Chris Bzdok (he/him)
Attorney
Chris specializes in energy and environmental law. He also practices in the areas of local government, real property, and Indian Law. He has been practicing since 1997 and has handled hundreds of cases before public utility commissions in Michigan and other states. Chris received a bachelor of science with high honors from the University of Michigan and a law degree cum laude from Wayne State University.
Chris has served the community on many boards, including Traverse City Light and Power, the Grand Traverse County Board of Public Works, the Governing Council of the Environmental Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan, and Mayor of Traverse City. Chris taught Environmental Law and Water Law courses for several years as an adjunct professor at Michigan State University College of Law. He lives in Traverse City with his wife and two children.
TJ Andrews (she/her)
Attorney
TJ has over 20 years’ experience litigating environmental, land use, and energy cases. Since she graduated with top honors from the University of Texas School of Law. TJ has represented local, state, federal, and tribal governmental entities as well as non-profit organizations and individuals in a variety of administrative and judicial tribunals. TJ worked as a Judge Advocate General in the United States Air Force, where she was repeatedly commended by the U.S. Department of Justice Environment & Natural Resources Division.
After settling in Traverse City with her family, TJ has served the community on numerous committees and boards, and since 2022 as an elected member of the Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners. TJ also makes time for open water swimming, with an unabashed bias in favor of the pristine waters of Grand Traverse Bay.
Holly Hillyer (she/her)
Attorney
Holly works primarily on matters involving energy, environmental, land use, and nonprofit law. She has devoted her career to advocating for justice for people in marginalized communities and safeguarding the environment. She spent nearly a decade as a civil legal aid attorney with Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. (ABLE), where she completed an Equal Justice Works Fellowship to promote health equity and directed ABLE’s Medical-Legal Partnership for Children. She has worked for the U.S. Department of Justice as an Attorney Advisor at the Detroit Immigration Court.
Holly holds a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art from Kenyon College. She received her law degree summa cum laude from the University of Toledo College of Law, where she was Valedictorian. When she is not working, Holly spends her time knitting and metalsmithing.
Sean Clark
(he/him)
Attorney
Sean has specialized in environmental and energy law and has experience working with governmental agencies at federal and state levels, as well as with non-governmental organizations and non-profits. He’s held recent positions with the Environment and Natural Resource Division of the U.S Department of Justice, the U.S. Department of the Interior Office of the Solicitor, and the NY Attorney General, Environmental Protection Bureau.
Sean graduated from the University of Minnesota Law School cum laude after earning a science degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Michigan. Before law school, Sean worked as a researcher in environmental toxicology, focusing on water quality and environmental restoration studies. Sean is a Great Lakes native who enjoys surfing, sailing, rock climbing, and other outdoor adventures.
Natasha Fowles (she/her)
Paralegal
Natasha has over four years of admin experience and 12 years in client support. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Wyoming in Communication. Natasha helps support Troposphere Legal’s litigation cases in circuit and district courts, as well as our energy cases before the Michigan Public Service Commission.
Natasha volunteers for several local organizations, including the National Cherry Festival Foundation, The Cedar Polka Fest Foundation, and the Empire Asparagus Festival. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her pets.
Sue Fruchey (she/her)
Legal Assistant
Sue has over 20 years of professional work experience, primarily with the federal government and non-profit administration. She has a Master’s degree in Natural Resource Management from the University of Michigan and a Master’s degree in Library Science from North Carolina Central University. Sue helps support Troposphere Legal’s attorneys with their energy cases before the Michigan Public Service Commission as well as other litigation cases and client support.
In her non-legal work time, Sue is also a librarian in Harbor Springs and volunteers with the Little Traverse Conservancy and the Aldo Leopold Festival as a botanist. She lives in Harbor Springs with her husband and two young children and spends as much time outside in the snow as possible.
Colleen Mulligan (she/her)
Business Manager
Colleen has over 25 years of experience in various roles within a law firm. She is committed to running the business with a focus on the firm’s positive impact on the people and world around it. Colleen is known for her attention to detail and commitment to seeing projects to completion with a positive attitude. In her free time, Colleen loves spending time with her family, playing with her dog and being active and outdoors whenever possible.
ABOUT
TROPOSPHERE LEGAL
Who We Are: Troposphere Legal is a climate-focused law firm with over 45 years of combined experience that is dedicated to environmental protection and sustainability.
Client Focused Approach: At the core of our practice is our commitment to our clients. We work to understand the unique challenges they face, and take a personalized and strategic approach to each case and matter.
Collaboration and Partnerships: We believe that addressing complex environmental challenges requires collaboration and partnerships. We actively engage with government agencies, non-profit organizations, stakeholders, and local communities to foster dialogue, shape environmental policy, and promote sustainable practices.
“The world is moved not only by the mighty stories of heroes, but also by the aggregate of the tiny pushes of each honest worker.”
— Helen Keller
