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, and currently volunteers to provide pro bono counsel in humanitarian immigration cases.
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.
Breanna Thomas (she/her)
Legal Assistant
Breanna has over 12 years of administrative experience within various types of businesses. She supports our representation of clients in front of the Michigan Public Service Commission and local Circuit and District Courts. She also assists with accounts payable and marketing. Breanna volunteers as PTO Co-President at her children’s school, and loves to spend time with her family, binge watch her favorite shows, and read.
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.
“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
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.
Troposphere Legal
420 E. Front Street
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 709-4000