Douglas Johnson is an associate attorney in Miller Johnson’s Real Estate practice group.  His practice includes all areas of real estate law, focusing on matters in land use, zoning, and municipal law in the renewable energy sector. He has experience in representing property owners and corporate clients on renewable energy, energy infrastructure, eminent domain, real property and environmental law.

Experience
Doug advises clients on all aspects of the zoning permitting process and represents clients before planning commissions, zoning boards of appeal, and administrative hearing officers, positioning projects for approval and preparing for possible legal challenges. He has represented clients in securing economic development incentives and tax exemptions on matters throughout Michigan. He also advises clients on various other real estate and regulatory matters, supporting litigation efforts when necessary.

Doug has additional experience in eminent domain matters, advising public utilities and authorities in condemnation matters for new energy transmission and state highway construction, serving as a Special Assistant Attorney General (SAAG) on matters for the State of Michigan.

Doug spent the first year of his career in Education Law serving as outside counsel to large Michigan public school districts, spearheading union negotiations, advising on school policies, and dealing with employment and construction contract matters.

Professional Affiliations, Activities, and Honors
Doug is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and its Real Property section, as well as the Grand Rapids Bar Association. He is also a member of the Michigan Association of Planning.

Recent Publications

• Michigan Legislature Promotes Solar Energy Development With New Solar Energy Facilities Taxation Act, State Bar of Michigan Real Property Law Section e-Newsletter, November 2023.

Community Activities
Doug is an active volunteer coach at the First Tee, with the Greater Detroit Chapter in the past, and currently with West Michigan Chapter. He was the recipient of the Greater Detroit Chapter’s 2023 Kid’s Choice Award.

Education
Doug received his law degree from Michigan State University College of Law and his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan. While in law school, he served as an Articles Editor and Sanctions Committee Member for the Michigan State International Law Review and received the Jurisprudence Award in Contract Drafting.

Between his undergraduate and law school degrees, he received his A.A.B in Golf Complex Operations and Management from the Golf Academy of America, in Orlando, Florida.

Doug is admitted to practice in Michigan.

Personal
Doug likes to stay active, golfing and playing tennis when he has the time. He and his wife often travel to northern Michigan on weekends to ski near his hometown of Petoskey in the winter and to spend time at his family cottage in the Upper Peninsula’s Les Cheneaux Islands.