About Michael

Michael’s practice is focused on building strong client relationships and delivering practical, business-minded legal advice. He works with clients on business structuring, corporate transactions and financing, as well as resource and real estate development.

He advises on the acquisition, development, and financing of complex public and private projects, providing strategic guidance to businesses across a wide range of industries and stages of growth.

Michael’s resource development experience includes leading public utility acquisitions of land and related rights for wind power and biomass generation projects. His commercial real estate practice is broad and includes work on P3 developments, as well as advising both public and private sector clients on commercial property matters.

Michael is passionate about his volunteer involvement as a director with Rail Connects Nova Scotia and the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA). Outside of practicing the law, Michael enjoys music, competitive sailing, salmon fishing and golf.

Michael's Background

Education

  • 1980: LL.B., Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia
  • 1974: BSc., Major in Mathematics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia
  • Post Graduate Studies – Mathematics, Physical Oceanography

Professional Memberships

  • Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society
  • Canadian Bar Association
  • International Council of Shopping Centres (ICSC)
  • Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA)

Community Activity

  • Board of Directors - Building Owners and Managers Association
  • Board Member - Rail Connects Nova Scotia Alliance

Publications

  • Kennedy, M., & Clifford, N. (2024). The Dishonour of the Crown: Aboriginal Fisheries in Atlantic Canada After Marshall . Journal of New Brunswick Studies Revue d’études Sur Le Nouveau-Brunswick, 16(1), 333–358.

Presentations & Teachings

  • 2010-Present: Course materials and lectures, “Introduction to Real Estate Management”, Saint Mary’s University and Dalhousie University
  • 2010-2014: Paper Presentation “Commercial Leasing in Atlantic Canada”, “Professional Responsibility in the David and Goliath Context”, “Iron Clad Case” and “The Life Cycle of a Lease”, Annual ICSC Canadian Law Conference, 2010-2014
  • 2011-2012: Presentation, CBA Refresher Courses on commercial leases
  • 2012-2013: Presentations to BOMA: “Rights and Remedies of Commercial Landlords”, “Green Leases” (2012), “Leasing Law Update to the National meeting of BOMA (2013)
  • 2012-2013: Lectures on the Law and its application to resource development within Treaty 9 in Northwestern Ontario, Lakehead University,
  • 2012: Presentation on resource development to a remote First Nations Reserve, (“KI”), Ontario
  • 2013: Presentation, 'I Do Business' Conference, Presentation to the Association of Paralegals on Treaty Rights and the Duty to Consult