Michel DesNeiges
Legal Consultant · Private Bar Counsel (Selective Practice) · Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada
About
Michel DesNeiges (also known professionally as Michel L. DesNeiges and Michel LeBlanc DesNeiges) is a lawyer based in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada. After a full career in the arena of public law, he now maintains a limited and selective legal practice, focusing on advisory work, targeted advocacy, and files of particular legal or public interest.
Contact
Email:
michel.desneiges@gmail.com
Telephone:
+1 506 389 8999
Meetings: By appointment only.
Biographical overview
What follows is a biographical overview of Michel DesNeiges’ public, professional, and personal work to date.
Legal Career
Michel began his legal career as director and lead counsel for the Société pour l'avancement du droit de l'environnement du Nouveau-Brunswick (2007–2014). In 2010, his private practice expanded from environmental law into criminal law, administrative law, and child protection law. He practiced mostly as a criminal defence lawyer between 2014 and 2024.
Environmental Advocacy
In the 1990s, as a university student, Michel led Écoversité, an environmental advocacy group, and produced radio and television programs to raise public awareness. In 1999, he spearheaded the creation of a Riverkeeper program that contributed to the restoration of the Petitcodiac River.
Teaching & Clinics
Beginning in 2007, he directed a public interest environmental law clinic and lectured at universities in New Brunswick, sharing insights on environmental law, criminal law, and advocacy.
Athletics
- Goaltender on championship hockey teams at the high school level (Mathieu-Martin Matadors), junior level (Moncton Jr. Hawks, Atlantic Junior Canadians), and college level.
- National champion with the Université de Moncton Aigles Bleus (1989–90).
Martial Arts
- Began training in the early 2000s; earned a black belt with Maritime Shinkyokushin Karate.
- Trained with leading karate masters in Canada and Japan.
- Over 15 years’ experience as a budō karate instructor.
Adventure Travel
Over a 25-year period, Michel traveled extensively across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas, later expanding his travels into Asia and the Himalayas.