Michael D. Graves

In Oklahoma's dynamic industrial and energy landscape, understanding and complying with complex environmental laws and regulations is not just a best practice, but a critical necessity. Companies across our state, particularly those in the oil and gas sectors, face intricate legal challenges related to environmental impact, regulatory compliance, and potential litigation. For comprehensive and strategic guidance in this highly specialized field, Oklahomans turn to seasoned legal professionals. In Tulsa, Michael D. Graves stands as a preeminent attorney, offering extensive expertise in Environmental Law.

Michael D. Graves brings decades of experience to the table, having dedicated his career to advising and representing industrial and oil and gas companies on a wide array of environmental matters. His deep understanding of federal and state environmental laws, coupled with a practical approach to problem-solving, makes him an invaluable asset for businesses operating within Oklahoma and even across the globe. He is known for his ability to navigate complex regulatory frameworks and handle high-stakes environmental litigation, providing robust defense and proactive compliance strategies.

While direct customer reviews for Michael D. Graves weren't explicitly provided in the prompt, public information highlights his distinguished career, including his role as "Of Counsel" with the respected firm Hall Estill, where he has been since 1980. His recognition as an "Oklahoma Super Lawyer" and a "Best Lawyer in America" in Environmental Law and Environmental Litigation, along with his extensive speaking engagements at environmental law seminars, are strong indicators of his professional standing and the high regard in which he is held by his peers. This article will explore the specialized services offered by Michael D. Graves and why he is a suitable choice for Oklahomans dealing with environmental legal complexities.

Michael D. Graves's practice is based in the heart of Tulsa, Oklahoma, within the offices of Hall Estill, a prominent law firm. His office is located at 320 S Boston Ave # 200, Tulsa, OK 74103, USA. This central downtown Tulsa address ensures excellent accessibility for clients from across the metropolitan area and beyond.

Situated on South Boston Avenue, the office is strategically located in a key business and legal district, making it convenient to reach via major roadways and potentially public transportation. While specific parking details are not provided, downtown Tulsa offers various parking garages and street parking options, which clients can inquire about when scheduling their visit. The central location underscores his commitment to serving businesses and industries throughout Oklahoma with ease and efficiency.

Michael D. Graves specializes exclusively in Environmental Law, providing comprehensive advice and representation to industrial and oil and gas companies. His expertise covers a broad spectrum of environmental legal issues, aiming to ensure compliance, mitigate risks, and resolve disputes.

• Environmental Regulatory Compliance: He advises companies on complying with complex environmental laws and regulations at both state and federal levels, helping them navigate requirements to avoid penalties and ensure sustainable operations.
• Environmental Litigation and Toxic Tort Defense: Michael D. Graves has extensive experience defending clients in high-stakes environmental litigation, including multi-billion dollar class action toxic tort cases. He works to protect companies from significant liabilities and reputational damage.
• Environmental Due Diligence: He coordinates nationwide environmental due diligence efforts for major industrial clients, assessing potential environmental risks and liabilities associated with transactions or operations.
• CERCLA Liability: He has a proven track record, including obtaining the first federal district court judgment holding a transporter liable under CERCLA (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act) for selecting disposal sites, demonstrating his deep knowledge of Superfund laws.
• Environmental Permitting and Project Development: He provides guidance on obtaining necessary environmental permits for various projects and assists with the environmental aspects of project development, including coordinating environmental impact statements for major interstate pipeline projects.
• Endangered Species and Cultural Resources Reviews: His experience includes coordinating reviews for large-scale projects, such as wind energy developments, to ensure compliance with laws protecting endangered species and cultural heritage.
• Environmental Compliance Audit Programs: He designs and implements environmental compliance audit programs for industrial clients, helping them proactively identify and address potential compliance issues.
• Water Law: As part of his environmental practice, he handles matters related to water rights, water quality, and other aspects of water law.
• Administrative Law: His practice often involves navigating administrative processes and appearing before governmental agencies concerning environmental regulations.
• Appellate Advocacy: Michael D. Graves has appeared in cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and seven U.S. Courts of Appeals, highlighting his capability to handle cases at the highest levels of the judicial system.

Michael D. Graves's distinguished career is marked by several significant features and professional highlights:

• Extensive Experience (40+ Years): Having been with Hall Estill since 1980 and with prior experience at the U.S. Department of Justice (1973-1977), Michael D. Graves brings over four decades of focused experience in environmental law. This depth of knowledge is exceptional and invaluable for complex cases.
• Recognized Industry Leader: He is consistently recognized as an "Oklahoma Super Lawyer" in Environmental Law and Environmental Litigation, and a "Best Lawyer in America" in these fields. He was also named "Tulsa Lawyer of the Year" in Environmental Law multiple times (2014, 2016, 2021) and in Litigation-Environmental (2020) by Best Lawyers.
• National and International Reach: His practice extends beyond Oklahoma, having handled matters in 28 U.S. states and 4 foreign countries, showcasing a broad understanding of diverse regulatory environments.
• Supreme Court Experience: Notably, he has appeared in cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, winning four out of five cases during his tenure at the Department of Justice. This is a rare and highly prestigious achievement.
• Thought Leader and Author: Michael D. Graves is a frequent presenter at environmental law seminars and has authored chapters in significant legal guides, such as the "Oklahoma" Chapter of "Brownfields: A Comprehensive Guide to Redeveloping Contaminated Properties" and "Environmental Law Practice Guide."
• Academic Background: He holds a J.D. (Order of the Coif) from Washington University School of Law, and both an M.A. in International Relations and a B.A. in History and Political Science (with honors) from the University of Tulsa, providing a robust academic foundation.
• Community and Professional Involvement: His leadership roles, including former Chair of the Hazardous Waste Advisory Council of the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality and former President of the University of Tulsa Alumni Association and Leadership Tulsa, highlight his commitment to both his profession and the local community.

The provided information does not detail any specific "promotions" or "special offers" from Michael D. Graves. However, for a high-caliber attorney specializing in complex areas like environmental law, the focus is typically on providing unparalleled expertise and strategic counsel. It is customary for such legal professionals to offer initial consultations to prospective clients. These consultations provide an opportunity to discuss the specific environmental challenge or compliance need, assess the legal landscape, and understand how Michael D. Graves's extensive experience can be leveraged. Businesses and organizations in Oklahoma seeking his specialized legal services are encouraged to contact his office to inquire about his consultation process and fee structure for environmental matters.

To connect with Michael D. Graves and explore how his extensive expertise in Environmental Law can benefit your company or organization, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 320 S Boston Ave # 200, Tulsa, OK 74103, USA (within the Hall Estill office)
• Phone: (918) 594-0443
• Mobile Phone: +1 918-594-0443

Reaching out directly via phone or email (through Hall Estill's contact information for him) is the most efficient way to initiate contact and discuss your specific environmental legal needs.

For businesses and industrial entities in Oklahoma, particularly those within the vital oil and gas sector, navigating the labyrinth of environmental laws and regulations is a constant and critical challenge. Michael D. Graves, with his profound expertise in Environmental Law, stands as an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended legal resource for local users. His office, conveniently located in downtown Tulsa within the reputable Hall Estill firm, ensures accessible and professional service for clients across our state.

What truly makes Michael D. Graves an indispensable asset for Oklahomans is his unparalleled experience spanning over four decades, coupled with his national recognition and Supreme Court appearances. This extensive background provides local companies with access to a level of environmental legal sophistication typically found in only the largest national firms. He understands the specific nuances of Oklahoma's industrial landscape and regulatory environment, allowing him to provide tailored and effective solutions, whether for proactive compliance, complex permitting, or high-stakes litigation defense.

His proven track record in handling intricate environmental due diligence, defending against significant toxic tort cases, and navigating CERCLA liability demonstrates his capability to protect Oklahoma's businesses from substantial risks. For any entity in our state facing environmental compliance challenges, potential litigation, or seeking strategic advice to operate responsibly and efficiently, Michael D. Graves offers the expert guidance and robust advocacy required to safeguard their operations and future.