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Michael John Gauthier
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About Michael
Biography
I am a lifelong resident of northern Illinois. I earned my undergraduate degree from Lake Forest College and then my law degree from the Chicago-Kent College of Law. The National Association of Distinguished Counsel has named me one of the Nation's Top One Percent of Attorneys, I have twice been named one of the Top 40 Under 40 Family Lawyers in the State of Illinois by the American Society of Legal Advocates, I have received a Martindale-Hubbell "Distinguished" rating by my peers for my legal ability and ethics, I was the recipient of the CALI Award for Excellence in Trial Advocacy, and the AVVO lawyer rating service has awarded me with a Perfect 10.0 rating of "Superb".
I am licensed to practice in:
-The State of Illinois.
-The United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
-The United States Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit.
I have been certified and appointed as an Arbitrator for:
-The Nineteenth Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois.
-The Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois.
-Arbitration Chair for the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois
I have also been certified and appointed a small claims mediator for the Circuit Court of Lake County, Illinois.
Aggressive, assertive and compassionate family law representation
Practice Areas
7
Practice Areas
Divorce and Separation
30%
21 years
Family
20%
21 years
Adoption
10%
21 years
Child Custody
10%
21 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2022 2021 2020
...
+
4
Licenses
Licensed in Illinois for 20 years
State: Illinois
Acquired: 2006
No misconduct found
Location
Gauthier Family Law
270 Center Drive, Suite 220, Vernon Hills, IL, 60061
gauthierfamilylaw.com/attorney/michael-j-gauthier/Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Michael online.
Michael John Gauthier's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
82 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Recommendation (38)
Case Results (37)
Professionalism (35)
Advocacy (34)
Responsiveness (28)
Communication Style (26)
Practice Area Knowledge (20)
Staff & Support (16)
Trustworthiness (16)
Character & Conduct (15)
General Knowledge (14)
Compassion (13)
Cost of Services (11)
Punctuality (2)
Free Consultations (1)
Showing 11 - 15 of 82 reviews
Posted by Richard | May 23, 2022 | Hired Attorney
Highly Recommend
Michael and his team were a pleasure to work with. Start to finish, my entire divorce process was professional and done in a timely manner. I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a professional and courteous Lawyer/Law Firm.
Posted by Kelly | April 14, 2022 | Hired Attorney
Need help with a difficult ex-spouse or family law issue? Well, look no more! Michael John Gauthier is the Attorney for YOU!
Mike (and team) were incredible to work with on a very frustrating and complicated case. I was often worried, concerned, scared even, of what the end result would be and Mike was consistently kind and patient and talked me through it all so that I understood everything. He not only guided me, he cou...
Posted by Alyssa | February 02, 2022 | Hired Attorney
Highly recommend
As a younger parent trying to navigate the world of family court alone, I was very nervous and scared, consults with several lawyers never left me feeling heard or reassured about where bringing out issues to court would take me, until I hired Mike. He absolutely went above and beyond for my case. He...
Posted by Sujata | January 21, 2022 | Hired Attorney
Thank you!
I hired Mr. Gauthier after consulting with multiple lawyers. My consultation was informative and gave me both a best case scenario and a realistic scenario should the case drag on due to custody and my husband's lack of agreement. In the end I'm so happy I picked him because he successfully got me a ...
Posted by Jennifer | January 16, 2022 | Hired Attorney
Professional and Helpful
I hired Gauthier Family Law to handle my sons custody case. We decided to move out of state which is never easy in the case of a child but Mr. Gauthier was wonderful. He walked me through the process and made me feel at ease. I was happy with the outcome and his team members are also amazing. Mar...
Michael John Gauthier's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. Mike is a smart lawyer who fights hard for his clients. Every time I see him arguing a motion I am impressed. The judges respect him because he's prepared and presents his case in a logical, persuasive way. Thus, he wins, a lot."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Michael is a sharp witted, outside-the-box thinker who brings these attributes to the table for his clients' benefit."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Gauthier is a skilled and respected member of the legal community. He is a zealous advocate for the rights and interests of his clients."
"An extremely talented and well respected attorney 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 work with him. He's one of the best"
"I endorse this lawyer. A brilliant and highly respected attorney in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Attorney Gauthier. From his answers and time on Avvo, it is clear he is dedicated to serving those in need and his clients. It's rare that lawyers spend so much valuable time helping the community, for free, and I applaud him for doing it to such a great level. Kudos."
"If you need a family law attorney in Illinois, may I suggest Michael John Gauthier."
"I endorse this lawyer. Family law questions can be stressful. Attorney Gauthier knows the law and can successfully guide you through your legal situation."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. He always has intelligent and helpful things to say in response to questions posed by members of the public on Avvo. I would recommend his work without reservation."
"I endorse this lawyer."
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Experience
Honors
2027
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2026
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
Top 10 Attorneys Under 40, National Academy Of Family Law Attorneys
2015
Nation's Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel
2014
BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
Top 40 Lawyers Under 40, American Society of Legal Advocates
2013
Top Contributor - Divorce, Avvo
2013
Featured Attorney- Divorce, Avvo
2012
Certified Small Claims Mediator, 19th Judicial Circuit
2012
Named Member of ABA Advisory Panel, American Bar Association
2012
Granted Admission, 7th Circuit Court of Appeals
2012
Named to the Trial Bar, United States District Court
2012
Certified Arbitrator, Circuit Court of Cook County
2011
Fastcase50 Nominee, Fastcase
2011
Certified Arbitrator, 19th Judicial Circuit
2005
Dean's Honor List, Chicago-Kent College of Law
2004
Cali Award for Excellence, Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction
2004
Dean's Honor List, Chicago-Kent College of Law
2002
Academic Scholar Award, Chicago-Kent College of Law
1996
Deerpath Award, Lake Forest College
Work Experience
2017 - Present
Attorney, Gauthier Family Law
2010 - 2010
Senior Attorney, Law Firm of Wendy R. Morgan
2010 - 2017
Attorney Founder, Gauthier & Gooch
2009 - 2010
Attorney, Wakenight & Associates, P.C.
2005 - 2009
Attorney, Law Offices of Thomas W. Gooch, III
Associations
2012 - Present
United States District Court for the Northern District of IllinoisMember of Trial Bar
2012 - Present
7th Circuit Court of AppealsAdmitted to Practice
2012 - Present
Volunteer Voter Protection Legal TeamVolunteer Attorney
2005 - Present
Lake County Bar AssociationMember
2005 - Present
Chicago Bar AssociationMember
2005 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
2005 - Present
Illinois State Bar AssociationMember
1998 - 2000
Libertyville Boys Club FootballHead Football Coach
Sample of Legal Cases
Katten v. All Pro
Bench Trial
LeRose v. McDonnell
Settlement in favor of client
Buffalo v. Citgo
Settlement in favor of client
(Plaintiff's name redacted) v. Kara
Defendant's full policy limits awarded to client
Miller v. Harris
Settlement in favor of client
Zvertivnev v. Exotic Motors
Jury verdict for Defendant
Hunter v. Adcock
Judgment for Plaintiff
Dore v. Exotic Motors
Judgment for client
Christopherson v. Franklin
Succeeded on Appeal, case remanded to trial court
Christopherson v. Franklin
Currently on appeal and set for oral argument on April 4, 2011
Kasny v. Coonen & Roth
See appellate opinion below
Education
2005
Chicago-Kent College of Law Illinois Institute of Technology
J.D.
2000
Lake Forest College
BA - Bachelor of Arts
N/A
University of Havana
Speaking Engagements
2011
Appellate Court, Second Distrist
Christopherson v. Franklin - oral argument of professional malpractice appeal
N/A
Libertyville High School
Racial and Economic Relations in Cuba
Publications
2015
Windy City Times
Same-Sex Divorce: When there isn't a happily ever after
2014
Lake County Suburban Life
Downtown Sign Prompts Police Visit
2014
Cook County Record
Riffner Barber Rowden Sued for Malpractice
2013
Illinois Appellate Court
Miller v. Harris
2013
Illinois Appellate Court 2nd Dist
Hoch v. Boehme
2013
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
Oral Contracts Increase Accountants' Exposure to Breach of Duty Claims
2012
Appellate Court of Illinois, 2nd District
Timan v. Ourada
2011
Appellate Court, 2nd District
Christopherson v. Franklin
2011
Jezebel
Motion to Dismiss
2011
Above the Law
Motion of the Day
2011
Huffington Post, New York Daily News, Chicago Sun-Times, London Daily Mail
Multiple issues in cases in Cook County
2011
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
Issues involving multiple cases throughout Chicagoland
2010
Illinois State Bar Association
Voluntary Nonsuit? You'd Better Think Twice (Cited through Kasny v. Coonen & Roth)
2009
Illinois Appellate Court, 2nd District
Kasny v. Coonen & Roth
2001
Grand Central Publishing
The Genesis of Justice (contribution)
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Is it statutory rape if I'm 16 and he's 18 but we are married?
07 May 2014
Q&A
Does the terminology "medical bills" include OTC medications?
13 Dec 2011
Q&A
If the Judge in a case clearly shows bias against a Pro-Se litigant, can she be held accountable?
17 Aug 2010