Austin D. Michel

As an Associate Attorney at BrownWinick, I have the opportunity to serve clients across a range of practice areas and industries. I am actively involved in the firm’s Energy, Natural Resources, and Environmental Law Practice Group. I am also regularly called upon to assist the firm’s Litigation Practice Group, particularly on energy, utility, and telecommunications matters. My experience, however, extends across several industries and I am ready to work with you and your business to tackle any legal challenge or opportunity that lies ahead.   

My Approach

My approach is to provide practical, timely advice that adds value to your decision-making process while protecting your legal and business interests. This begins by learning your business and its objectives—both short- and long-term—before seeking to fully understand the issue at hand. I then aim to craft a solution that takes into account your business objectives and not only identifies potential legal risks and roadblocks but presents actionable steps to drive your business forward. In those instances where it becomes necessary to protect your interests through the adversarial process, I am prepared to draw upon my extensive experience working in the state and federal courts to serve as your zealous advocate in the courtroom and work towards a favorable resolution.   

More About Me

Originally from Dubuque, Iowa, I received my B.A., summa cum laude, from the University of San Diego in 2016 and my J.D., with distinction, from the University of Iowa in 2021. I was admitted to both the District of Columbia and Iowa, and currently serve as a member of the Polk County Bar Association and Iowa State Bar Association.  

While at the University of Iowa, I served as a senior board member of the Iowa Law Review, competed on the College of Law’s National Moot Court team, and was an active member of the Environmental Law Society. Upon graduation, I had the privilege of spending several years working in the chambers of various state and federal judges, including an Iowa Appellate Judge, two U.S. Magistrate Judges, and, most recently, a U.S. District Judge here in the Southern District of Iowa.   

My Specialties

• Energy Law
• Utility Law
• Renewable Energy Law (wind, solar, renewable natural gas)
• Litigation
• Administrative/Regulatory Law
• Business & Corporate Law