For more than a decade, Mr. Powell has been named one of the "Best Lawyers in America" in two practice areas - Environmental Law and Administrative Law - according to a national poll of lawyers performed by Woodward-White. He has also been named a "Maryland Super Lawyer" in each of the annual polls conducted by Law & Politics Magazine - one of only three selected in the field of Environmental Law. Baltimore Magazine designated Mr. Powell as one of the "Top Lawyers in Maryland" in its poll of lawyers and business interests. Mr. Powell has the highest possible rating in Martindale-Hubbell (established by peer review) and was a founding member, and the first elected chairman, of the Environmental Section of the Maryland State Bar Association. Mr. Powell was recognized for his dedication to the practice of law and his community with the 2009 Leadership in the Law award by the Maryland Daily Record.
Michael chairs the Firm's Environmental and Energy Law Practice Group and his practice covers environmental law, energy law and governmental relations. His environmental practice focuses on navigating the environmental permit process, the defense of environmental claims, climate change issues and the remediation of contaminated property. His energy practice includes frequent appearances before the Maryland Public Service Commission, the representation of energy customers and suppliers in regulatory and legislative proceedings and permits for energy projects. His lobbying efforts are typically on behalf of energy suppliers, customers, industrial interests and developers.
Prior to joining Gordon, Feinblatt, Michael served as Principal Counsel to the Maryland Department of the Environment (the chief environmental attorney for the State and the principal advisor to the Attorney General on environmental issues). He also previously served as an Assistant Attorney General advising the State, at various times, on issues involving hazardous wastes, water pollution, solid wastes, radiation control and other environmental and regulatory issues.
