Michael’s energy and natural resource work consists of regulatory, transactional, and litigation-related legal services, and is domestic and international in scope. He has represented clients on energy development projects; negotiated agreements for electric power purchases and sales; advised on regulatory issues and power purchase transactions for electric utility privatizations in several countries; worked on international LNG purchase and sale contracts and on marine transportation arrangements involving both time charter agreements and related tug and marine services agreements; and provided legal services on all aspects of hydroelectric licensing, regulation, and compliance. Michael has represented municipalities, consumer-owned utilities, independent power producers, and industrial energy users in adjudications before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and state public utility commissions or courts on ratemaking and other regulatory matters.

In addition, he is responsible for legal advice on matters before the US Department of the Interior, including natural resources, parks, and public lands. He is also responsible for a broad range of legal, legislative, and administrative issues before the federal government pertaining to American Indian tribes and Indian reservation lands.

In the legislative area, Michael has led major efforts before Congress on issues such as taxes and the environment, and has testified before state legislative committees. He regularly advises on compliance with the Lobbying Disclosure Act and the Foreign Agents Registration Act. Regarding campaign and election laws, Michael has advised corporate, trade association and individual clients on Federal Election Commission regulations, including procedures on PAC formation and fundraising. He has represented clients on advisory opinion requests and in enforcement matters before the commission.

A partner since 1987, Michael previously served as special assistant to the solicitor and as an attorney-advisor in the Office of the Solicitor, US Department of the Interior; on the White House domestic policy staff; and on the official and/or campaign staffs of former Vice President Walter Mondale and Congressmen Morris K. Udall and James J. Howard.