future-focused

Practices

Industries

Assistant

Paige Fussell

504.556.4065

I have obtained favorable jury verdicts in Louisiana’s most difficult venues, so I’m not afraid to advocate for my clients all the way through trial if necessary. Of course, sometimes compromise is the most prudent way to resolve a dispute, and I won’t hesitate to advise a client when litigation is not the answer. Ultimately, I strive to provide value and stability to my clients, allowing them to focus on their business and make informed decisions on the risks before them.

Michael is a trial lawyer with a focus on complex litigation involving mass torts and toxic torts, as well as commercial and environmental litigation. He has obtained several favorable jury verdicts in notoriously plaintiff-friendly venues. He has obtained injunctions in both Shreveport, LA and Houston, TX in favor of one of the nation’s largest waste services companies related to a competitor’s unfair trade practices. Michael has successfully litigated claims against the United States in the Court of Federal Claims in Washington, D.C. related to the taking of a plaintiff’s property without paying just compensation, and has represented the holders of air permits in environmental disputes in federal court.

Michael is an accomplished speaker and writer, frequently publishing and presenting on the latest developments in state and federal litigation.

Notable Experience

  • Achieved denial of class certification in high-stakes landfill toxic exposure claim, in which plaintiffs sought to certify a class of over 76,000 residents from Jefferson Parish’s East and West Banks, alleging exposure to landfill emissions over a thirty-month period.
  • Obtained defense verdict from Orleans Parish jury in favor of one of the nation’s most prominent genetic testing companies, in case where plaintiff alleged she was misled about her genetic test results, causing her to undergo 9 unnecessary surgical procedures and resulting in bodily scarring. Plaintiff asked jury for $14 million in general damages, but jury awarded no damages.
  • Obtained verdicts in Louisiana and Texas in favor of one of North America’s largest waste haulers, enjoining the unfair trade practices of a competitor.
  • Defended a multinational waste services company in mass tort action alleging nuisance and personal injury related to alleged landfill odors, resulting in hundreds of dismissals based upon effective use of scientific and medical evidence.
  • Obtained multiple defense jury verdicts, including a defense verdict from an Orleans Parish jury in a wrongful death suit related to the death of a 9-year-old girl from swine flu.
  • Served as primary trial counsel in a successful 5th Amendment takings claim against the United States related to the Army Corps of Engineer’s operation of the Bonnet Carré Spillway which resulted in the collapse of railroad client’s railway bridge, resulting in a multi-million dollar settlement in client’s favor.

Involvement

Professional Affiliations

  • Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel, formerly served as member of the Young Lawyers Committee
  • Regional Competition Coordinator for the LSBA’s annual High School Mock Trial Competition, 2015-2019

Community Affiliations

  • Coach, Jesuit High School Mock Trial Team, 2011-2014

Recognition

  • Chambers USA –  Environmental Litigation, 2024
  • The Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch ©, New Orleans, LA, Commercial Litigation and Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Defendants, 2023-2025
  • Selected as “Top Lawyer” in New Orleans by New Orleans Magazine for Commercial Litigation and Mass Tort Litigations / Class Actions, 2020-2022

Credentials

Education

  • Louisiana State University, Paul M. Hebert Law Center (J.D./D.C.L., magna cum laude, 2011)
    • Order of the Coif
  • Louisiana State University (B.A., Mass Communication, 2008)

Bar Admissions

  • Louisiana, 2011
  • Texas, 2024

Court Admissions

  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District, Louisiana, 2011
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit, Louisiana, 2011
  • U.S. District Court, Middle District, Louisiana, 2011
  • U.S. District Court, Western District, Louisiana, 2011
  • U.S. Court of Federal Claims, 2017

Presentations

Publications

After Hours

Michael and his wife Michelle are the proud parents of two young children. When they aren't busy chasing the kids, they embrace the joys of New Orleans – including live music, Mardi Gras parades, Saints games, restaurants, and City Park. They especially love to travel, zipping around Europe by train, exploring the mountains of Asheville, and relaxing on the beaches of Turks & Caicos.

When at home, though, Michael is an unabashed TV and movie nerd. Publishing a Breaking Bad-themed law review article — and later snagging a photo with a delighted Bryan Cranston holding up the article — remains one of his proudest moments. He is also a wannabe mixologist - always tweaking his recipes for the perfect Old Fashioned, Mai Tai, and homemade limoncello.

WHAT’S TRENDING WITH Michael

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