Real Estate, Economic Development, and Community Impact with Michelle Reid

In this episode of Corporate Law Lab, host Neil Taylor and Corporate Law Fellow Phoebe Uttermohlen sit down with Michelle Reid, general counsel and chief administrative officer of the Catalytic Fund of Northern Kentucky.Michelle shares her path from studying economics at the University of Louisville to law school at UC Law, private practice, commercial real estate, and her current role supporting community-focused development across Northern Kentucky. She discusses how her early interest in economic development led her to real estate law, why practical legal experience and mentorship matter, and how students can make the most of clerkships, externships, and networking opportunities.The conversation explores commercial real estate practice, public-private partnerships, historic redevelopment, community development financial institutions, and the role of the Catalytic Fund in helping close financing gaps for projects that bring value to local communities. Michelle also reflects on the transition from private practice to an in-house legal and administrative role, including the importance of understanding business goals, risk tolerance, and organizational operations.Michelle also discusses the growing role of artificial intelligence in legal practice, comparing AI to a calculator: a powerful tool, but one that still requires lawyers to understand the fundamentals, check the work, and know when something is missing.Whether you're interested in real estate law, economic development, in-house practice, public-private partnerships, or emerging legal careers, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how lawyers can help shape the communities around them.