Michael knows, from decades of hands-on experience as an environmental lawyer and business professional, that environmental compliance is an important aspect of doing business today. He is valued by clients and colleagues alike for his integrated and balanced approach to environmental compliance and reporting, as well as for his practical, timely and efficient solutions to even the most difficult or complex scenarios.
Michael represents Fortune 500 companies, emerging businesses, environmental tech firms, institutions and municipalities on the challenges associated with RCRA, OSHA, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, EPCRA and CERCLA. He also represents clients faced with inspections and enforcement actions, helping clients design workable paths to compliance that fit their specific business operations and parallel their distinct commercial goals.
Notably, Michael also has guided business clients as part of their response to explosions and other unexpected incidents by working diligently with them to investigate the situation, evaluate response options, and interact with governmental agencies. Regardless of the challenge or seriousness of the issue at hand, Michael is about helping his clients resolve their issues.
Prior to the law, Michael worked as a business professional for more than eight years as the environmental services director for Ulrich Chemical, Inc., in Indianapolis. He was responsible for the oversight of environmental and OSHA compliance for six plants in three states. This experience served as the basis for Michael’s honed ability to analyze environmental regulations and apply them to daily business operations.
Prior to that, Michael worked for the Indiana Department of Environmental Management and the city of Indianapolis’ Air Pollution Control Division. In those capacities, he served as an inspector of plants to determine compliance, was involved in Superfund cleanups, and played a pivotal role in setting up Indiana’s underground storage tank program, which included working with the legal team to ensure legislation surrounding the initiative was approved.
Before entering law school, Michael worked as an adjunct instructor at the Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis School of Public and Environmental Affairs teaching a course in hazardous materials regulation.
Honors
The Best Lawyers in America, 2008-2024
Chambers USA, 2017-2023
Recipient, Award of Distinction, Ball State University Natural Resources and Environmental Management Alumni Association, 2018