Michael L. Wagner is Co-Founder and Equity Partner of Clayborne & Wagner LLP, with a decades-long track record as an exceptionally skilled litigator. His practice spans a range of complex legal areas, including product liability, commercial litigation, personal injury, construction, real estate, environmental (including CERCLA and RCRA), and TIF development. He is also experienced in labor and employment matters, including employment discrimination, civil rights, and labor negotiations, particularly on behalf of municipal and government entities.
Mr. Wagner is widely recognized as one of the preeminent municipal and government attorneys in the Metro East area. He has represented several public-sector clients, including school districts, cities, and townships on issues ranging from policy and compliance to litigation strategy. His work for real estate developers includes counsel on TIF, zoning, and land use matters, while his environmental litigation practice has involved representing major industries in high-stakes disputes.
While serving as General Counsel for the City of East St. Louis from 1999 to 2017, Mr. Wagner played an integral role in the City’s legal matters. He drafted legislation, negotiated and prepared contracts, led collective bargaining negotiations with public safety unions (IAFF, FOP, and IBT), and provided counsel on all real estate issues for the City, including public and private housing developments. He also handled all manner of litigation, including personal injury and civil rights matters and regularly attended council and committee meetings as the City’s chief legal advisor.
