Bio
Michael’s depth of experience allows him to execute strategies that are effective and focused. He actively cultivates positive relationships with his clients while providing forward-thinking advice on which they can depend.
A skilled litigator, Michael has appeared before all three levels of Alberta Courts (Provincial Court, Court of King's Bench, and Court of Appeal) representing or assisting in the representation of international, national, and midsized corporations, national financial institutions, national insurance companies, resource developers, and national political parties.
Michael maintains a highly focused complex commercial litigation and insurance defence practice. His practice includes professional liability, products liability, shareholder disputes, and large industrial loss litigation. He has extensive experience in construction litigation, contract litigation, and commercial insurance disputes, having represented numerous clients and insurers in such matters.
In addition, Michael’s advocacy practice is focused on responding to the regulatory and litigation needs of Alberta’s resource companies. He has acted for both large and mid-sized oil and gas companies, power generation facility owners and operators, and national financial institutions in a host of disputes involving regulatory proceedings, commercial litigation, and commercial arbitrations. Michael’s representative experience includes acting for clients before regulatory bodies (including the Alberta Energy Regulator, Alberta Utilities Commission, Natural Resources Conservation Board and Canada Energy Regulator) in relation to project approvals and related regulatory matters. These include approvals for a large combined-cycle gas fired power generating facility, multiple wind farm applications, sour gas well applications, and other large scale natural resource projects.
Further, Michael’s experience in the environmental sector extends to issues of climate change, environmental insurance, and surface rights.
Many of Michael’s clients are faced with the reality of a consistently changing regulatory landscape, often driven by political realities and decisions. He helps them navigate the dynamic terrain by working collaboratively, talking through issues, and maintaining a goal-oriented focus. Relationships and results are the cornerstones of Michael’s practice.