Michael C. Gartner is a shareholder in the firm’s Fairfax Office. Mike focuses his practice on representation of community associations and routinely provides legal counseling on a wide range of issues, including governing document interpretation, document amendments, developer transition, covenant enforcement, meetings and operational requirements, contracts, and a variety of other matters that associations confront. Mike also has a strong litigation background that has involved litigating cases in the state and federal courts in Virginia and Washington, D.C. for over 25 years. Mike works with his clients to seek solutions that will keep them out of court, and his litigation experience proves to be invaluable in developing those strategies as well as when litigation becomes unavoidable. Mike has authored numerous articles on community association issues and has spoken at the regional and national levels. Mike is active in the Washington Metropolitan Chapter of the Community Associations Institute, having served in many roles including as the Chapter’s President in 2021.
Recognition/Awards
•The Best Lawyers in America, Community Association Law (2024, 2025, 2026)
•President’s Award, Washington Metropolitan Chapter of the Community Associations Institute, 2022
•Outgoing Board Member Recognition, Washington Metropolitan Chapter of the Community Associations Institute, 2022
•Outgoing Board President Recognition, Washington Metropolitan Chapter of the Community Associations Institute, 2021
•President’s Award, Washington Metropolitan Chapter of the Community Associations Institute, 2014
•Rising Star Award, Washington Metropolitan Chapter of the Community Associations Institute, 2010
Presentations
•“Overview of Employment Discrimination Issues,” Chesapeake Region Chapter of the Community Associations Institute Human Resources Seminar, Co-presenter, Columbia, Maryland, June 6, 2018
•“Your Community, You’re Connected - Community Association Governing Documents,” Fairfax County Consumer Affairs Cable Television Show, Panelist, Fairfax, Virginia, January 9, 2018
•“Overview Of Employment Discrimination Issues,” Virginia Leadership Retreat, Co-presenter, Hot Springs, Virginia, August 5, 2017
•“Guns And Community Associations - Can They Ever Mix?,” Community Associations Institute Annual Conference And Exposition, Co-presenter, Las Vegas, Nevada, May 4, 2017
•“Understanding, Preparing For, And Responding To Cyber Threats,” Community Associations Institute National Law Seminar, Co-presenter, Las Vegas, Nevada, January 19, 2017
•“Effective Meetings And Communications,” Southwest Virginia Chapter of the Community Associations Institute’s CA Day, Speaker, Roanoke, Virginia, September 8, 2016
•“Community Association Legislative Roundtable,” Southwest Virginia Chapter of the Community Associations Institute’s CA Day, Panelist, Roanoke, Virginia, October 30, 2015
•“Your Community, Your Call - Community Association Risk Management,” Fairfax County Consumer Affairs Cable Television Show, Panelist, Fairfax, Virginia, March 27, 2012
•“House Bill 516 - Encore 2010,” Washington Metropolitan Chapter of the Community Associations Institute’s Annual Conference & Expo, Panelist, Washington, D.C., March 13, 2010
•“Community Associations,” Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Braddock District Council’s Information Forum, Speaker, Burke, Virginia, February 16, 2010
•“House Bill 516 - A Year Later,” Washington Metropolitan Chapter of the Community Associations Institute’s Virginia Legislative Committee Seminar, Panelist, South Riding, Virginia, September 21, 2009
•“SPAM!: It’s Effects On Business And Productivity,” Anne Arundel High Tech Council and Whiteford, Taylor & Preston’s Business Seminar, Speaker, Anne Arundel, MD, June 10, 2004
•“The Marc Steiner Show,” Spam Roundtable Discussion, WYPR Radio, Panelist, Baltimore, Maryland, March 26, 2004
