News

In the fourth quarter of 2024, three associate attorneys joined Michael Best in the litigation and regulatory practice groups.

Daniel Jozwiak joined as an Associate in the litigation practice group. Located in the Denver office, Jozwiak represents businesses and individuals in all phases of commercial and civil disputes, from pre-litigation facilitation up to courtroom litigation and appeals. He also advises corporations conducting and defending internal investigations and counsels clients confronting regulatory enforcement action. Prior to joining Michael Best, Jozwiak worked as an Associate at a Boulder-based litigation boutique, specializing in business litigation, investigations, and appeals. He earned his J.D. from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law and his B.A. from Southwestern University.

Chris Kirby joined the firm as an Associate in the regulatory practice group in the Austin office. Kirby focuses his practice on the intersection of business and government, particularly in the renewable energy and traditional energy sectors, where he represents clients in regulatory advocacy and compliance, legislative and policy matters, and contested cases before regulatory bodies including the Public Utility Commission of Texas and matters before the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). Additionally, Kirby has experience in corporate mergers and acquisitions, venture capital financings, and in providing general corporate representation. Earlier in his career, Kirby served as Chief of Staff in the Texas House of Representatives, where he played a pivotal role in managing legislative priorities and budget negotiations for a member of House leadership. Kirby earned his J.D. from the University of Texas at Austin School of Law and his B.A. in Government from the University of Austin Texas at Austin.

Orrie Walsvik joined Michael Best as an Associate in the regulatory practice group. Located in the Madison office, Walsvik focuses on energy law and policy, regulatory compliance, and environmental law. Bringing experience from roles in both the public and private sectors, Walsvik offers clients practical insights into navigating legal and regulatory challenges in the energy industry. Walsvik developed his experience working for and before energy regulators, including state public utility commissions, regional transmission organizations like the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, the Department of Energy, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). He earned his J.D. from the University of Wisconsin School of Law and a B.A. in History & Anthropology from the University of Wisconsin.