Michael A. Clark, Family Law Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Over 47 years of legal practice · focused on Family Law, General, and Health Care · 5.0/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews
PartneratSidley Austin LLP
Chicago, IL
Practicing family law in Chicago since 1979.
- 47+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 3 client reviews
- 5
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Michael A. Clark?
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Quick answer
Michael A. Clark is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Family Law, General, and Health Care. Michael has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Sidley Austin LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
- Based in
- Chicago, IL
- Experience
- over 47 years
- Known for
- Family Law · General · Health Care
- Handles Family Law, General, and Health Care matters from Chicago, IL.
- Over 47 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Michael A. Clark: Michael A. Clark is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Family Law, General, and Health Care. Michael has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Sidley Austin LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Michael A. Clark
Michael concentrates on family law, general, health care, irs, and tax. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Family Law
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General
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Health Care
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IRS
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Tax
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Trusts
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Family Law cases in Chicago, Illinois
Michael takes family law matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
General cases in Chicago, Illinois
Michael takes general matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Health Care cases in Chicago, Illinois
Michael takes health care matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
IRS cases in Chicago, Illinois
Michael takes irs matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Tax cases in Chicago, Illinois
Michael takes tax matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Michael A. Clark — Over 47 years of Illinois family law experience
Michael A. Clark is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Family Law, General, and Health Care. Michael has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Sidley Austin LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
Michael A. Clark is a lawyer practicing charitable organizations, controversy, healthcare and 8 other areas of law. Michael received a B.A. degree from Illinois Wesleyan University in 1976, and has been licensed for 47 years. Michael practices at Sidley Austin LLP in Chicago, IL.
How Michael handles family law matters
Michael A. Clark is a lawyer practicing charitable organizations, controversy, healthcare and 8 other areas of law. Michael received a B.A. degree from Illinois Wesleyan University in 1976, and has been licensed for 47 years. Michael practices at Sidley Austin LLP in Chicago, IL.
Who Michael represents
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for family law, general, and health care matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Michael A. Clark's legal education and bar admissions
Harvard Law School
J.D. · 1979
Illinois Wesleyan University
B.A. · 1976
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
U.S. Court of Appeal
2000 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1986 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Federa
1983 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1982 · ACTIVE
Illinois
1979 · ACTIVE
Michael studied at J.D. in Harvard Law School and B.A. in Illinois Wesleyan University.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. in Harvard Law School and B.A. in Illinois Wesleyan University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Michael A. Clark
Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
Michael A. Clark's office in Chicago
Michael's primary office is at One S. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL, 60603-2302. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Michael A. Clark — 5.0/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Michael. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing family law attorneys in Chicago.
5.0
3 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michael A. Clark claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Michael A. Clark — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new family law attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a family law attorney in Chicago, Illinois
A short list to run through before you commit: How many family law matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Michael
Michael discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in family law practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every family law matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Michael's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many family law practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Michael A. Clark
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a family law case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michael offer a free consultation?
Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some family law attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do family law cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple family law matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Chicago?
Michael is licensed in Illinois. Matters governed by Illinois law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Michael will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Michael?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michael accepting new family law clients right now?
Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Family Law attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois
Michael handles family law matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified family law attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated family law attorneys in Illinois
If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these family law attorneys in Chicago handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





