Career
Michael Hecker is a leading environmental and energy attorney at Hodgson Russ, known for helping businesses manage risk and navigate complex regulations with clarity and precision. His practice spans compliance, remediation, enforcement, and renewable energy development, with a focus on delivering practical solutions in high-stakes matters.
Mike advises on federal, state, and local environmental laws, including the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act; Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act; and Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act . He works closely with corporate and facility leadership on permitting strategies, operational oversight, and negotiations with agencies such as the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and U.S. Department of Justice .
He has deep experience managing remediation projects under New York’s Brownfield Cleanup and Spill Response Programs, and counsels on environmental insurance; Environmental, Social, and Governance initiatives; and tax-credit-driven redevelopment. In the renewable energy space, Mike guides developers through siting and permitting challenges, including projects on landfills and Superfund sites.
He also represents clients in administrative, civil, and criminal enforcement actions, leading internal investigations and collaborating with environmental experts to address alleged violations.
Mike is widely respected by clients for his deep knowledge of environmental law and his ability to deliver clear, strategic guidance in complex regulatory matters. His consistent recognition, including a Band 1 ranking in Chambers USA for Environment and multiple listings in Best Lawyers in America, reflects the trust clients place in his counsel.
He leads the Real Estate, Environment, Energy, and Finance Practice Area at Hodgson Russ and co-chairs the firm’s Brownfield Redevelopment Practice.
Professional Memberships
• National Association of Environmental Management, Affiliate Council Member Representative
• Air & Waste Management Association ("AWMA") & AWMA Niagara Frontier Section, Member
• New York State Bar Association - Environmental & Energy Law Section, Chair and Member of the Executive Committee and Cabinet
• New York League of Conservation Voters - Central & Western NY Chapter Board Member
