Michael O. Vates
Michael O. Vates

Michael O. Vates

Partner

312-596-4913
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Administrative Assistant:

Stella Guerrero
312-596-4969

Mike is a partner in the Civil Litigation practice based in Wiedner & McAuliffe's Chicago office.  He has a full service construction practice and advises and defends contractors, architects, subcontractors and owners.  For his construction clients, Mike counsels them during contract formation and defends all types of construction cases from personal injury litigation to construction defects.  He also has an active administrative law practice for his construction clients.

Throughout his over 20 years of practice, Mike has also handled matters in the areas of transportation litigation, premises liability, railroad litigation, general torts, administrative law, negligence, insurance coverage, and employment law.  Mike's approach to case defense begins with determining an effective litigation strategy, be it a quick resolution or taking the matter to a jury verdict.  While comfortable in a courtroom, Mike also has successfully represented clients in mediation and other alternative dispute resolution methods.

When not advocating for his clients, Mike can be found enjoying the outdoors with his family or cheering on his beloved Northwestern Wildcats and Chicago Bears. He is active in his community, supporting St. Edna’s Catholic Church.

Education

  • J.D., DePaul University College of Law, 2000
  • B.A., Northwestern University, 1997

Admissions

  • Illinois
  • Wisconsin
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois (including Trial Bar)
  • Construction Lawyers Society of America
  • Illinois State Bar Association
  • Veldhuizen v. IC, 2007 M5 1257: Mike obtained a not guilty verdict defending a railroad company in a high exposure FELA lawsuit.
  • Hester v. Motel 6: First district affirmed summary judgment.
  • Bio

    Mike is a partner in the Civil Litigation practice based in Wiedner & McAuliffe's Chicago office.  He has a full service construction practice and advises and defends contractors, architects, subcontractors and owners.  For his construction clients, Mike counsels them during contract formation and defends all types of construction cases from personal injury litigation to construction defects.  He also has an active administrative law practice for his construction clients.

    Throughout his over 20 years of practice, Mike has also handled matters in the areas of transportation litigation, premises liability, railroad litigation, general torts, administrative law, negligence, insurance coverage, and employment law.  Mike's approach to case defense begins with determining an effective litigation strategy, be it a quick resolution or taking the matter to a jury verdict.  While comfortable in a courtroom, Mike also has successfully represented clients in mediation and other alternative dispute resolution methods.

    When not advocating for his clients, Mike can be found enjoying the outdoors with his family or cheering on his beloved Northwestern Wildcats and Chicago Bears. He is active in his community, supporting St. Edna’s Catholic Church.

  • Practice Areas
  • Credentials

    Education

    • J.D., DePaul University College of Law, 2000
    • B.A., Northwestern University, 1997

    Admissions

    • Illinois
    • Wisconsin
    • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois (including Trial Bar)
  • Affiliations
    • Construction Lawyers Society of America
    • Illinois State Bar Association
  • Notable Decisions
    • Veldhuizen v. IC, 2007 M5 1257: Mike obtained a not guilty verdict defending a railroad company in a high exposure FELA lawsuit.
    • Hester v. Motel 6: First district affirmed summary judgment.

Bio

Mike is a partner in the Civil Litigation practice based in Wiedner & McAuliffe's Chicago office.  He has a full service construction practice and advises and defends contractors, architects, subcontractors and owners.  For his construction clients, Mike counsels them during contract formation and defends all types of construction cases from personal injury litigation to construction defects.  He also has an active administrative law practice for his construction clients.

Throughout his over 20 years of practice, Mike has also handled matters in the areas of transportation litigation, premises liability, railroad litigation, general torts, administrative law, negligence, insurance coverage, and employment law.  Mike's approach to case defense begins with determining an effective litigation strategy, be it a quick resolution or taking the matter to a jury verdict.  While comfortable in a courtroom, Mike also has successfully represented clients in mediation and other alternative dispute resolution methods.

When not advocating for his clients, Mike can be found enjoying the outdoors with his family or cheering on his beloved Northwestern Wildcats and Chicago Bears. He is active in his community, supporting St. Edna’s Catholic Church.

Credentials

Education

  • J.D., DePaul University College of Law, 2000
  • B.A., Northwestern University, 1997

Admissions

  • Illinois
  • Wisconsin
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois (including Trial Bar)

Affiliations

  • Construction Lawyers Society of America
  • Illinois State Bar Association

Notable Decisions

  • Veldhuizen v. IC, 2007 M5 1257: Mike obtained a not guilty verdict defending a railroad company in a high exposure FELA lawsuit.
  • Hester v. Motel 6: First district affirmed summary judgment.