• As lead counsel for a Canadian-based partnership that constructed a 42-inch natural gas pipeline across 1,215 tracts of land from Niles to St. Clair, Michigan:
  • litigated pre-condemnation property access disputes
  • filed 88 condemnation actions, defended necessity challenges, and litigated cases to conclusion
  • drafted pleadings and related form documents
  • defended several restoration lawsuits
  • supervised outside counsel, client landmen, and other personnel
  • conducted settlement negotiations
• Filed condemnation action and negotiated settlement thereof on behalf of Michigan utility regarding power plant welcome center.
• Represented Michigan businesses defending actions to condemn portions of their business premises:
  • Represented West Michigan blueberry farm regarding pipeline company’s attempt to use 40-year-old easement grant without paying just compensation to install new, larger pipeline
  • Represented global auto supplier regarding petroleum refiner’s condemnation of easement across portion of testing facility grounds
• Advised numerous landowners (1) facing expansion of usages under old easement grants and (2) condemnation of new easements.
• Served as trial counsel for major and independent oil and gas exploration companies, well operators and interest owners in cases involving property access and restoration, post-production cost challenges, interest and royalty disputes and well-site performance issues for 25 years.
• Was a member of a litigation team that defended issuance of state mining and wastewater discharge permits by State of Michigan for Upper Peninsula mine; participation in longest contested case hearing in state history, and in subsequent appeals.
• Served as trial counsel for an international construction firm involving claim for extras caused by deficient soil borings on a state project; the case was resolved by a substantial settlement favorable to the client.

Reported Cases

• Terra Energy Ltd v State of Michigan, 241 Mich App 393; 616 NW2d 691 (2000); lv den 463 Mich 994 (2001).
• Performance Abatement Services, Inc v Lansing Board of Water and Light, 168 F Supp 2d 720 (WD Mich 2001).
• Omega Construction Company, Inc v Altman, 147 Mich App 649 (1985); lv den 425 Mich 877 (1986).
• Omega Construction Company, Inc v Altman, 667 F Supp 453 (WD Mich 1987).
• National Wildlife Federation v. Kennecott Eagle Minerals Co, ___ Mich App ___ (2014).