Michael Finley

Michael is a partner in Gowling WLG's Toronto's Climate Change and Environment Group. His practice focuses on environmental, municipal, administrative and civil litigation.

With particular expertise in regulatory defense, Michael regularly guides clients through the often daunting process of inspections, investigations and the defense of prosecutions under provincial and federal environmental legislation.

Michael's clients seek him out because they want a lawyer who is firmly on their team, who understands their needs and goals, and who will give them straightforward, practical advice. Michael is particularly known for his no-nonsense, impactful written advocacy and his calm, credible presence in and out of court.

His clients range from Canada's largest corporations and municipalities to individuals and small businesses. His experience includes complex constitutional, environmental, corporate and municipal law matters. Michael's administrative law experience includes serving as commission counsel for the Long Term Care COVID-19 Commission and as counsel representing the City of Windsor before the Public Order Emergency Commission.

Michael has appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice, Ontario Superior Court of Justice, the Court of Appeal for Ontario, the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal, the Environmental Review Tribunal and the Ontario Land Tribunal.

Outside of his law practice, Michael is a committed father, avid gardener and inveterate cookbook collector. A passionate outdoorsman and conservationist, Michael is a member of the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, Canadians Concerned about CWD, Ducks Unlimited, Delta Waterfowl and the Ruffed Grouse Society. Michael also serves on the water committee of the Ontario Environmental Industry Association.