Mike gets results. Known for his aggressive cross-examinations and creative and compelling closing arguments, Mike has been repeatedly recognized as one of the top trial lawyers in Illinois and nationally. He is the only practicing lawyer to have obtained six different complete not guilty jury verdicts in federal criminal prosecutions brought by the United States Attorneys’ Office in Chicago. In 2022, he was able to obtain the dismissal of all charges against his clients in two separate federal criminal prosecutions in Chicago, prior to trial. Mike has attained similar success in civil jury trials, in Illinois and across the country, including in civil rights, securities, whistleblower, employment, and commercial trials. He regularly speaks, and writes about, the art and science of cross-examination and trial practice.
Mike is a nationally recognized trial lawyer who has successfully tried to verdict a wide variety of cases in Federal and State courts across the country. He is a “go-to” trial lawyer who has represented individuals in single plaintiff actions; individuals and companies in class and collective actions; some of the nation’s and region’s largest corporations; and individuals in Federal and State criminal trials.
Mike has been recognized as a top trial lawyer and commercial and criminal litigator by the following: The National Trial Lawyers; America’s Best Attorneys; Super Lawyers; Leading Lawyers Network; American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys; and Crain’s Chicago Business.
Mike’s extraordinarily diverse practice has seen him successfully take to verdict cases ranging from securities fraud, employment discrimination, sexual harassment, breach of contract, ERISA, personal injury, and Federal and State criminal matters, among others.
Mike has also arbitrated a wide variety of cases, including international arbitration. Many of his cases have been the subject of national and local media attention, stirring recognition in publications ranging from the Wall Street Journal to the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun Times, Los Angeles Times, CBS News, Law 360, and Chicago Daily Law Bulletin.
Mike has a keen interest in the craft and science of trial practice, and he is a frequent lecturer on trial and litigation related subjects. He is an instructor in Northwestern School of Law’s prestigious trial practice program, where he has also coached some of its Mock Trial teams.
Notable Experience
Obtained not guilty verdict on behalf of his client on all charges brought pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 922, after a jury trial in prosecution brought by the United States Attorneys’ Office for the Northern District of Illinois.
Obtained an arbitration award in favor of Leonard Meyer’s client with the Arbitrator finding that, contrary to Respondent's position, the client’s business actually constituted a “franchise” under applicable State law - and that his franchise had been terminated improperly. Arbitrator entered a total Award in favor of Leonard Meyer’s client in excess of 1.2 million dollars.
Obtained a jury verdict in favor of his client, the former President of the Chicago police union, in a whistleblower and retaliation lawsuit in the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Obtained a six-figure jury verdict for his client, a famed Chicago chef, in a breach of contract action in the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Obtained a directed verdict for his client, a shareholder and alleged co-owner of mining companies, on all Counts after a week long trial in the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Obtained a not guilty jury verdict on behalf of his client on all Count in a Federal criminal prosecution in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, arising out of alleged violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act.
Obtained a not guilty jury verdict on behalf of his client - an Illinois attorney - on all Count in a Federal criminal prosecution in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, arising out of alleged wire fraud in connection with the attorney's role at the closing of multiple condominium sale transactions.
Obtained a finding of no liability on all counts for his client - a placement agent - in a civil securities bench trial in Illinois State court.
Obtained a ruling in favor of his doctor clients in Indiana State court in a matter arising from non-compete and breach of fiduciary duty issues.
Obtained a finding in favor of his client on all counts in a sexual harassment case before the Illinois Human Rights Commission.
Obtained a jury verdict in favor of his client in an age discrimination case in the United States District Court for the District of Kansas
Obtained a jury verdict in favor of his client in a sexual harassment case in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Obtained a jury verdict in favor of his client in an case involving age, national origin, and retaliation in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
Obtained an Award in favor of his client in an international arbitration, arising out of breach of contract/failure to pay wages/discrimination.
Obtained a not guilty jury verdict on behalf of his client on all Count in a Federal criminal prosecution in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, arising out of a charged Conspiracy.
Obtained a not guilty jury verdict on behalf of his client in a Federal criminal prosecution in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, arising out of alleged violations of Federal drug laws.
Obtained a not guilty jury verdict in favor of his client, who had been detained for seven years, in a pro bono State Court murder trial.
Obtained a jury verdict in favor of his client in case arising out of the sale of land and for fraud in the Circuit Court of Kane County, Illinois.
Obtained a jury verdict in favor of his client in breach of contract action in the Circuit Court of Lake County, Illinois.
Obtained a verdict in favor of his client in a bench trial involving claims arising out of a change of control agreement in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
Obtained a favorable verdict for his client in an ERISA bench trial in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
Obtained an eight figure settlement arising out of whistleblower actions filed in Federal and State courts in Illinois, California, and Florida, against a major pharmacy benefits manager.
Obtained a substantial settlement on behalf of his client in a Federal district court action in Boston, arising out of alleged billing fraud.
Obtained a multi-million dollar settlement arising out of a shareholders’ derivative action in Federal court in Houston.
Mike has argued before the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit on numerous occasions, and he has also argued before the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, the Idaho Supreme Court, the Illinois Appellate Court, and the California Court of Appeals.