• Our Firm
  • Our People
  • Practice Areas
  • News & Alerts
  • Events
  • Careers
T: 248-433-7272
F: 248-433-7274
EDUCATION
Northern Michigan University
B.S., 1973,
  • magna cum laude


Wayne State University
J.D., 1975,
  • cum laude

Margaret A. Coughlin

Member

PROMINENT ASSIGNMENTS

Secured for energy client performing audits of multiple facilities audit privilege protection and defense under Michigan audit privilege law and federal audit privilege policy.

Assisted client with due diligence, grant application and permitting for a integrated combined cycle coal gasification plant.

Served as environmental compliance counsel for major oil and gas producer with operations in Michigan, Indiana and Kansas.

Successfully assisted energy and other clients with trading air emissions credits including experience with the Chicago Climate Exchange.

Represented a refinery in class action toxic tort actions.

ENVIRONMENTAL LITIGATION

Represented refinery in environmental class actions.

Common counsel to several groups in environmental enforcement matters in Minnesota, Illinois and Michigan.

Defense counsel in toxic tort litigation involving fuel oil release in Michigan.

Defended automobile manufacturer in property damages.

Successfully represented client in national Environmental Protection Act challenge.

GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

Served as on-scene counsel during two of the largest environmental incidents in Michigan involving fires, deaths, personal injury, business interruption, emergency response, release reporting, natural resource damages and toxic torts.

Common counsel or lead counsel at several CERCLA clean-up sites throughout the United States and Part 201 facilities in Michigan.

Defended numerous clients in air, water, soil, wetlands, hazardous waste and OSHA compliance matters.

Negotiated two major sediment clean-ups.

Obtained a site-specific SIP, appealed Title V permit conditions, and negotiated numerous air, water, wastewater and wetlands permits.

Oversaw environmental due diligence in major real estate transactions and corporate acquisitions and divestitures.

REPRESENTATIVE CLIENTS

  • American Golf Corporation
  • Connor Forest Industries
  • Breitburn Energy Partners L.P.
  • Ford Motor Company
  • Magna International Inc.
  • M & M Energy LLC
  • Quicksilver Resources Inc.
  • Tachi-S Engineering U.S.A., Inc
  • PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT

    • East Michigan Chapter Air & Waste Management Treasurer 2004-2007 Vice Chair 2007-2008 Chair 2008-2009
    • Co-Chair Management 2009 Annual Conference & Exhibition, Air & Waste Management Association
    • Air & Waste Management Association
    • Detroit Regional Chamber, Environmental and Energy Policy Committees
    • Michigan Manufacturers Association, Air Quality Advisory Committee
    • American Bar Association, Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources

    COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

    • The Roeper School Board of Trustees (2003-present)
    • Sustainability Policy Committee Chair (2008-2009)
    • YWCA Camp Cavell Support Committee
    • Zajaczek Dance, 2008 Graduates' Ball Chair

    PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

    • Editor, News and Notes, East Michigan Chapter Air & Waste Management Association (2007-2008)
    • "Iberdrola Renewables Eyes Wind Farm Development", Next Energy E-News Update, Spring 2008

    Previous Employment

    • Detroit Edison (1976-1978)
    • Ford Motor Company (1978-1988)
    | PRINT