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Michael S. Poulos, ADR Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Over 40 years of legal practice · focused on ADR, Business, and Class Action · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Partner Regional Chair, US Litigation PracticeatDLA Piper LLP

Chicago, IL

Practicing adr in Chicago since 1986.

40+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
2
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

Michael S. Poulos is a partner regional chair, us litigation practice based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on ADR, Business, and Class Action. Michael has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at DLA Piper LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Chicago, IL
Experience
over 40 years
Known for
ADR · Business · Class Action
  • Handles ADR, Business, and Class Action matters from Chicago, IL.
  • Over 40 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About Michael S. Poulos: Michael S. Poulos is a partner regional chair, us litigation practice based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on ADR, Business, and Class Action. Michael has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at DLA Piper LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Michael S. Poulos

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

ADR cases in Chicago, Illinois

Michael takes adr 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.

Class Action cases in Chicago, Illinois

Michael takes class action 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.

Biography

About Michael S. Poulos — Over 40 years of Illinois adr experience

Michael S. Poulos is a partner regional chair, us litigation practice based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on ADR, Business, and Class Action. Michael has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at DLA Piper LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Michael S. Poulos is a lawyer practicing securities litigation, professional liability, litigation and arbitration and 6 other areas of law. Michael received a B.S. degree from Grinnell College in 1983, and has been licensed for 40 years. Michael practices at DLA Piper LLP in Chicago, IL.

Michael's approach to adr cases

Michael S. Poulos is a lawyer practicing securities litigation, professional liability, litigation and arbitration and 6 other areas of law. Michael received a B.S. degree from Grinnell College in 1983, and has been licensed for 40 years. Michael practices at DLA Piper LLP in Chicago, IL.

The kind of cases Michael takes

Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adr, business, and class action matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

Michael S. Poulos's legal education and bar admissions

  • Case Western Reserve University

    J.D. · 1986

  • Grinnell College

    B.S. · 1983

Jurisdictions

Michael's state bar admissions

  • Illinois U.S. Distri

    1996 · ACTIVE

  • Ohio

    1986 · ACTIVE

Michael studied at J.D. in Case Western Reserve University and B.S. in Grinnell College.

Law school and academic background

Michael completed J.D. in Case Western Reserve University and B.S. in Grinnell 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

Awards, publications, and recognition of Michael S. Poulos

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

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Michael's professional memberships and bar associations

  • American Bar Association American Corporate Counsel Association

    membership

Locations

Michael S. Poulos's office in Chicago

Michael's primary office is at 444 W. Lake St., Chicago, IL, 60606. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

DLA Piper LLP

444 W. Lake St.

Chicago, IL 60606

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Michael S. Poulos — 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 adr 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 S. Poulos claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Michael S. Poulos — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new adr 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 adr attorney in Chicago, Illinois

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every adr 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 adr practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Michael S. Poulos

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

  • How long do adr cases in Illinois typically take?

    Simple adr 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 adr 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

ADR attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois

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

More counsel

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