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Michael John Gauthier
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About Michael
Biography
I am a lifelong resident of northern Illinois, having earned my Bachelor of Arts degree from Lake Forest College and my Juris Doctorate from the Chicago-Kent College of Law. I am licensed to practice in the State of Illinois and the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, and am the recipient of the prestigious CALI Award for his work in Trial Advocacy. I dedicate my practice to family law litigation throughout the courts of Illinois and have represented clients in dozens of appeals before the First and Second Appellate Districts of Illinois as well as the Illinois Supreme Court.
Aggressive, assertive and compassionate family law representation
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Divorce and Separation
90%
21 years
Family
10%
21 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2022 2021 2020
...
+
4
Licenses
Licensed in Illinois for 19 years
State: Illinois
Acquired: 2006
No misconduct found
Location
Gauthier Family Law
(847) 557-4090
Fax
270 Center Drive, Suite 220, Vernon Hills, IL, 60061
gauthierfamilylaw.com/About/Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Michael online.
Michael John Gauthier's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
82 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (82)
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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 21 - 25 of 26 reviews | Communication Style
Posted by Lisa | May 11, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Stay away
He gave the illusion that he had my best interest in mind for my divorce. We had a few phone meetings and I expressed my contentions and concerns on a proposed agreement submitting by my ex. He completely ignored any of my demands and he verbally informed me of things he did not follow through on...
Posted by anonymous | December 03, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Not Recommended for High-Conflict Divorce Cases
I would not recommend hiring Michael Gauthier or Kathleen Smith for high-conflict divorce cases. Based on my experience, they did not meet the standards of advocacy I expected, particularly in a case involving challenging dynamics such as alleged criminal perjury, violations of court orders, and mani...
Posted by anonymous | October 23, 2024 | Hired Attorney
Do Not waste your money
This law firm stole my money never filed my services and never answer the phones . They are so hard to keep in contact with and they do not keep you up to date with anything going on with your case but they bill you for everything . The practice is not professional stay as far as you can from...
Posted by anonymous | July 29, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Unresponsive, failure to appear for court
I hired him for a straight forward case, and he did not respond to phone calls or opposing counsel, failed to appear in court, and would say “I’ll get working on that” but failed to contact for four weeks.
Posted by anonymous | March 22, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Not what I expected
I went to see Michael to file for divorce. I was pregnant and had 3 kids all with my now ex husband. I respected him and was very happy with my choice in the beginning. It was when he stopped communicating with me and not answering my emails and calls that things went downhill. We had also agreed upo...
Michael Gauthier
Replied last March 21, 2016I was surprised to read this review, as I clearly remember this client and her legal issues -all of which were successfully and overwhelmingly resolved in her favor. This includes confronting the Judge on her behalf when I believed she was being treated unfairly due to her becoming pregnant toward the end of her case. It appears to me that this review is based upon her disagreement with my legal fees, which were increased considerably by her becoming pregnant toward the conclusion of her case and the additional work that caused in order to resolve all of her issues at one time as opposed to getting her divorced and then later coming back to court after the birth of her newest child (which would have incurred much greater attorney's fees). I will not discuss what was said privately and confidentially between her and I in order to preserve the attorney-client privilege, but I do not believe her overall rating of me is a fair reflection of my services. I am proud of the work that my firm performed for her and the results we achieved.
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
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
Featured Attorney- Divorce, Avvo
2013
Top Contributor - 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