Michael C. Powell

Environmental Law

5.0 (1 reviews)

Baltimore, Maryland

46+ years experience

Gordon Feinblatt LLC

Updated: Jan 03, 2026

Contact Information

410-576-4000

https://www.gfrlaw.com/who-we-are/attorneys/powell-michael-c

1001 Fleet Street, Suite 700, Baltimore, MD 21202

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Bio

Michael was named Maryland “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers in America® for Environmental Law in 2025, 2019, 2016 and 2014 and “Lawyer of the Year” for Environmental Litigation 2017. He has been named one of the Best Lawyers in America® in this region for more than two decades. Michael has also been named a Maryland Super Lawyer®. He received the 2023 F. Patrick Hughes Award of Excellence from NAIOP for his work representing business interests during the drafting of Maryland’s Climate Change legislation and regulations and was named to the Daily Records list of Influential Marylanders in 2022. Michael has the highest possible rating in Martindale-Hubbell (established by peer review) and was a founding member and the first elected Chair of the Environmental Section of the Maryland State Bar Association (MSBA). Prior to joining Gordon Feinblatt, Michael served as Principal Counsel to the Maryland Department of the Environment. In this role, he was the chief environmental attorney for the state and the principal advisor to the Attorney General on environmental issues. He also served as an Assistant Attorney General advising the state, at various times, on issues involving hazardous wastes, water pollution, solid wastes, radiation control and other environmental and regulatory issues. In 2015, Michael was appointed by Governor Larry Hogan to represent business interests on the Maryland Climate Change Commission and then reappointed by Senate President Mike Miller in 2016. He co-chairs the Mitigation Work Group of the Commission, which is developing plans to meet Maryland’s greenhouse gas targets. Michael was also recognized for his dedication to the practice of law and to his community with the 2009 Leadership in the Law award, presented by The Daily Record and received a Professional Service Award in 2011 for his pro bono work from the Maryland Fuel Fund.

Practice Areas

Environmental Law

Awards & Recognition

Lawyer of the Year: Environmental Law, Baltimore (2025)
Lawyer of the Year: Environmental Law, Baltimore (2019)
Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - Environmental, Baltimore (2017)
Lawyer of the Year: Environmental Law, Baltimore (2016)
Lawyer of the Year: Environmental Law, Baltimore (2014)
Recognized: Environmental Law
Recognized: Litigation - Environmental
Practice Area: Administrative / Regulatory Law
Special Focus: Administrative/Regulatory
Special Focus: Clean Water Act
Special Focus: Climate Change
Special Focus: Counseling
Special Focus: Energy
Special Focus: Enforcement Defense
Special Focus: Environmental
Special Focus: Environmental Cleanup
Special Focus: Environmental Permitting
Special Focus: Government Relations
Special Focus: Land Use and Zoning
Special Focus: Litigation
Special Focus: RCRA/Hazardous Waste
Special Focus: Regulatory
Special Focus: Superfunds/Environmental Remediation
Special Focus: Utilities
Daily Record's Leadership in the Law, 2009

Recognized in Best Lawyers since 1995

Education

University of Virginia, J.D., graduated 1979
University of Virginia, B.A., graduated 1976

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Reviews

Paul Jones

2 weeks ago

A consummate professional with decades of proven expertise

Our company faced a complex compliance issue with Maryland's environmental regulations, and Michael Powell was instrumental in guiding us to a favorable resolution. His 46 years of experience were immediately apparent. He combined deep knowledge of environmental law with practical, strategic advice, avoiding unnecessary litigation. His recognition as a 'Lawyer of the Year' in this field is well-deserved. At Gordon Feinblatt, we found not just a brilliant attorney, but a trusted advisor who is genuinely invested in his clients' long-term success.