Michael T. Seeburger is an Associate in the Firm's  Commercial Litigation, Insurance Services and Trusts & Estates practice groups.

Michael concentrates his practice in commercial litigation, corporate transactions, and estate litigation.  Michael provides counseling and services to a wide array of corporate and individual clients, including sole proprietorships, LLCs, and Fortune 500 companies.  Michael acts as corporate counsel to many small and mid-sized businesses assisting in operational and management affairs, policy and contract formation, and strategic planning by employing effective, innovative, and cost-saving solutions on behalf of his clients.

Michael routinely handles complex litigation and is often seen advocating for his clients in both the state and federal courts of New Jersey and New York.  Michael’s practice also includes wills and trust formation, estate planning and administration, and guardianships.  In addition, Michael has experience in product liability, insurance defense, environmental regulation, employment law, land use, small claims, and municipal court.  Through his practice, Michael has prepared and negotiated agreements, navigated multi-million-dollar estates, and participated in all facets of litigation.

Michael returned to Coughlin, Midlige & Garland LLP in July 2022, after being employed by a prominent Florham Park law firm.  Prior to and while attending New York Law School, Michael worked full-time at the firm for over thirteen years, holding various positions of increasing responsibility, including that of law clerk.  Michael currently serves on the Associates’ Committee, the Hiring Committee, the Social Committee, and the Retreat Committee at the firm. 

REPRESENTATIVE MATTERS

COMMERCIAL AND CORPORATE SERVICES

Provided counseling and legal support to now thriving start-up LLCs in a wide breadth of industries including professional services, healthcare, education, public engagement, and product manufacturing. 

Successfully represented a shareholder in the acquisition of a prominent corporation based in Red Bank and in the preparation and negotiation of a new shareholder agreement governing the corporation.  

Successfully represented a Member of an LLC in achieving a favorable settlement, acquiring valuable company assets, and resolving company business and debts through three years of effective negotiation and litigation. 

Successfully represented a corporation in pursuing retribution from a former employee who misappropriated company funds and equipment, ultimately resulting in the corporation being made whole by the employee for the misdeeds and conversion. 

WILLS, TRUSTS, & ESTATES

Prevailed in establishing competency for a client subjected to a seventeen-year guardianship in a highly complex and hotly contested guardianship matter involving a trust, multiple attorneys, multiple court-appointed guardians, and dueling experts.  After more than three years of active litigation, the client was adjudicated fully competent and capable of managing personal affairs without the interference, approval, or supervision of third parties.  

Significantly reformed a multi-million-dollar trust for a long-term client with Court approval, appointing new trustees, allowing for immediate distributions, and creating substantial tax-saving solutions for the beneficiaries. 

Prevailed in a multifaceted will contest resulting in the dismissal of the action at the threshold stage, defending and preserving the Executor’s personal and professional reputation, and successfully permitting the administration of the Estate pursuant to the Decedent’s testamentary intent.

Publications and Presentations

• Co-author, "Beware of Upcoming Deadlines to Complete Site Remediation," Legal Updates for Businesses, February 2022

• Author, "What's in a Name, Image and Likeness for Student Athletes?," The New Jersey Law Journal, August 12, 2021

Awards and Honors

In 2023, Michael was recognized as a “Rising Star” by Thomson Reuters, New Jersey Super Lawyers.  A description of the selection methodology can be found here.  No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.

Memberships

• Member, New Jersey State Bar Association
• Member, New York State Bar Association
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, Penn State Alumni Association and the Nittany Lion Club

News

• May 11, 2023 Coughlin Midlige & Garland Attorneys Selected for Super Lawyers / Rising Stars Lists
  May 11, 2023

  Coughlin Midlige & Garland LLP is pleased to share that twelve of the Firm's attorneys have been selected to the 2023 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars list in their respective practice areas. Of...

• October 30, 2019 New Jersey Continues Aggressive Enforcement Actions For Environmental Harms
  October 30, 2019

  On Friday, October 25, 2019, State Attorney General Grubir S. Grewal (“Grewal”) and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (“NJDEP”)...