Michael English is an experienced litigator with significant trial experience. While he focuses his practice on environmental and oil and gas litigation, Michael also represents clients in contract disputes, business litigation, First Amendment matters and personal injury actions.

Michael’s clients rely on his experience and judgment in helping them evaluate disputes, understand their options and make sound business decisions as they navigate through such disputes and the litigation process. During litigation, Michael zealously serves as their attorney and advocate, from a lawsuit’s filing through appeal, and is guided by his view that the court system should be used to do justice.

Prior to joining Doerner in 2015, Michael served as a prosecutor with the Tulsa County District Attorney’s Office. As an Assistant District Attorney, he gained extensive jury trial experience, focused on the prosecution of homicides, and managed a heavy case load of major crimes prosecutions while leading a team of felony prosecutors.

Michael is also a veteran of the United States Army Reserve with service in Iraq and Afghanistan. He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as a rule of law advisor and deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as a civil affairs officer and security forces advisor.

  • Represented clients in environmental litigation matters, including CERCLA, toxic tort and environmental contamination claims.
  • Represented a midstream gas company in bringing claims against a gas producer and its midstream partner for breach of a gas purchase and processing agreement.
  • Represented oil and gas operators and also mineral interest owners in disputes concerning the proper calculation of royalty payments and delayed payments under the Oklahoma Production Revenue Standards Act.
  • Represented oil and gas producers in litigation concerning the right to operate oil and gas and saltwater disposal wells.
  • Represented a European vehicle manufacturer sued in state court who obtained dismissal after removal to the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, based on a forum selection clause.
  • Defended farmers in a water lawsuit in which neighboring landowners sought millions of dollars in damages for alleged water interference, receiving jury verdicts for the defendants on all counts that were upheld on appeal by the Oklahoma Supreme Court.

  • Best Lawyers®, Oklahoma City, Commercial Litigation, 2021-2024
  • Best Lawyers®, Oklahoma City, Oil and Gas Law, 2023-2024

  • American Bar Association, 2015 to the present
  • Oklahoma Bar Association, 2007 to the present
  • Oklahoma County Bar Association, 2017 to the present
  • Tulsa County Bar Association, 2008 – 2017

  • "My experience joining Doerner laterally was very positive. I appreciated the opportunity to immediately begin building on my litigation experience by representing Doerner’s clients in a variety of industries and lawsuits with wide-ranging subject matter. New additions to our team easily integrate into our Firm’s supportive culture. We value teamwork and camaraderie. I feel like that aspect of our culture not only achieves the best results for our clients, but it makes practicing law more rewarding when your colleagues are also your friends."

Education

  • J.D., with honors, University of Oklahoma College of Law, 2006
    • Graduated with honors and Order of the Coif
    • Oklahoma Law Review, assistant editor
    • American Jurisprudence Awards: Contracts I and II and Professional Responsibility
    • Clerk at the Oklahoma Supreme Court
    • Gene and Jo Ann Sharp Outstanding Law Review Comment Award for law review comment entitled, Distinguishing True Persecution from Legitimate Prosecution in American Asylum Law
    • Court Appointed Special Advocate
  • M.A., International Studies, University of Oklahoma, 2006
  • B.A., Political Science, University of Oklahoma, 2003
    • Summa cum laude
    • Cortez Ewing Public Service Fellowship

Bar & Court Admissions

  • Oklahoma, 2007
  • United States District Court Northern District of Oklahoma
  • United States District Court Eastern District of Oklahoma
  • United States District Court Western District of Oklahoma
  • United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit