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Founding Partner

Michelle Reiss

Ms. Reiss is a founding partner and member of Appleton Reiss.

Ms. Reiss focuses her law practice on the representation of condominium associations, homeowners’ associations, community development districts, special taxing districts, and other common interest entities.  She advises clients about  interpreting and enforcing governing documents and statutes, and she represents them in litigation and alternative dispute resolution processes.  Ms. Reiss developed and presents a state-approved certification course for new condominium and homeowners’ association board members.

Ms. Reiss also has significant experience in real estate disputes, landlord/tenant matters, covenant and deed restriction enforcement, contract disputes, collection matters, and foreclosure and bankruptcy proceedings.  She has represented clients in significant commercial foreclosure matters and attorney malpractice cases, as well as condominium termination and property damage cases.

Ms. Reiss is a member of the Hillsborough Association of Women Lawyers and the Hillsborough County Bar Association.  In addition, Ms. Reiss serves the community as a pro-bono attorney for Crossroads for Florida Kids.  She previously served on the Board of Directors for the Children’s Home Society of Florida’s Gulf Coast Division.

EDUCATION
  • University of Florida, JD, cum laude, 2006
  • Florida International University, MSW, 2001
  • Wake Forest University, B.A., magna cum laude, 1996
BAR ADMISSIONS
  • The Florida Bar, Admitted 2007
  • The United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida
HONORS & RECOGNITIONS
  • Recognized as a “Rising Star” by Florida Super Lawyers Magazine
  • Named as Florida’s “Legal Elite” by Florida Trend Magazine
  • Constitutional Law: Fact or Factor: The Supreme Court Eliminates Sentencing Factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, 57 Fla. L. Rev. 987 (2005)
  • What is merit retention and why do I care?, HAWL Journal (Sept. 2012)
PROFESSIONAL & COMMUNITY AFFILIATIONS
  • The Florida Bar Condominium and Planned Development Law Committee
  • Hillsborough Association of Women Lawyers
    • 2015 – 2017, Director
    • 2014 – 2015, FAWL Liaison
    • 2013 – 2016, Co-Chair, Judicial Relations Committee
    • 2012 – 2013 Chair, Legislative Committee
  • Florida Association of Women Lawyers
    • 2014 – Member, Communications Committee
  • Crossroads for Florida Kids
    • Pro bono attorney representing dependent and delinquent children
  • Hillsborough County Bar Association, Member
  • American Bar Association
  • Tampa Connection, Class of 2013-2014