January 9, 2019 (San Diego) – Two Procopio attorneys have been elevated to Partner as the firm enters 2019. Justine K. Nielsen and Michael R. Kiesling are the latest to assume this role in the AmLaw 200 firm, the largest headquartered in San Diego.

“The key to achieving partnership is artfully combining intelligence, tenacity and a commitment to client service, all of which Justine and Michael have in abundance,” said Managing Partner John D. Alessio. “Both are leaders in the legal profession, in the community, and at Procopio. We appreciate their continuing commitment to our firm and our clients.”

Justine K. Nielsen is a land use expert in Procopio’s Real Estate practice group who represents private entities and public interest groups on a variety of land use, planning and entitlement matters throughout various stages of the real estate development process. She focuses on due diligence prior to acquisition, assisting with adopting and amending general plans, community plans, entitlements, drafting development agreements, easements, memorandums, and issues pertaining to CEQA, the Coastal Act, the Subdivision Map Act and other related statutes. Justine is also active in the San Diego community serving as a director of the Navajo Community Planners and was recently elected to the board of directors of both the Downtown San Diego Partnership and the San Diego County Taxpayers Association in addition to other volunteer roles she holds in the community. She holds a J.D. from the California Western School of Law and a B.A. from San Diego State University.

Michael R. Kiesling is a Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent rated litigator who assists developers, landowners, contractors, and businesses in developing cost-effective solutions to complex real estate, construction, and commercial disputes.  Michael has extensive experience litigating disputes involving contracts, title to property, construction claims, delays and liens, claims of fraud, eminent domain and condemnation, landlord-tenant issues, and business and corporate matters.  Michael is also active in his profession and community as a member of NAIOP and the Association of Business Trial Lawyers, and having held various roles with the American Inns of Court while also having held an executive position with the YMCA Camps Board of Management. He holds a J.D., cum laude and Order of the Coif, from the University of San Diego School of Law, and a B.S. from The Ohio State University.