Stephen M. Guerra

Managing Partner

A magna cum laude graduate of Wayne State University’s law school, Steve began his law career at a large firm and immediately became involved with community association law. In 2010, he joined Mark Makower and Nathaniel Abbate to start a firm focused on providing specialized legal services to community associations. Managing partner since 2013, Stephen is known for approaching problems methodically, ensuring that everyone is treated fairly and that all viewpoints are heard and respected. When not at work, he likes to spend time with his family, play guitar and go boating and skiing.

Specialties

• Condominium project design, document preparation and setup through turnover and everyday operations
• Drafting and interpreting community association governing documents
• Community association governance and operations
• Community association restriction enforcement and assessment collections
• Commercial and residential real estate finance
• Review, negotiation and drafting of residential and commercial contracts

Education

• Michigan State University, bachelor of arts, 1996
• Wayne State University Law School, magna cum laude, 2004

Achievements and Memberships

• Fellow in the College of Community Association Lawyers
• Admitted to State Bar of Michigan, member of the Real Property Law Section
• Faculty member of Real Property Law Section Academy in 2017 and 2021; Chairperson in 2024
• Real Property Law Section Continuing Legal Education Committee member
• Admitted to the Eastern District of Michigan, Federal Courts
• Seminar lecturer and author, member of the Board of Directors and immediate past president, Community Associations Institute, Michigan Chapter
• Seminar lecturer and author for United Condominium Owners of Michigan
• Seminar lecturer for HOAleader.com
• Named a “Super Lawyer” by Michigan Super Lawyers
• Named a “Leading Lawyer” by Leading Lawyers
• Named a “Best Lawyer” in Best Lawyers in America©
• Named in 2021 as one of “Michigan’s Go To Lawyers” for real estate and condominium law by Michigan Lawyers Weekly

Contributions

• When Your Condo or HOA Might Need Management Help
• Why Now Is a Good Time to Review Your HOA Insurance Coverage: 6 Tips
• Michigan HOA / Condo Book