Leech, Michael

Michael J. Leech

Michael J. Leech has developed his own practice as a full time mediator after working for over 30 years as a trial lawyer handling business cases, with approximately half of those cases involving the employment relationship. His litigation experience informs his understanding of the client needs of the parties and the practice realities counsel face in acting as a legal neutral. For nearly two decades, his mediation practice has focused on disputes involving commercial litigation, labor and employment, class action, director and officer liability, non-compete agreements, trade secret disputes, and internal corporate and partnership disputes. When mediating, Michael Leech’s function is to help bring disputes to an efficient and reasonable conclusion for all concerned. In an effort to reach resolution, he “talks sense” about business and human decisions facing clients. Michael Leech brings the most innovative tools developed by the mediation profession to bear on helping parties achieve settlement.

Experience

• Mediator and Arbitrator at Agency for Dispute Resolution (October 2013-Present)
• Principal at Michael J. Leech, P.C. (2012-Present)
• Partner at Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP (1983-2011)
• Associate at Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP (1978-1982)
• Associate Attorney at Chapman and Cutler (1976-1978)

Education

• J.D. at University of Virginia School of Law (1973)
• B.A in History at Univeristy of Virgina (1976)

Affiliations

• Member of the American Law Institute
• Distinguished Fellow of the International Academy of Mediators
• Fellow of the American Bar Foundation
• Member of the College of Labor & Employment Lawyers
• Panelist, American Arbitration Association (Commercial & Employment, Arbitration & Mediation)

Accolades

• Top 100 Illinois Super Lawyer (2011, 2012)
• Illinois Super Lawyer and Leading Lawyer (2005-present)
• Liaison of College of Labor & Employment Lawyers to American Law Institute Restatement of Employment Law

Speaking Engagements

• American Bar Association
• Illinois State Bar Association
• Chicago Bar Association
• College of Labor & Employment Lawyers
• Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education
• Practising Law Institute
• National Employment Lawyers Association
• National Academy of Arbitrators

“As with other things in life, thorough preparation—by mediator and participants—can be the difference between success and failure.”

T 800.616.1202 x752

Case Manager
Michele T. Pfeiffer

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