Michael H. Terry

"Mike Terry is '…a truly excellent attorney' … 'one of the preeminent practitioners in the field' and  … 'can do almost anything.'"  Chambers USA

As Hirschler’s former executive vice president and a past chair of the firm’s top-ranked commercial real estate practice, Mike knows that a lawyer is only as good as his or her preparation and judgment.

Practical yet innovative, Mike strives to understand a client’s business needs and goals in order to structure deals in a realistic manner.  He reserves judgment on the best solution to a client’s problem, remaining open to all approaches until the issues have been carefully analyzed.  Leveraging deep knowledge of the law and his client’s business, he structures transactions to directly align with his client’s objectives.  Mike’s client-centered approach has earned him a stable of loyal clients, many of whom he has served as outside general counsel for more than a decade.

Mike represents several lending institutions and investors in connection with their loans and investments in Virginia and throughout the United States and foreign jurisdictions.  He also represents developers, property owners and tenants in connection with the acquisition, development, financing and leasing of income producing property and raw land for office complexes, corporate headquarters, planned unit developments and retail projects. 

Best Lawyers in America® for Real Estate Law, 1995 - 2025

Named as “Leader in the Field,” Real Estate, Southern Virginia, Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, 2004 - 2020

Named among the “Leaders in the Law,” Virginia Lawyers Weekly, 2017

Virginia Super Lawyers, Real Estate, 2006 - 2014

Named to “Legal Elite,” (Real Estate/Land Use), Virginia Business, 2021 - 2022

Honored by Virginia Super Lawyers as one of the "Top 100: Virginia," 2012 and "Top 50: Virginia," 2006 - 2011

Martindale-Hubbell^® AV Preeminent^®  - This is given to attorneys who are ranked at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal expertise, communication skills, and ethical standards by their peers.

A respected thought leader, Mike has authored a number of articles pertaining to real estate, including four chapters in Contract Law in Virginia, published by the Virginia Law Foundation, and has lectured at several CLE programs.

Professional Affiliations

American Bar Foundation Fellow

American College of Real Estate Lawyers (ACREL)

Richmond Real Estate Group

American Bar Association

Virginia Bar Association

Bar Association of the City of Richmond

Though the practice of law can be all consuming, Mike works hard to balance work and family.  He and wife, Stephanie, enjoy traveling, in particular, trips to the mountains and overseas travel through Europe and the United Kingdom.  Closer to home, you might find Mike studying medieval history, drinking craft brews and playing poker.

30 years ago, Mike developed an interest in horse training and competition – activities that provide both physical activity and continuous learning.  If he hadn’t pursued a legal career, it’s likely he would have been a veterinarian or rancher.  Mike’s love of western equestrian sport provides a life-long pursuit and a natural segue for his pro bono work with the Virginia Reining Horse Association.  He and Stephanie have lived on a horse farm just outside of Richmond since 1990.  They spent many years breeding, training and showing quarter horses and enjoying family time with their children who grew up riding and showing horses.

Fun fact:  Prior to law school, Mike had a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and drove trucks for Mayflower.  He also worked as a longshoreman.