Renewable & Infrastructure Energy

Focus

Our Focus: Powering Michigan’s Energy Sector

You have projects to launch, deadlines to meet, and regulations to navigate. You’re building the future of renewable energy in Michigan, and every decision matters. Having the right legal partner can make all the difference in ensuring success.

Zausmer is at the forefront of Michigan’s renewable energy boom, leading projects in solar, wind, battery storage, electrical infrastructure, and wireless services. Powered by decades of experience and unmatched expertise in complex regulatory landscapes, our elite renewables team delivers strategic legal counsel to drive projects forward—securing approvals, managing land acquisition, and navigating litigation.

We represent renewables industry leaders, offering comprehensive legal solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs. Whether it’s guiding major infrastructure projects or addressing regulatory challenges, Zausmer’s team is dedicated to achieving results.

Zausmer’s affiliation with the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council (EIBC) has positioned us at the heart of legislative advancements, helping shape Michigan’s renewable energy policies. Our expertise and commitment have solidified our standing as a leading energy law firm in the state.

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Zausmer’s legal team was instrumental in the success of the Thumb Loop Transmission Line project. Their expertise in land acquisition and condemnation litigation was invaluable as we secured over 500 easements across 140 miles. From coordinating with Right-of-Way agents to navigating complex legal disputes, Zausmer delivered practical solutions that kept the project on track. Their commitment to securing our property rights ensured that Michigan’s renewable energy infrastructure could move forward smoothly.”

— Patricia Murphy, Sr. Managing Counsel, Capital Projects & Maintenance, ITC Holdings

Zausmer provides comprehensive legal services for Michigan’s renewable energy and infrastructure sectors. From utility-scale solar and wind projects to energy storage and transmission infrastructure, we help businesses, developers, and investors overcome regulatory challenges to secure their project’s success.

With deep expertise in business law, real property law, and renewable energy law, our team manages every stage of energy projects—navigating land acquisition, regulatory approvals, contract negotiations, and complex litigation—ensuring nothing stands in the way of your progress.

Zausmer is a trusted partner in shaping Michigan’s renewable energy future, driving projects forward with a commitment to results and a deep understanding of the state’s evolving energy policies.

Practice Areas

Renewable Energy Legal Services

Zausmer is shaping Michigan’s renewable energy future, with Steve Estey leading the team in navigating the state’s most complex solar, wind, and energy storage projects. From securing land and permits to overcoming regulatory hurdles, we help you power the state’s clean energy transition.

Utility-Scale Solar and Wind Projects: Securing siting approvals, navigating environmental permitting, and advising on land use matters.
Energy Storage and Grid Integration: Structuring contracts and addressing regulatory challenges for battery storage and energy distribution systems.
Energy Infrastructure Development: Assisting with transmission lines, substations, and utility corridor projects, ensuring compliance and smooth execution.
Regulatory Compliance and Permitting: Navigating state and federal regulations to ensure timely project approvals.
Land Acquisition and Eminent Domain: Managing property acquisition, easements, and eminent domain cases to ensure projects stay on track.
Litigation and Dispute Resolution: Representing clients in disputes related to contracts, property rights, and regulatory compliance.

Real Property Legal Services

Zausmer is a trusted legal advisor to Michigan’s leading real estate developers, handling some of the most complex residential, commercial, and industrial projects in the state. With decades of experience, our team is known for delivering practical, business-focused solutions in acquisitions, dispositions, development, and environmental matters. From drafting tailored agreements that reduce litigation risks to resolving high-stakes disputes, we ensure our clients’ real estate objectives are met.

Acquisitions and Dispositions: Managing the purchase and sale of real estate, ensuring smooth transactions and risk mitigation.
Development and Construction: Advising on project feasibility, environmental concerns, and construction-related legal issues.
Environmental Issues: Navigating complex transactions involving environmentally-challenged properties, ensuring regulatory compliance and liability allocation.
Leases and Landlord-Tenant Disputes: Drafting and negotiating commercial and residential leases, and resolving disputes between landlords and tenants.
Foreclosures and Workouts: Handling foreclosure proceedings and debt restructuring for distressed properties.
Public and Private Ventures: Assisting in public-private partnerships, including shopping centers and planned communities.

Our team understands that carefully crafted documents reduce the risk of future disputes, which is why we negotiate and draft detailed purchase agreements, option agreements, and leases, all tailored to your business objectives.

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Eminent Domain Legal Services

Mark Zausmer literally wrote the book on eminent domain in Michigan, serving as the principal draftsman of the state’s Uniform Condemnation Procedures Act. Zausmer’s team—led by eminent domain powerhouses Mischa Boardman and Devin Sullivan—has played a pivotal role in acquiring land for Michigan’s most significant infrastructure projects, from highways and pipelines to energy transmission and water systems.

Title Research: Clarifying ownership before acquisition.
Negotiations: Resolving disputes to avoid litigation.
Condemnation Actions: Initiating legal proceedings for public land use.
Compensation: Ensuring fair compensation for property owners.
Litigation: Handling eminent domain cases through trial and appeals.

Our work has supported key projects like the Gordie Howe International Bridge and expansions at Detroit Metro Airport. We’ve also helped utilities such as ITC Holdings and DTE Gas secure land for critical infrastructure.

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Attorneys

Meet the Renewable Energy and Real Property Team

Meet Zausmer’s team of skilled attorneys, known for their expertise in renewable energy, real property, and infrastructure law. With a proven record of handling complex legal matters in Michigan, our attorneys offer clear, forward-thinking solutions that lead to successful outcomes for every client.