Michael Thomas Roth

Michael concentrates his practice in the areas of estate planning, guardianship, general probate and elder law.  Prior to joining Lavelle Law, Ltd. as an associate in the firm’s Estate Planning and Probate practice group, Michael was the owner of The Law Office of Michael T. Roth. 

Before starting his own firm, Michael was the Development Director of The Community House located in Hinsdale, Illinois.  The Community House is a nonprofit organization providing therapy and counseling services to children and families who are challenged by autism spectrum and other related disorders.  The Community House also provides mental health counseling services to low income residents of DuPage County and educational services to at risk youth in the Willowbrook Community.

From 2007 to 2012, Michael served as the Executive Director of the Center for Disability & Elder Law (CDEL).  He also served as a member of CDEL’s Board of Directors from 2006 to 2007, taking on numerous pro bono matters on behalf of the organization.  CDEL is a nonprofit, legal service organization providing pro bono legal services to low income seniors and low income individuals with disabilities.  Preceding his work at CDEL, he was an associate with a Chicago-based law firm.

Michael also served as a member of the State of Illinois, Office of The Attorney General’s Disability Advisory Council.  He is a former Chair of the Mental Health & Disability Law Committee of the Chicago Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section.  Michael also served as a member of the John Marshall Law School’s J.D. Certificate in Elder Law Advisory Board. 

Michael was the recipient of the John Marshall Law School’s2010 Diversity Award.  The award recognizes John Marshall, alumni and members of Chicago's legal community, who have shown a commitment to promoting diversity in the legal profession. In 2011, Michael was appointed to the Mary Todd Lincoln Mental Health Symposium Committee by Illinois Supreme Court Justice, Anne M. Burke.  In 2012, Michael was honored by The Center for Disability & Elder Law and presented with the organization’s “Distinguished Service Award” in appreciation of his tireless dedication and commitment to advancing the legal rights of those individuals in our community marginalized by age, poverty and/or disability.

Michael grew up in Palatine, where he currently resides with his wife Allison and their son Bowie.  Michael attended St. Theresa grade school in Palatine and Loyola Academy College Preparatory School in Wilmette.  He earned his Juris Doctor degree from the John Marshall Law School and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Fairfield University in Fairfield Connecticut.  He is admitted to practice of law in Illinois; the Supreme Court of Illinois; and the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois.

Publications:

“Executing a Power of Attorney, A Practical Guide to Advance Directives” Chicago Bar Association “Record”, February/March Edition 2010.