Michael J. Vines is a lawyer practicing divorce & separation, domestic relations. Michael received a B.A. degree from Northern Illinois University, and has been licensed for 23 years. Michael practices in La Grange, IL.
Violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct: 1) RULE 1.3: DILIGENCE evidenced by not conducting a home visit after multiple child neglect complaints were made by this writer and providing medical documentation of the diagnosis. Mr. Vines said he was not conducting a home visit because the respondent lived too far away. After this writer obtained legal representation and the evidence was presented to the Judge, Mr. Vines was ordered to conduct a home visit. 2) RULE 1.5: FEES evidenced by paying a retainer fee not per the contract, not the court order. Also, evidenced by being unfairly charged for various correspondences, such as calling Mr. Vines to get his correct office address (All the paperwork had an incorrect address). 3) RULE 1.4: COMMUNICATION; RULE 3.4: FAIRNESS TO OPPOSING PARTY AND COUNSEL; and RULE 1.3: DILIGENCE evidenced by Mr. Vines withholding the final court document from 4/20/26 to the current (5/26/26). This writer had emailed Mr. Vines on 5/6/26 and called on
Working with Vines was very difficult he was very unresponsive and evasive for over a year. A very disingenious and crooked person that doesn't genuinely advocate for children. I would stay away from this terrible person. All he wants is money. This guy is a big time thief. He should be locked up. He has been divorced 3 times yet he is going to recommend what is best for my family... No thanks.
Working with Mr. Vines was a terrible experience and I would not recommend him to anyone. The only time he makes himself available is when he thinks he's going to receive some money. He was rude and disrespectful.
Working with Mr. Vines has given us a glimpse into his methods. He will relate to a child by telling an alleged story of he himself loosing custody of his children. How he fights to get that child back and into the arms of those they deserve. He does this by manipulating the child. The story serves as a trigger. The child hears words like "taken", "justice" and "fairness" and immediately vilifies the other parent based on Mr. Vines emotional nudging of the child. On 4/15/24 We also witnessed Mr. Vines explode in open fit of rage in front of myself and two other attorneys. He did this against one of the moms preset of the children he was "representing" the whole time yelling "THIS IS THE WAY I WANT THINGS DONE" A child manipulator and a verbal and emotional assaulter of women is all we can expect from Mr. Vines. Please look elsewhere.for your child's representative. Jessy
