning change granted by St. Charles County.
- Defended zoning amendment obtained by developer of an apartment complex in Webster Groves, Missouri.
- Represented St. Charles County real estate developer in professional negligence suit against geotechnical engineer resulting from reporting on quality and placement of fill material during mass grading.
Knowledge & Insights
Admissions & Qualifications
Bar & Court Admissions
- Missouri
- Illinois
- U.S. Circuit Courts
- Seventh Circuit
- Eighth Circuit
- Third Circuit
- U.S. District Courts
- Eastern District of Missouri
- Western District of Missouri
- Southern District of Illinois
Leadership & Community Engagement
Current Leadership Positions
- Citizens for a Greater Downtown St. Louis | Board Member
Civic & Community
- Citizens for a Greater Downtown St. Louis
Zachary R. McMichael’s Insights
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