Michelle Jester Recognized in 2012 F&C Top Women in Finance “Circle of Excellence”
Attorney Michelle Jester, Chair of the Banking, Real Estate and Corporate Group, has achieved “Circle of Excellence” status.
This award is a part of the annual Finance & Commerce newspaper Top Women in Finance awards. Only women professionals who have received a Top Women in Finance award in multiple years are eligible for the Circle of Excellence distinction. Michelle first received the award in 2006, and was again named a Top Woman in Finance in 2012 for her work chairing the practice group and also for her accomplishments representing the closing of more than $46.6 million in new loans for her banking clients in the first half of that year.
Michelle is known as a leading attorney for complex loan deals and financing transactions. Client and nominator Jerry Baack, President of Bridgewater Bank, estimated that Michelle has represented the bank in new loan transactions of upwards of $75 million in total value, and she is often working on several transactions simultaneously for them each year. “Michelle is a cut above the rest. We have yet to receive the same level of responsiveness from anyone else in her field. Her depth of understanding of real estate and banking, combined with her ability to multi-task makes Michelle an invaluable resource for the bank. A standout in her field – indeed.”
In 2008, Michelle was named an “Attorney of the Year” by Minnesota Lawyer. She has consistently achieved a Super Lawyers peer ranking in the Rising Star (2003-2008) and Super Lawyer (2009-2012) rankings. Within the firm, Michelle is a foundational leader who spearheaded restructuring the firm’s 401(k) plan, served on the diversity committee and documented an affirmative action program. In 2007 Michelle co-founded, developed and rolled out an associate mentor program at Messerli, which is now called the Attorney Development Program.
Messerli & Kramer is pleased to have Michelle on our accomplished team of transactional attorneys and to applaud her success that led to the “Circle of Excellence” distinction.