Thomas C. Phillips

Principal

phillipst@millercanfield.com

Lansing
T: +1.517.483.4902
O: +1.517.487.2070
F: +1.517.374.6304

With over 25 years of experience in the practice of environmental and regulatory law, Thomas C. Phillips has developed a broad working knowledge of the state and federal statutory frameworks and judicial opinions. Furthermore, he has extensive experience in applying the law, on a practical basis, to environmental issues. As a former Assistant Attorney General and Special Assistant Attorney General for Michigan, he understands the arena in which the Department of Attorney General and Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment function. Tom has worked closely and cooperatively with both MDNRE regulators and Assistant Attorneys General during the course of his career. He endeavors to identify and analyze clients’ environmental issues and work towards a satisfactory resolution.

"When clients face environmental issues, they aren't interested in receiving a treatise as to the applicable law and how it affects their situation. They want firm, straightforward, practical advice on which they can rely. They want an environmental attorney who can deal practically and cooperatively, but firmly when necessary, with regulators to accomplish the client’s goals. This is what we endeavor to accomplish.”
Thomas C. Phillips

Experience

Tom has extensive experience in the negotiation and drafting of permits, consent orders, responses to letters of violation, and so forth. He has been involved in representing clients in two of the state’s largest environmental investigation and remediation projects. In these two large projects he has worked on a consistent basis with MDNRE regulators, Assistant Attorneys General, co-counsel and opposing counsel. He has also regularly represented cities, municipalities, and corporations in defending enforcement actions by state and federal regulators, including both civil and criminal matters.

Professional Activities

American Bar Association
State Bar of Michigan, Environmental Law Section
Ingham County Bar Association, Environmental Law Section

Honors + Awards

Best Lawyers in America, Environmental Law 2006-present; Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law 2012
Michigan Super Lawyers, Environmental 2006-2009, 2011

Civic, Cultural + Social Activities

Revitalizing our Michigan Cities, Ad Hoc Committee, Citizens' Advisory Group
Michigan State University, College of Communication Arts, Member, Alumni Board

Publications

"Environmental Law," (Co-authors: Steven E. Chester and James R. Lancaster Jr.), Local Government Law and Practice in Michigan, published jointly by the Michigan Municipal League and the Michigan Association of Municipal Attorneys

"Financing Brownfield Redevelopment," (Co-author Jay B. Rising) Michigan Bar Journal, January 1997, Vol. 76, No. 1

Speeches

"Condemnation for Municipalities," Michigan Municipal League

"Environmental Law Update," 11th Annual Advanced Institute of the Michigan Association of Municipal Attorneys

"MERA Amending Package at League's Legislative Conference," MERA/Redevelopment, and the Amendments Proposed by the Mayors' Group and the League

"Urban Core Mayors MERA Amendments Proposal," Michigan Municipal League's Transportation and Environmental Affairs Committee

"Environmental Law Section Update 94," Act 307 Developments in the Law-1994, Legislative and Administrative Developments

"Protecting against Liability in the Acquisition of Real Estate," The Public Corporation Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan's Spring Seminar titled Solid Waste Management and Environmental Planning

"Building on Our Mistakes--Redeveloping Contaminated Property," Air, Water and Waste Technologies (AWAWT) Conference

"Polluter's Pay," Michigan Association of Counties' 92nd Annual Meeting

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