Michael B. Heister

Michael B. Heister is a managing member at Quattlebaum, Grooms & Tull PLLC, with extensive experience in regulatory, environmental, and complex commercial litigation. Mr. Heister’s practice focuses on electrical utility regulatory proceedings, environmental enforcement/compliance, and defending clients who do business in highly-regulated industries.

His recent experience includes:

• Advising and representing clients in matters before the Arkansas Public Service Commission, including electrical facility siting, transmission development, and regulated asset transactions.
• Handling litigation and compliance for clients in highly regulated industries, such as oil and gas and solid waste disposal, including class actions and permit challenges brought in both state and federal court.
• Representing clients before state and federal agencies on environmental matters, including third-party rulemaking, permit compliance, and site remediation.
• Counseling clients on mineral-related lease disputes, including lithium, oil, and natural gas leases, as well as title and permitting issues.

Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Heister practiced law in Washington, DC, for three years as a trial attorney with the United States Department of Justice Environment and Natural Resources Division and for six years with an international law firm. While at the Department of Justice, Mr. Heister defended federal environmental actions in a variety of jurisdictions at the trial and appellate levels. Mr. Heister’s experience in private practice also included trial and appellate work in environmental enforcement actions, along with complex land use disputes and litigation over federal rulemakings.  He is licensed to practice law in Arkansas and the District of Columbia.

Recognition
The Best Lawyers in America® (since 2017)
Super Lawyers (2014-present)
Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators in America Guide (since 2024)
Benchmark Litigation Under 40 Hot List (2016)

Education
University of Arkansas School of Law (J.D., summa cum laude, 2002)
Note and Comment Editor, Arkansas Law Review
W. J. Arnold Award
James H. McKenzie Award

Vanderbilt University (B.A., magna cum laude, 1998)