Michael Finley, Environmental Attorney in the United States
focused on Environmental and Government
Dedicated environmental attorney.
Practices in
Are you Michael Finley?
This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.
Quick answer
Michael Finley is an attorney based in Toronto, ONTARIO. The practice focuses on Environmental and Government.
- Based in
- Toronto, ONTARIO
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Environmental · Government
- Handles Environmental and Government matters from Toronto, ONTARIO.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Administrative and Public Law (2026).
About Michael Finley: Michael Finley is an attorney based in Toronto, ONTARIO. The practice focuses on Environmental and Government.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Michael takes on
Michael concentrates on environmental and government. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Environmental cases nationwide
Michael takes environmental matters nationwide. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Government cases nationwide
Michael takes government matters nationwide. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Michael Finley — environmental lawyer in the U.S.
Michael Finley is an attorney based in Toronto, ONTARIO. The practice focuses on Environmental and Government.
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.
Working with Michael on a environmental matter
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…
Clients Michael works with
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for environmental and government matters in the United States.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Michael has received 2 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Administrative and Public Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Environmental Law
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Administrative and Public Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Environmental Law (2026).
Locations
Michael Finley's office in Toronto
Michael's primary office is at 1 First Canadian Place, Toronto, Ontario. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Michael Finley
Michael has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
No reviews yet
Only verified clients who have consulted with Michael Finley can leave a review.
Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Michael Finley — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new environmental attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a environmental attorney in your state
A short list to run through before you commit: How many environmental matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Michael
Michael discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in environmental practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every environmental matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Michael's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many environmental practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Michael Finley
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a environmental case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michael offer a free consultation?
Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some environmental attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do environmental cases in this state typically take?
Simple environmental matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michael take my case if I'm outside the area?
Michael evaluates matters case by case. If the venue is outside Michael's regular jurisdictions, the intake call will confirm whether direct representation or a referral makes more sense.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Michael?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michael accepting new environmental clients right now?
Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.