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Michael D. Elkin
About Michael
Biography
Michael D. Elkin is a seasoned trial attorney recognized for his courtroom excellence, sharp legal strategy, and unwavering advocacy in high-conflict Criminal Defense and Family Law litigation. Holding both a Juris Doctor and a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), Mr. Elkin brings over a decade of sophisticated legal and financial analysis to complex legal disputes. Whether defending individuals against serious criminal charges or guiding families through high-stakes divorces and custody battles, Mr. Elkin is known for cutting through emotional chaos to establish the clearest path forward. He operates on a philosophy of intelligent, ethical, and relentlessly client-centered representation—combining rigorous preparation with strategic trial execution to protect his clients’ immediate freedom and long-term well-being.
Prior to practicing law, Mr. Elkin worked as an educator, a foundation that continues to drive his passion for mentorship and clear client communication. Beyond his trial work, he frequently served as a legal commentator across major news networks and radio programs, providing commentary on high-profile legal developments. In the community, he mentors at-risk youth in underserved neighborhoods and has held key leadership positions, including Vice President of his local synagogue.
Mr. Elkin concentrates his practice in high-conflict criminal defense, matrimonial, and family law litigation. He handles complex trial matters in state and federal courts, balancing aggressive courtroom advocacy with practical, results-oriented solutions.
Outside of his legal practice, Michael is a dedicated family man who enjoys spending quality time with his family, volunteering as a tutor, and contributing to local community development initiatives.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
$ 300-475 per hour
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in New Jersey for < 1 year
State: New Jersey
Acquired: 2026
Licensed in New York for 1 year
State: New York
Acquired: 2025
Licensed in Illinois for 20 years
State: Illinois
Acquired: 2005
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2017
Location
Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC
118-35 Queens Blvd., Suite 1220, Forest Hills, NY, 11375
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Michael D. Elkin's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
18 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 review | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Posted by Yanni | April 10, 2014
Integrity and results
Integrity and results, are rarity when it comes to being effective/successful attorney but Michael manages to accomplish both. Doing what is right for client, instead just self interest which having the pleasure of working with over a dozen attorneys in various Michael stands by himself. I...
Michael D. Elkin's Lawyer Endorsements
"An excellent lawyer who treats clients with patience, care, understanding, and utmost professionalism - an even better person and I wholeheartedly recommend for future services."
"Michael is an outstanding criminal defense attorney and family attorney too! Everyone knows who he is and respects him. He gets incredible results and is not afraid to try a case. Opposing counsel fear him when they see his name as the adversary."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I highly endorse Mr. Elkin. Very knowledgeable and caring attorney who gets great results in representing clients! I want all people with legal problems to contact him first."
"Highly knowledgeable attorney with great perspective."
"Mr Elkin's personal concern for his clients goes above and beyond. I fully endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Michael. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"A truly excellent attorney well respected in the legal community. I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of his clients and getting them the most favorable result possible."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I have known Michael for some time now. He is a very impressive attorney. He is intelligent and fights hard for his clients, whether in criminal defense or family law."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. I worked with Mr. Elkin on a divorce case where he was professional and experienced. Good choice!"
"I had the privilege of working for Mr. Elkin. I learned a great deal from him. I have seen first hand how hard Mr. Elkin works for his clients. I am so lucky to have him as a mentor."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Elkin in an outstanding attorney with an exceptional reputation. He is a strong and zealous advocate for his clients and a credit to the legal profession. I highly recommend his legal services."
"I worked with Michael on multiple family law cases and have referred several clients to him - Michael has proven himself to be a very competent, prompt and knowledgeable attorney, who is able to handle complex divorce and custody issues with great efficiency. I highly recommend Mr. Elkin in the field."
"Michael truly cares about his clients and their lives. He treats every client's case as if it were his own and works around the clock for them. Michael Elkin is an smart, savvy and effective lawyer who simply gets results. I highly recommend him!"
"While working with Michael Elkin on a couple of cases recently, I was impressed by his strong desire to help and guide his clients through difficult situations. Michael Elkin is a strong advocate with a strong desire for justice."
"Michael Elkin is not only an excellent trial lawyer, he is thoughtful, diplomatic and kind. A rare find in our field. I endorse this lawyer 100%."
"I endorse this lawyer. We worked together on one of the messiest cases I've ever dealt with. His professionalism and legal knowledge of the issues is phenomenal and I would therefore highly recommend him."
"Michael is a tenacious attorney and a tireless advocate. Michael's legal expertise and fearlessness is a value to any client. I unreservedly endorse Mr. Michael Elkin and would not hesitate to refer a case to him."
Mark Clay
Immigration lawyer
Lee Zeidman
Divorce and separation lawyer
David Frumm
Family lawyer
Curtis Ross
Family lawyer
Michael Strauss
Divorce and separation lawyer
Fedor Kozlov
Family lawyer
Avi Cohen
Litigation lawyer
Jonathan Schatz
Family lawyer
Andrew Weisberg
Criminal defense lawyer
Maria Vanessa Favia
Family lawyer
Howard Lewis
Divorce and separation lawyer
Kevin Rosner
Divorce and separation lawyer
Larry Stassin
Probate lawyer
Clare McMahon
Divorce and separation lawyer
Matthew Fakhoury
Criminal defense lawyer
Yevgeny Meltser
Immigration lawyer
Ari Kirshner
Litigation lawyer
Erin Cartwright
Divorce and separation lawyer
Experience
Professional misconduct
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2017.
Suspension for a time certain/ Court order required issued in IL, 2017
updated on 09/28/2026This type of suspension means an attorney lost his or her license to practice law for a period of time. Once the suspension expires, the attorney must show the Court that he or she has reformed and should be allowed to return to the practice of law.
Michael’s comment:
“Reinstated to the practice of law in Illinois in 2022.”
Honors
2015
2015 Client Satisfaction Award, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
2015
Nationally Ranked Top 10 under 40, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys
2015
Nation's Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel
2014
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2014
Top 10 Attorneys Under 40, National Academy Of Family Law Attorneys
2014
Top 10 Under 40, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys
2013
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2012
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2012
Top 40 under 40, National Trial Lawyers Association
2012
Top 40 under 40, National Trial Lawyers Association
Work Experience
2014 - 2017
Principal, Michael D. Elkin Attorney at Law
2008 - 2013
Of Counsel, Lipschultz & Associates
2005 - 2008
Owner, Michael D. Elkin Attorney at Law
2004 - 2004
Clerk to the Chief Justice, Israel Supreme Court
Associations
2012 - 2015
National Trial Lawyers AssociationAttorney Member
Education
2005
Touro College - Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center
JD - Juris Doctor
2005
Long Island University
MBA - Master of Business Administration
2002
DePaul University
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2013
Radio Show
Family law changes in Illinois
2013
Radio Show
Family Law Rule 513 of IMDMA
2013
Radio Show
Family Law
2012
Family Law and Illinois
Family Law
2011
Radio Show
Family Law
2010
Radio Show
Criminal Defense
2010
Radio Show
Criminal Defense
2010
Radio Show
Criminal Defense
2010
Radio Show
Criminal Defense
2010
Radio
Criminal Defense
2008
Call in Show
Criminal Defense
2005
Graduation
Commencement Speaker
Publications
Languages
Russian
Hebrew
English
Activity
Legal Answers