You can joke about lawyers, but in the spirit of Thanksgiving, we're going to salute them: None of us would have jobs, or buildings, without them. Usually behind the scenes, they're researching, advising, negotiating, structuring, and documenting so that deals get done. Today we begin a series celebrating DC's top real estate attorneys. We hope at least you'll feel better about paying their fees. Herewith, in no special order:

Michael Goodwin,
Arnold & Porter

This June, Michael repped Oxford Properties in acquiring Gallery Place--which he helped create 15 years ago by repping developers Western and Akridge in structuring an arrangement with DC. It was the first project to get tax increment financing. Michael also worked on the NoMa-Gallaudet Metro station, repping 10 major property owners to work out a deal for private, city, and federal funding. It was the first station to use a mix of private and public funds and opened up NoMa for more development. Born at old GW Hospital, Michael commutes by bike from Alexandria, even in downpours. (Any weather is good weather, he says, as long as you're outside.) At home, he tends to the family's  beehives and hikes and fishes at the family farm in the Shenandoahs. Philosophy: keep it simple, always understand the client's business and what they're trying to accomplish, and enjoy who you're working with.