Kurt M. Carlson

Kurt M. Carlson, a managing member of Carlson Dash in Chicago, Illinois, channels his legal acumen into guiding clients through the labyrinth of corporate challenges, business disputes and the complexities of business bankruptcy. With a wealth of knowledge, he adeptly navigates the intricate issues companies face, whether in the boardroom or the courtroom.

An experienced advocate in legal battles and strategic boardroom discussions, Mr. Carlson leverages his extensive background in negotiations and courtroom victories to craft strategies and propose inventive solutions, ensuring optimal outcomes for his clients. His track record includes securing favorable verdicts, settlements and resolutions in cases involving fraud, directors’ and officers’ liability, contract disputes, and avoidance actions.

Beyond these achievements, Mr. Carlson has effectively defended his corporate clients in numerous defamation and lender liability cases. His clientele spans franchisors, franchisees, cooperatives, manufacturers, retailers, distributors, landlords, developers, private equity groups, professional service providers and financial institutions. Notably, he has participated in over 300 business bankruptcy cases, including one remarkable case in which his strategic maneuvering with investment bankers and a dynamic auction process tripled the business’s asset value.

Mr. Carlson graduated with a B.A. from Michigan State University in 1987 and earned his Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 1990. He is licensed to practice law in Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin, and is admitted to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, U.S. District Courts for the Northern and Central Districts of Illinois, U.S. District Courts for the Eastern District of Michigan, U.S. District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin, and U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th and 7th Circuits. He also represents clients in other jurisdictions temporarily.

In his early career, Mr. Carlson contributed to the Bankruptcy Court Liaison Committee of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois, promoting better communication and relations between legal practitioners and judges. A regular speaker on litigation and corporate insolvency topics, he has authored numerous articles and policy manuals for corporate clients. He is also a founding editor for the American Bankruptcy Institute's Volo Circuit Court Opinion First Responder for the 7th Circuit.

Since 2008, the Leading Lawyers Network has acknowledged Mr. Carlson as a top Illinois attorney in commercial bankruptcy, workout law and creditors’ rights.