Department profile
Michael Best & Friedrich LLP

Natural Resources & Environment

USA Guide 2026 : Wisconsin

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Michael Best & Friedrich LLP

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About

Provided by Michael Best & Friedrich LLP

Environmental & Natural Resources law is not only complex and constantly evolving, but also highly technical. Michael Best’s team of environmental lawyers understands not only the law and the science of environmental regulations, but also our clients’ business needs and how to help achieve them.

We have more than a century of collective experience in environmental law, assisting with everything from compliance counseling to enforcement defense. Clients know they can count on us to give them strategic, proactive advice in succinct, understandable terms.

Members of our team have served in government, industry, trade associations, and utilities. We maintain relationships with key regulators and legislators at both the state and federal levels, and we work closely with technical staff and environmental consultants and experts.

Our experience, approach, and connections enable us to help clients find creative solutions that can transform risk into reward, such as cross-industry emissions agreements or converting waste into energy for sale.

We provide a complete range of services in the area of Environmental & Natural Resource law, including:

  • Environmental Compliance Counseling, Permitting, & Advocacy
  • Environmental Enforcement Defense & Litigation
  • Climate Change & Sustainability
  • Contaminated Property Development & Remediation
  • Representation in Superfund Sites
  • Managing Environmental Risk in Transactions
  • Water Law and Regulation

Industries (12)

  • Agriculture, including Dairy and Food Processing
  • Forest & Paper
  • Metal & Mining
  • Consumer Product Manufacturing
  • Utilities
  • Refineries
  • Foundries
  • Ethanol and other Biofuel Producers
  • Energy
  • Printers and Coaters
  • Waste Management Facilities
  • Water

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Natural Resources & Environment - Wisconsin

Band 1

What the Team is Known For
Michael Best & Friedrich LLP offers expert counsel on environment and natural resources law for clients in the agriculture, manufacturing, waste management, public and renewable energy sectors. The team is highly respected for its environmental litigation practice, as well as its expertise in compliance strategy and permitting. Michael Best represents a good choice of counsel on contaminated sites. The firm also frequently advises on air permitting matters. The team has notable competence counseling on climate change issues.
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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Michael Best represented Associated Milk Producers in connection with the defense of a Clean Water Act enforcement action advanced by the DOJ, concerning the organization's Iowa milk processing facility.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The team helps us navigate sensitive questions prospectively and in a defensible, smart way.

    Natural Resources & Environment respondentUSA

  • The firm is fast to respond to questions or comments.

    Natural Resources & Environment respondentUSA

  • The team has a great understanding of the regulatory environment and is engaged with many other clients in my industry.

    Natural Resources & Environment respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Todd E Palmer
    Todd E Palmer

    Todd E Palmer

    Todd Palmer is an expert in CAA matters, regularly working with clients, including to obtain permits and defend allegations of regulatory noncompliance. He represents clients including industrial manufacturers, utilities companies and downstream petroleum industry businesses.

    • Todd has unparalleled expertise and exceptional professionalism. He is a genuine model of what lawyers should strive for.

      Natural Resources & Environment respondentUSA

    • Todd is a leader in representing industry in our state. He has the relationships at the relevant federal, state and local agencies to effectively handle these matters.

      Natural Resources & Environment respondentUSA

    • Todd is an exceptional attorney. He is very well connected in Wisconsin.

      Natural Resources & Environment respondentUSA
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  • Leah Hurtgen Ziemba
    Leah Hurtgen Ziemba

    Leah Hurtgen Ziemba

    Leah Hurtgen Ziemba is well regarded for her handling of environmental issues including compliance. She has notable experience in remediation, liability assessment, PFAS matters and environmental indemnity agreements.

    • Leah Ziemba is a trusted adviser to my company. Her expertise and experience comes through repeatedly.

      Natural Resources & Environment respondentUSA

    • Leah is personable, incredibly knowledgeable and solution-oriented.

      Natural Resources & Environment respondentUSA
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  • Taylor Fritsch
    Taylor Fritsch

    Taylor Fritsch

    Taylor Fritsch enjoys a burgeoning reputation for his environmental practice, with notable expertise acting for manufacturing and agribusiness clients.

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Ranked Individuals at Michael Best & Friedrich LLP (3)

Wisconsin

Members

Provided by Michael Best & Friedrich LLP

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