Michael C.

Drew

Position: Partner
Office: New Orleans

Michael Drew is a partner at Jones Walker and is leader of the Litigation Practice Group. Michael’s practice focuses on government regulatory actions, health and disability insurance, and government contracts. Michael also co-leads Jones Walker’s Construction Team.

Michael has developed significant practices in three distinct areas of law: government regulatory, healthcare litigation, and government contracts.

Government Regulatory Actions

Michael advises clients on a host of regulatory matters, with a special emphasis on permitting large-scale brownfield and greenfield projects — including hydrogen facilities, biofuels facilities, pipelines, carbon capture and sequestration facilities, and low-carbon chemical facilities. He has extensive experience working with the US Army Corps of Engineers on permits under sections 404/408 of the Clean Water Act and section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act. Michael also works with companies to develop permit applications and permit strategies for Class V and Class VI wells under the Safe Drinking Water act in coordination with the Louisiana Department of Energy and Natural Resources and the Environmental Protection Agency. Michael assists clients in developing permit applications, complying with National Environmental Policy Act reviews and Louisiana Public Trust Doctrine reviews, addressing project alternatives, and responding to agency and public comments. He also works with coordinated state and federal filings, including Joint Permit Applications, Coastal Use Permits, and section 401 water quality certifications. Michael has significant experience defending permitted actions against Administrative Procedures Act challenges in both state and federal court.

Healthcare Litigation

Michael has extensive experience litigating disputes arising out of and relating to health and disability insurance, including benefit disputes, provider payment disputes, and matters under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. He represents major healthcare insurers in states across the Gulf South, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.

Government Contracts

Michael provides effective counsel to contractors and subcontractors with respect to bids, contracts, public records and other issues that arise out of the provision of products and services to federal, state, and local government entities. He has particular experience in government contract litigation, including disputes arising under Louisiana public bid and procurement laws, as well as the Federal Acquisition Regulations. In addition, Michael advises both public and private clients on compliance with Louisiana ethics and public records laws.

Michael has served as interim litigation counsel for a Fortune® 150 corporation and acts currently as Louisiana counsel for multiple Fortune® 500 companies in connection with their Louisiana operations.