Michael J. Ahern
PEOPLE

Michael J. Ahern

Of Counsel
ahern.michael@dorsey.com

Overview

Mike’s practice involves Minnesota state regulatory and legislative problem solving in the energy, telecom, insurance and related industries.

Mike has decades of experience representing state regulated businesses at the Legislature and before the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, the Department of Commerce, the Pollution Control Agency and other State regulatory bodies.

Recognized as one of Minnesota’s leading attorneys in administrative, regulatory and environmental law, Mike is also the Chair of the Legislative practice group.

Education & Admissions

William Mitchell College of Law (J.D., 1977)

University of Minnesota (B.A., 1973)

Admissions

  • Minnesota
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit

News & Resources

Articles

Can I please go to work yet?
Minnesota Businesses Must Require Workers, Customers, and Visitors to Wear Masks
Minnesota Critical Sector Employers Must Develop and Implement Written COVID-19 Preparedness Plans by June 29 Under Latest Order from Gov. Walz
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz Further Loosens COVID-19 Workplace Restrictions Effective May 17 at 11:59 pm – but Requires Newly-Reopening Employers to Implement Preparedness Plans
Governor Tim Walz April 23 Order Allowing Additional Businesses to Restart Operation
Governor Tim Walz has Extended Minnesota Stay-at-Home Order
Minnesota Stay-at-Home Order to take effect Friday, March 27 at 11:59 pm – “Critical Sectors” may continue operating

News & Press Mentions

200 Dorsey Lawyers Selected for Inclusion in 2024 Best Lawyers in America, Lawyers of the Year, and Ones to Watch
54 Dorsey Lawyers in Minneapolis Selected for Inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2019 and 2019 Lawyers of the Year
51 Dorsey Lawyers in Minneapolis Selected for Inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2018 and 2018 Lawyers of the Year
48 Dorsey Lawyers in Minneapolis and Fargo Selected for Inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2017 and 2017 Lawyers of the Year
45 Dorsey Lawyers in Minneapolis and Fargo Selected for Inclusion in "The Best Lawyers in America®" 2016 and "Best Lawyers of the Year"
97 Dorsey Lawyers Selected for Inclusion in "The Best Lawyers in America®" 2016 and 2016 "Lawyers of the Year"

Events & Speaking Engagements

ACG Capital Connection Program
Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Legislative Breakfast

Industries & Practices

Educational Publishing, Technology & Services
  • Antitrust & Competition Law
  • Banking & Financial Institutions
  • Cooperative Law
  • Educational Publishing, Technology & Services
  • Energy & Natural Resources
  • Environmental
  • Healthcare & Life Sciences
  • Insurance Law
  • Legislative
  • Mergers & Acquisitions
  • Sustainability
  • Telecommunications
  • Telecommunications

Professional & Civic

Professional Achievements

  • Member, Minnesota State Bar Association; former chair of Administrative Law Section
  • Member, Hennepin County Bar Association; former chair of Environmental Law Committee
  • Former president of the Minnesota Governmental Relations Council
  • Long time co-author of a column on administrative law appearing in Bench and Bar of Minnesota
  • Founding member of Legal Committee of the National Conference of Insurance Guaranty Funds

Accolades

  • Listed in Best Lawyers in America©, 2010-2024
  • Named "Minneapolis Lawyer of the Year" in Administrative and Regulatory Law by Best Lawyers®, 2016, 2018 and 2021 
  • Named Best Lawyers Minneapolis Government Relations Lawyer of the Year, 2013, 2017
  • MSBA North Star Lawyer, 2012 and 2013
  • Listed as a Minnesota Super Lawyer, 2003-2004, 2006

Michael J. Ahern