Michael A. Strom

Michael A. Strom is a prominent litigator with a powerful blend of experience from both sides of the courtroom bench – as a civil trial attorney and as a Circuit Court Judge. From his work as a practitioner and in the judicial branch, Michael gained valuable insight and perspective on how judges and juries react to various arguments and legal strategies.  This insight helps him better connect with clients, jurors and witnesses, anticipating and adapting to trial developments.

Michael has successfully defended businesses and individuals in commercial liability, professional liability and civil litigation cases. Michael has handled a broad range of client matters involving construction, building components (e.g. elevators, windows), industrial fabrication and production equipment (e.g. punch presses, paper balers), transportation, and product liability. Much of Michael’s practice has involved complex multiple-party cases with fault allocation cross-claims, counter-clams and third-party actions based on contribution, indemnity, contracts and insurance. In defending trucking companies, he has been successful at overcoming jury bias against truck drivers and trucks on highways. His innovative legal strategies have allowed peripheral defendants to resolve their claims early, rather than remain “hostages” to one disagreeable defendant. Michael has also developed targeted risk management practices to benefit clients looking to reduce future liability exposure.

As an attorney for the Office of Chief Judge, Circuit Court of Cook County, Michael worked on criminal justice reform and restorative justice programs to address harm to the community. In December 2018, the Illinois Supreme Court appointed Michael as a Circuit Court Judge by unanimous vote, filling a vacancy resulting from the retirement of Judge Marvin Luckman. As a Housing Court Judge, Michael adjudicated competing community interests in rehabilitation, demolition, preservation or redevelopment of seriously distressed vacant buildings. He welcomed input from community organizations, residents of affected communities, preservation groups, and neighbors requesting the chance to demonstrate resources to rehabilitate buildings worth saving.

Michael is devoted to serving the Chicago South Side community where he grew up, through active involvement in a broad range of outreach programs, community groups and bar associations. He and his loving wife, Sherry, have two children. Eric is a photographer and entrepreneur; Shayna is a Pediatrician at Lurie Children’s Hospital, specializing in Neonatology. His two grandchildren are beyond adorable.