Great Lakes Wire

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced today that the Department will begin seeking proposals from attorneys and law firms to serve as Special Assistant Attorneys General. The selected candidates will pursue litigation related to the climate change impacts caused by the fossil fuel industry on behalf of the State of Michigan.

Nessel stated, “Our ‘Pure Michigan’ identity is under threat from the effects of climate change. Warmer temperatures are shrinking ski seasons in the UP and disrupting the wonderful blooms of Holland’s Tulip Time Festival. Severe weather events are on the rise. These impacts threaten not only our way of life but also our economy and pose long-term risks to Michigan’s thriving agribusiness. The fossil fuel industry, despite knowing about these consequences, prioritized profits over people and the environment. Pursuing this litigation will allow us to recoup our costs and hold those responsible for jeopardizing Michigan’s economic future and way of life accountable.”

The Department is looking for attorneys and law firms with experience and interest in pursuing constitutional, statutory, tort, and other applicable common law claims against the fossil fuel industry.

Proposals will be accepted through a blind-bid process, with contracts being awarded based on value to the State considering qualifications, experience, abilities, capacity, and cost-effectiveness. The final decision will be made by Attorney General Nessel based on recommendations from Department staff. This ensures an objective selection process that maintains bidder anonymity.

Following selection, a notice of award will be posted on the Department's website. Selected attorneys and law firms will be compensated on a contingency fee basis.

Interested attorneys and law firms can visit the Attorney General’s website for more information. The deadline to submit a proposal is June 5th.