A significant part of Pauwel’s practice involves representing local and national print and broadcast media companies in defamation, media access, and First Amendment matters. He also counsels media organizations on subpoenas, search warrants, and other issues involving newsgathering and publication.
Pauwel also represents universities in constitutional and other high-stakes disputes and advises private equity firms and their portfolio companies in commercial matters and internal investigations involving allegations of criminal and civil fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and breach of contract.
His broader commercial litigation practice includes contract and supply chain disputes, business torts, class action defense, and intellectual property matters. Across his practice, Pauwel works closely with clients to develop practical strategies that account for the legal, business, and reputational considerations at stake.
Pauwel is active in the legal community, particularly in organizations focused on litigation and media law. He served as co-chair of the American Bar Association Forum on Communications Law’s Young Lawyers Committee from 2021 to 2024 and previously served as co-editor of the committee’s newsletter. He is also involved with the Media Law Resource Center’s Pre-Publication/Pre-Broadcast and Newsgathering Committees and is a fellow of the American Bar Foundation. His professional accomplishments have been recognized by Super Lawyers, which has named him a Rising Star each year from 2017 through 2026, Best Lawyers, which has named him to its list of Best Lawyers in America–2027, and Michigan Lawyers Weekly, which recognized his accomplishments as a media attorney by honoring him as one of Michigan’s 250 most influential attorneys in its 2026 Michigan Legal 250.
