Michael Falk, Employment Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Chicago, IL
Trusted employment attorney serving Chicago.
Practices in
Are you Michael Falk?
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Quick answer
Michael Falk is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on Employment.
- Based in
- Chicago, ILLINOIS
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Employment
- Handles Employment matters from Chicago, ILLINOIS.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law (2026).
About Michael Falk: Michael Falk is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on Employment.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Michael Falk
Michael concentrates on employment. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
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.
Biography
About Michael Falk — Attorney of Illinois employment experience
Michael Falk is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on Employment.
Michael Falk is a partner in the Chicago office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP. Michael advises clients in connection with qualified and non-qualified retirement plans, executive and equity compensation, Code Section 409A, Code Section 280G, and the compensation aspects of mergers and acquisitions. His experience includes assisting clients with the design and implementation of defined benefit and defined contribution retirement plans, nonqualified deferred compensation plans, and equity/incentive compensation vehicles.
Michael has been praised by clients for his ability to “explain complex issues in a simple and straightforward manner” and for being “extremely thorough and very attentive to detail” in Chambers USA in 2016.
Since 2013, he has been recognized as a leading lawyer for employee benefits and executive compensation in The Legal 500 U.S. Clients describe Michael as an “experienced employee benefits attorney who understands clients with no-nonsense” and a “tremendously practical lawyer with good business sense” that has the “technical knowledge of executive compensation issues [that] is incomparable.”
He is an adjunct professor of law at Northwestern University Law School, where he teaches Executive Compensation Law. Michael is a frequent speaker and author on a variety of executive compensation and employee benefits topics. His speaking engagements include several presentations to the National Association for Stock Plan Professionals (NASPP), American Benefits Council and Worldwide Employee Benefits (WEB) Network.
Michael's approach to employment cases
Michael Falk is a partner in the Chicago office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP. Michael advises clients in connection with qualified and non-qualified retirement plans, executive and equity compensation, Code Section 409A, Code Section 280G, and the compensation aspects of mergers and acquisitions. His experience includes assisting clients with the design and implementation of defined benefit and…
Clients Michael works with
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for employment matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Michael Falk's legal education and bar admissions
University of Illinois Chicago
J.D. · 1998
Michael studied at J.D. in University of Illinois Chicago.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. in University of Illinois Chicago. 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 Falk
Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law (2026).
Locations
Michael Falk's office in Chicago
Michael's primary office is at 333 West Wolf Point Plaza, Chicago, Illinois, 60654. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Michael Falk
Michael has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
No reviews yet
Only verified clients who have consulted with Michael Falk can leave a review.
Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Michael Falk — 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 Falk
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.





