Education
J.D., Thomas M. Cooley Law School (with honors), 1995
B.S.B.A. - Finance, Central Michigan University, 1990

Eric J. DeGroat is a member in Clark Hill’s Birmingham, Michigan office, and concentrates his practice in all aspects of real estate law. He represents clients in the acquisition, disposition, leasing, development, government entitlements, planning and land use approvals and appeals relating to a variety of retail, office, and affordable housing developments. While an attorney with Kmart Corporation, Eric was responsible for shopping center development, leasing, and acquisition/disposition on a national basis. Eric was also a regulatory attorney with the Governor’s Legal Division and an attorney and hearing referee with the Michigan Tax Tribunal handling a broad range of tax matters while serving the State of Michigan. As a real estate broker, he has marketed, negotiated and closed a multitude of commercial and industrial transactions, as well as keeping abreast of the real estate brokerage industry.

In other practice areas, Eric routinely represents and counsels clients in corporate law. Eric has organized dozens of business entities, ranging from professional practices to real estate holding companies, to non-profits. He also consults his clients with regard to general management, governance and operating issues affecting various legal structures.

Eric also represents both lenders and borrowers in commercial lending matters involving real estate, construction, working capital, equipment, credit enhancement, bond issues, participations, tax-credit financing, various HUD and MSHDA direct and guaranteed financing programs, and private placement offerings and capital structuring.

In the area of franchising and licensing, Eric represents both franchisors and franchisees, handling real estate site control and development, negotiating area development and franchise agreements, franchise and trademark enforcement, work-outs and transfers.

Eric received a B.S. degree in Business Administration from Central Michigan University in 1990 and a J.D. degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 1995, where his honors include Dean’s List and Honor Roll. He is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, and the International Council of Shopping Centers.