Michelle R. Jester - Minneapolis, MN
Attorney at Messerli | Kramer
Banking & Finance Lawyers in Minneapolis, MN
50 S. 6th St. Suite 2300 Minneapolis, MN 55402
- Free Consultation
- 1 Super Lawyers®
-
32
Years
Experience
Minneapolis Banking & Finance Lawyer
Updated: 03/02/2026
Areas of Practice
- Banking & Finance
- Banking Operations
- Commercial Financing
- Creditors’ Remedies
- Tax Credit Financing
- Commercial Real Estate
- Acquisition & Sales
- Commercial Leasing
Attorney Information
Overview
There is always something cooking in Michelle's kitchen and her office. And, over the years, Michelle has perfected her recipes and her approach, recognizing that each transaction is unique and calls for a different type of client advocate.
Real estate transactions, oftentimes, require basic ingredients - a mixture of strong business sense, a practical approach and her easy-going nature. Certain transactions, however, require Michelle's special ingredient - her strength, which comes from her innate understanding of the law, and ability to achieve business solutions that make sense and promote her client's interests against the most challenging adversary.
Michelle's practice focuses on all aspects of real estate transactions including sales and acquisitions, development, leasing, and financing. She has special expertise in the representation of lenders in origination of loans, workouts, and foreclosures.
As part of her practice, Michelle litigates issues related to real estate, such as mechanic's liens, property disputes, unlawful detainers, property tax appeals, and title clearance proceedings.
Awards and Honors
Honors
- Rising Star, Minnesota Law & Politics, 2004 - 2008
- Top Women in Finance, Finance and Commerce, 2006 & 2012
- Attorney of the Year, Minnesota Lawyer, 2008
- Super Lawyer, Minnesota Law & Politics and Minnesota Super Lawyers, 2009 - 2022
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating for Ethical Standards and Legal Ability
Other Sources of Feedback About Michelle R. Jester
Included on the 2026 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
Past Lists
- 2025 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2024 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2023 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2022 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2021 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2020 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2019 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2018 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2017 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2016 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2015 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2014 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2013 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2012 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2011 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2010 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2009 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2008 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2007 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2006 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2005 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2004 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2003 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
Education
-
Legal Education
-
William Mitchell College of Law,
St. Paul,
Minnesota, 1994
J.D.
-
William Mitchell College of Law,
St. Paul,
Minnesota, 1994
-
Non Legal Education
-
St Cloud State University,
St Cloud,
Minnesota
B.S.
Honors: magna cum laude
Major: Finance
Major: Economics
-
St Cloud State University,
St Cloud,
Minnesota
Current Employment Position(s)
-
Attorney
Past Positions
- Gurstel & Gurstel, Ltd., Associate Attorney, 1994 - 1996
- Gurstel & Gurstel, Ltd., Law Clerk, 1992 - 1994
Classes and Seminars
- Panelist, “Real Estate Financing” – St. Thomas School of Law, June 2015
Pro Bono Activities
- Independent Community Bankers Association
- Minnesota Regional Chamber of Commerce
Published Works
Articles
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Author, “Hot Topics in Construction Lending” – MBA News, November/December 2019
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Co-Author, “Hot Topics in Commercial Lending” – MBA News, March/April 2016
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Co-Author, “A Regulation E Refresher” – MBA News, November/December 2014
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Co-Author, “Co-Borrower or Guarantor? A Distinction with a Difference” – ICBM News, July 2014
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Co-Author, “Understanding When to Use Form Versus Custom Loan Documents” – MBA News, Nov/Dec 2014
- Co-Author, “Need a Loan? It Helps to See Finance from the Lender’s View” – Upsize Magazine, July 2013
- “Top Women in Finance Circle of Excellence” – St. Cloud State University Outlook Magazine, Spring 2013
- Co-Author, “Loan Workouts – Take Back Control from Borrowers” – MBA News, July 2011
Bar Admissions
- Minnesota, 1994
- U.S. District Court District of Minnesota
- Wisconsin
Specialties and Certifications
- Real Property Law Specialist, Real Property Section of the Minnesota State Bar Association
Other Affiliations
- Hennepin County Bar Association (Member)
- Minnesota State Bar Association (Member)
- Minnesota Commercial Real Estate Women (Member)
- Minnesota Women Lawyers (Member)
- Minnesota Bankers Association (Member)
Fraternities and Sororities
- Phi Chi Theta
Photo
Contact
50 S. 6th St.
Suite 2300
Minneapolis, MN 55402
Phone: 612-473-1240
Fax: (612) 672-3777
Email: Send a message
Website: https://messerlikramer.com/professional/michelle-r-jester
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