
Michael F. Dolan, Employment Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Over 44 years of legal practice · focused on Employment, Environmental, and General · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Of CounselatJones Day
Chicago, IL
Practicing employment in Chicago since 1982.
- 44+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 3
- Bar admissions
Are you Michael F. Dolan?
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Quick answer
Michael F. Dolan is an of counsel based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Employment, Environmental, and General. Michael has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Jones Day. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Chicago, IL
- Experience
- over 44 years
- Known for
- Employment · Environmental · General
- Handles Employment, Environmental, and General matters from Chicago, IL.
- Over 44 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Michael F. Dolan: Michael F. Dolan is an of counsel based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Employment, Environmental, and General. Michael has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Jones Day. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Michael's practice areas in Chicago
Michael concentrates on employment, environmental, general, government, and health care. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Employment
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Environmental
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General
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Government
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Health Care
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Litigation
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Personal Injury
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Product Liability
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Employment cases in Chicago, Illinois
Michael takes employment 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.
Environmental cases in Chicago, Illinois
Michael takes environmental 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.
Government cases in Chicago, Illinois
Michael takes government 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.
Biography
Michael F. Dolan, employment attorney serving Chicago
Michael F. Dolan is an of counsel based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Employment, Environmental, and General. Michael has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Jones Day. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. Michael works from Chicago, Illinois and takes on employment matters across the region.
Michael F. Dolan is a lawyer practicing environmental, health & safety, government regulation and 6 other areas of law. Michael received a B.S. degree from Loras College in 1971, and has been licensed for 44 years. Michael practices at Jones Day in Chicago, IL.
Michael's approach to employment cases
Michael F. Dolan is a lawyer practicing environmental, health & safety, government regulation and 6 other areas of law. Michael received a B.S. degree from Loras College in 1971, and has been licensed for 44 years. Michael practices at Jones Day in Chicago, IL.
Clients Michael works with
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for employment, environmental, and general matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Michael studied and practices
University of Iowa
J.D. · 1981
Loras College
B.S. Southern · 1971
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
New Jersey
1987 · ACTIVE
Minnesota
1987 · ACTIVE
Illinois
1982 · ACTIVE
Michael studied at J.D. in University of Iowa and B.S. Southern in Loras College.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. in University of Iowa and B.S. Southern in Loras College. 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
Michael's legal honors and published work
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 F. Dolan's office in Chicago
Michael's primary office is at 77 West Wacker, Chicago, IL, 60601-1692. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Michael F. Dolan — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
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 employment attorneys in Chicago.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michael F. Dolan claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Michael F. Dolan — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new employment 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 employment attorney in Chicago, Illinois
A short list to run through before you commit: How many employment 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 employment practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every employment 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 employment practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Michael F. Dolan
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a employment 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 employment attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do employment cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple employment 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 employment 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
Employment attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois
Michael handles employment matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified employment attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated employment attorneys in Illinois
If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these employment attorneys in Chicago handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





