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Michael Leonard Gold, Bankruptcy Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Over 42 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy, Business, and General · 5.0/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews

PartneratSidley Austin LLP

Chicago, IL

Practicing bankruptcy in Chicago since 1984.

42+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
2 client reviews
2
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

Michael Leonard Gold is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and General. Michael has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Sidley Austin LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.

Based in
Chicago, IL
Experience
over 42 years
Known for
Bankruptcy · Business · General
  • Handles Bankruptcy, Business, and General matters from Chicago, IL.
  • Over 42 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with Peer Reviewed.

About Michael Leonard Gold: Michael Leonard Gold is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and General. Michael has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Sidley Austin LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Michael takes on

Michael concentrates on bankruptcy, business, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Bankruptcy cases in Chicago, Illinois

Michael takes bankruptcy 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.

Business cases in Chicago, Illinois

Michael takes business 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.

Biography

Meet Michael Leonard Gold — bankruptcy lawyer in Chicago

Michael Leonard Gold is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and General. Michael has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Sidley Austin LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.

Michael Leonard Gold is a lawyer practicing banking, commercial, financial markets and services and 6 other areas of law. Michael received a B.S. degree from University of Illinois in 1981, and has been licensed for 42 years. Michael practices at Sidley Austin LLP in Chicago, IL.

Michael's approach to bankruptcy cases

Michael Leonard Gold is a lawyer practicing banking, commercial, financial markets and services and 6 other areas of law. Michael received a B.S. degree from University of Illinois in 1981, and has been licensed for 42 years. Michael practices at Sidley Austin LLP in Chicago, IL.

The kind of cases Michael takes

Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, business, and general matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • John Marshall Law School

    J.D. · 1984

  • University of Illinois

    B.S. · 1981

Jurisdictions

Michael's state bar admissions

  • Illinois

    1984 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. District Court,

    1984 · ACTIVE

Michael studied at J.D. in John Marshall Law School and B.S. in University of Illinois.

Law school and academic background

Michael completed J.D. in John Marshall Law School and B.S. in University of Illinois. 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

Recognition and thought leadership

Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Peer Reviewed

Legal awards and honors

Peer Reviewed.

Locations

Michael Leonard Gold'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.

Main office

Sidley Austin LLP

One S. Dearborn St.

Chicago, IL 60603-2302

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Michael Leonard Gold — 5.0/5 rating from 2 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 bankruptcy attorneys in Chicago.

5.0

2 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michael Leonard Gold claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Michael Leonard Gold — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy attorney in Chicago, Illinois

A short list to run through before you commit: How many bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Michael Leonard Gold

  • How much does it cost to hire Michael for a bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.

  • How long do bankruptcy cases in Illinois typically take?

    Simple bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy 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

Bankruptcy attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois

Michael handles bankruptcy matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these bankruptcy attorneys in Chicago handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.