Devoted Attorney, Colleague and Friend

In Memoriam

It is with the heaviest of hearts that Cole Schotz P.C. announces the passing of our beloved member Michael Jones.

Michael joined Cole Schotz in June 1987 as an associate and ultimately became a shareholder in our Real Estate Department, remaining with the firm ever since. Prior to becoming an attorney, Michael was an industrial real estate broker. He then devoted his career to Cole Schotz.

“Michael served our firm as a mentor and guide,” shared Randi Kochman, Co-Managing Shareholder of Cole Schotz. “He sat on the hiring committee for years, forming relationships with our newest incoming attorneys from the get-go. With his friendly and genuine demeanor, he contributed to the culture of the firm and formed life-long relationships.”

Michael took pride in teaching young professionals the practice of law. Serving as a mentor and leading by example, he understood the importance of preparing the next generation of lawyers.

“Mike was the most devoted individual I have ever had the pleasure of knowing and working with,” said a colleague and close friend. “Mike always wanted to get it right and worked tirelessly to achieve that goal. His superior integrity was inspiring as he always wanted to do the right thing by others. I think his peers and adversaries alike recognized that quality in Mike and respected him deeply for it both on a professional and personal level. You would find it an impossible task trying to locate anyone that would have an unkind word to say about Mike.”

“He was a terrific attorney and, more importantly, an even better human,” shared another close friend and colleague. “Michael treated everyone with the utmost respect, no matter their role in the firm or their side of the deal table. He was truly a grounded individual.”

He was a devoted husband and father and his personal and professional families merged into one over the years. Our hearts are with Michael’s wife, Beth and his son, Matthew.

Michael conducted his work with an unwavering dedication to his clients. Michael’s practice focused on leasing, acquisitions, dispositions and development of retail, industrial and office properties, with an emphasis on retail leasing. He graduated from Emory University in 1981 and earned his J.D. from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in 1986.

Michael was respected and liked by all who knew him and will be forever missed.