Atty. Michael Finley
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.
Administrative and Public Law & More Attorney
Profile Summary
About Michael Finley at a Glance
Michael Finley is a environmental and government attorney, practicing at Gowling WLG. Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Administrative and Public Law (2026) and Best Lawyers in America — Environmental Law (2026).
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About Michael Finley
- 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
Practice Areas Explained
Michael Finley's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Michael Finley handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation.
Environmental Law
Environmental attorneys for regulatory compliance, contamination, land use, and natural resource law.
Michael Finley is one of 55,977 environmental attorneys indexed nationally. Browse environmental attorneys →
Government & Administrative Law
Attorneys for administrative law, agency hearings, government contracts, licensing, and public benefits.
Michael Finley is one of 131,162 government attorneys indexed nationally. Browse government attorneys →
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Your Area Choose Michael Finley
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Michael Finley's practice in the field of environmental and government.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering environmental and government, Michael Finley can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Transparent Client Communication
Clients consistently note that understanding what is happening in their case — and why — is as important as the outcome itself. Michael Finley maintains clear, timely communication throughout every matter.
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Michael Finley's Practice Areas & Specializations
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