Michael Drysdale
PEOPLE

Michael Drysdale

Partner
drysdale.michael@dorsey.com

Overview

MICHAEL PRACTICES IN THE AREAS OF ENVIRONMENTAL LAW AND GENERAL LITIGATION, WITH A FOCUS ON ENVIRONMENTAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE LITIGATION.

Education & Admissions

University of Virginia School of Law (J.D., 1995), Virginia Law Review Editorial Board

University of Michigan, Institute for Public Policy Studies (M.P.P., 1987)

University of Michigan (B.A., Political Science, 1987), with distinction

Admissions

  • Minnesota
  • U.S. District Courts for the Districts of Minnesota and Colorado
  • Eighth and Tenth Circuit Courts of Appeal

Experience

Representative Work

  • Litigation counsel for coal industry in multiple NEPA and FLPMA challenges to mineral leasing and mine planning actions in Wyoming and Colorado on Forest Service and BLM-administered lands, venued in federal court and the Interior Board of Land Appeals 
  • Defended agricultural and industrial clients in toxic tort, workplace injury, and property damage litigation, as well as regulatory enforcement proceedings
  • Litigated multiple matters involving the dormant Commerce Clause, CERCLA, NEPA, CWA, and state environmental statutory and common law equivalents
  • Represented multiple waste industry clients in federal and state permitting and civil actions, to full jury verdict or judgment

Accolades

         Contributed 100+ Pro Bono Hours in 2021 Contributed 100+ Pro Bono Hours in 2020

  • Contributed more than 100 Challenge pro bono hours, 2020-2022

North Star Lawyer logo

  • MSBA North Star Lawyer, 2012-2014, 2016-2018, and 2020-2022
  • Listed as a "Rising Star" by Minnesota Super Lawyers, 2004
Michael Drysdale