ENVIRONMENTAL LAW
Topp Law focuses on both litigation and regulatory actions under state and federal environmental programs, including environmental contamination litigation, regulatory enforcement proceedings, and contaminated property transfers.  The firm has substantial expertise in the following areas:

  1. Alternative Energy (Wind Turbines)
  2. Brine and BTEX Contamination from Oil and Gas Operations
  3. Common Law Claims for Environmental Contamination
  4. Clean Water Act Litigation
  5. Environmental Audits and Assessments
  6. Environmental Liability in Real Estate Transactions
  7. Toxic Mold
  8. Underground Storage Tank Programs
  9. Water Quality and Water Use Issues

 GAS, OIL, & MINERALS
Topp Law also focuses on litigation and regulatory actions under state oil, gas, and mineral development programs, including litigating title and environmental claims as well as other contractual lease and land use issues.  The firm has substantial expertise in the following areas:

  1. Dormant Mineral Act
  2. Minerals and Royalty Assignment, Deed, or Transfer
  3. Minerals Mortgages
  4. Mineral Title Opinions
  5. Mines and Minerals Act
  6. Negotiating oil and gas leases
  7. Negotiating solid minerals leases
  8. Part 615 of Natural Resources and Protection Act (Supervisor of Wells Act)
  9. Representing landowners with severed minerals
  10. Representation of parties in administrative hearings and contested cases
  11. Supervisor of Wells Petitions

NATURAL RESOURCE LAW
Topp Law has substantial experience in both litigation and regulatory actions under state and federal natural resource programs, including administrative enforcement proceedings, contested case hearings, and permit acquisitions.  The firm has substantial expertise in the following areas:

  1. Endangered Species
  2. Deer/Game Enclosures
  3. Groundwater
  4. Inland Lakes and Streams
  5. Natural River Zoning
  6. Riparian Rights
  7. Sand Dunes
  8. Wetland Protection Act/404 Permitting (Dredge and Fill)

REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT; CONDOMINIUM AND PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT
Topp Law represents purchasers, sellers, and developers of commercial, industrial, agricultural, and residential real estate in all aspects of property acquisition, development, financing, ownership, leasing and operation. We have extensive experience in the following areas:

  1. Acquisition and Disposition of Commercial Real Estate Projects
  2. Associations (Condominium and Homeowners)
  3. Condominium Documents and Use Restrictions
  4. Development Agreements and Vested Rights
  5. Development Entitlements
  6. Environmental Assessments/Due Diligence
  7. Golf Course and Resort Communities
  8. Leasing transaction on behalf of both landlords and
    tenants
  9. Options
  10. Planned Unit Developments - Permitting and Zoning Approvals
  11. Purchase and Sale Agreements
  12. Redevelopment Issues
  13. Site Condominiums
  14. Subdivisions
  15. Wetlands
  16. Zoning Appeals and Approvals

Litigation
Susan Hlywa Topp has been counsel in litigation lasting from one-half day to several years. Because of the nature of environmental and oil and gas litigation in general, Susan routinely participates in complex, multi-party cases involving technical subject matter.  Susan is equally experienced in settling litigation through summary disposition or negotiated settlements, and has successfully concluded the majority of her cases in this fashion.

Appeals
Topp Law frequently handles appeals, including administrative/contested case appeals to circuit court and civil appeals to the Michigan Court of Appeals and Michigan Supreme Court.