Top Rated Civil Rights Attorney in Chicago, IL

Attorney Michael D. Oppenheimer is a founding partner of Erickson & Oppenheimer, Ltd., in Chicago, Illinois. Nationally recognized as one of the leading trial lawyers in the country, Mr. Oppenheimer devotes his practice to civil rights and criminal defense, and he has achieved unprecedented success advocating on behalf of the accused, as well as those who have suffered serious violations of their basic civil rights.

Representing the rights, liberties and entitlements of clients throughout the greater Chicago Metro area, throughout Illinois as well as other states, Mr. Oppenheimer brings a total of more than 32 years of legal experience to the table, including his 12 years serving as a prosecutor with the Cook County State's Attorney's Office. Drawing upon his prosecutorial experience, he has invaluable insight into the criminal justice system from both sides, which enables him to devise the most effective strategies possible for his defendant clients.

As a prosecutor, Mr. Oppenheimer gained widespread acclaim for his outstanding trial abilities, and he has continued to employ his artful tactics in the defense of the accused. A veteran of dozens of criminal jury trials, he has achieved a long record of securing dismissals and acquittals in high-profile cases involving first-degree murder and other felony charges, including the successful defense of a national boxing champion.

In his civil rights practice, he has achieved equal success, recovering millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for his plaintiff clients. He helped overturn a wrongful conviction of a man who received a 20-year prison sentence for a rape and murder he claims he did not commit. Whether in civil or criminal court, Mr. Oppenheimer has earned a reputation for his aggressive cross examination of defendants and witnesses, as well as his ability to present the most compelling case possible in a manner the jury can easily grasp.

Honored for his professionalism and service, Mr. Oppenheimer has earned recognition from the National Trial Lawyers as among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in the country as well as a Top 100 Lawyers designation from the American Society of Legal Advocates. He has also received the 10 Best in Client Satisfaction Award from the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys along with "Superb" client rating on Avvo and the site's Clients' Choice Award.

A 1982 graduate of Vanderbilt University, Mr. Oppenheimer obtained his Juris Doctor in 1987 from the University of Cincinnati College of Law. He is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the Northern and Central Districts of Illinois and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan, as well as the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit.

Mr. Oppenheimer serves as adjunct professor of Trial Advocacy at Loyola University School of Law, and he maintains active involvement with various local, state and national legal organizations.