Michael Botnick is a member with more than 40 years of experience in commercial litigation and is a certified mediator. His practice encompasses transactions, real estate, contracts, and corporate law, as well as trusts and estates. In the last 28 years, Michael has dedicated a hefty portion of his time practicing construction law and handling litigation cases involving disputes, an area in which he has been recognized inChambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business.Chambers USA states that Michael is noted for his construction litigation strengths on behalf of clients in the public and private sectors.
Peers praise his pragmatic approach to disputes and his focus on reaching the best solution for clients, whether by a negotiated settlement or litigation. The publication further states that he is "very good at breaking it down, anticipating issues before they happen and coming up with practical solutions that avoid wasting time and money." Michael is listed in the A.M. Best's Directory of Insurance Professionals.
From 1994-2003, Michael served as Deputy City Attorney for the City of New Orleans. In that capacity, he was responsible for the negotiation, drafting and preparation of all public bid, professional, and personal service contracts for the City. He also assisted all City departments in the drafting of contracts and served in an advisory capacity to these departments.
During this time, he also chaired the committee responsible for reviewing all contracts, leases, capital projects, professional and personal service contracts for compliance with policy and legal requirements before submission for the Mayor's consideration and signature. From 1993-1994, Michael served as Director of Economic Development for the City of New Orleans and as the City's Lead Counsel for the 1988 Republican National Convention, the Pope John Paul II visit, the Harrah's Casino project, and in various complex and high-profile state and federal litigation.Representative Reported Cases:Gootee Construction, Inc. v.
Dale N. Atkins, et. al., No.
2015-CA-0376 (La. App. 4 Cir.
Nov. 4, 2015)J. Caldarera & Company, Inc.
v. St. James Parish Hospital Service District, No.
09-CA-166 (11/24/09) Haspel & Davis Milling v. Board of Levee Commissioners, 493 F.3d 570 (5th Cir. 2007)Civil Service Commission of The City of New Orleans v.
The City of New Orleans, No. 02-C-1912 c/w 02-C-1815 (La. 9/9/03)Times Picayune Publishing Corporation v.
The City of New Orleans, 760 So.2d 375 (La. App. 4 Cir.
2/23/00)Louisiana Landmark Society, Inc. v. The City of New Orleans, 85 F.3d 1119 (5th Cir.
1996)Missouri Pacific Railroad Company v. City of New Orleans, 46 F.3d 487 (5th Cir. 1995)Published Works & Presentations:Co-Presenter of Legislative Update: How Boudin is Made in Baton Rouge (Gordon Arata Annual Duck Lunch & Seminar, October 2015)Professional Affiliations:American Bar AssociationFederal Bar AssociationLouisiana State Bar AssociationNew Orleans Bar AssociationNew Orleans Academy of Trial AttorneysCommunity Involvement:Anti-Defamation League - Honorary Board Member, National Commission MemberJewish Children Regional Service Endowment - Former Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Honorary Board MemberHonors: Best Lawyers in America - Construction Law (2017)Chamber USA - Construction Law (Since 2010)Louisiana Super Lawyers - Construction Litigation (Since 2013)New Orleans Magazine "Top Lawyers" - Construction Law (2013 and 2014)Martindale-Hubbell - AV RatedListed in the A.M.
