Charles E. Barbieri – Lansing, MI

Distinguished Environmental and Media Law Representation

Charles E. Barbieri is a highly respected attorney serving as Of Counsel at Foster Swift Collins and Smith PC in Lansing, Michigan. With a legal career spanning over four decades, Barbieri has established himself as a leading authority in environmental law, media law, and complex civil litigation. His practice is characterized by a deep understanding of regulatory frameworks and a commitment to defending the interests of municipalities, corporations, and individuals against challenging legal claims.

Expertise in Environmental Law

Barbieri concentrates a significant portion of his practice on environmental matters. He provides comprehensive counsel on compliance with state and federal regulations, representing clients in high-stakes litigation involving:

• Regulatory Compliance: Advising on air, water, and waste management regulations to ensure clients meet all statutory requirements.
• Contamination and Cleanup: Handling cases related to the investigation and remediation of contaminated sites, including negotiation with government agencies.
• Natural Resources: Assisting with permitting and approvals for projects impacting natural resources.
• Defense Litigation: Defending clients against claims brought by state and federal environmental agencies.

First Amendment and Media Law

In addition to his environmental practice, Barbieri is a renowned advocate for First Amendment rights and media law. He represents media organizations and journalists in matters involving:

• Libel and Defamation Defense: Protecting the rights of the press against defamation claims.
• Access to Information: Navigating the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Open Meetings Act to ensure government transparency.
• News Gathering: Advising on legal issues related to the collection and reporting of news, including subpoena defense.

Professional Achievements and Recognition

Charles Barbieri’s excellence in the legal field has been consistently recognized by his peers. He has been selected to the Super Lawyers list for nearly two decades and was honored with the Ingham County Bar Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024. His scholarly contributions include numerous articles on environmental and media law, and he has served in leadership roles for the Environmental Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan.

Operating from the historic Foster Swift building in downtown Lansing, Barbieri continues to provide strategic legal solutions that protect his clients’ reputations and bottom lines. His dual focus on environmental intricacies and constitutional freedoms makes him a unique and valuable asset in the Michigan legal community.