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About Michael
Biography
Michael is a partner and trial lawyer at the Chicago plaintiffs' personal injury and medical malpractice firm of Leahy Hoste Alkaraki. Since his admission to the bar in 2006, Michael's practice has focused exclusively on representing injured persons and their families in state and federal court. He has recovered over $50,000,000 in verdicts, arbitration awards and settlements on behalf of his clients. A frequent author and speaker on topics related to his practice areas, Michael has been recognized as one of "Forty Under 40" Illinois Attorneys to Watch" (Chicago Daily Law Bulletin & Chicago Lawyer Magazine), one of the "Top 40 Under 40 Litigation Lawyers in Illinois" (American Society of Legal Advocates) and repeatedly listed as an "Emerging Lawyer" (Leading Lawyers) and a "Rising Star" (Super Lawyers) in the field of personal injury. Michael serves in leadership roles in several bar associations, on the auxiliary board of a local charitable organization and as an Adjunct Professor of Advocacy at Loyola University Chicago School of Law.
Consultation is free and attorneys' fees are generally contingent upon recovery. Referral fees are generous and in accordance with Rule 1.5 of the Illinois Rules of Professional Responsibility.
Practice Areas: Personal Injury, Medical Negligence, Wrongful Death, Products Liability, Civil Rights, Premises Liability, Trucking and Motor Vehicle Accidents, Construction Injury, Nursing Home Negligence, Sexual Abuse, Dog Bites/Attacks, Defamation, Toxic Torts and Business Torts.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Illinois for 19 years
State: Illinois
Acquired: 2006
No misconduct found
Licensed in Indiana for 18 years
State: Indiana
Acquired: 2008
No misconduct found
Location
Leahy Hoste Alkaraki
321 N. Clark St., Suite 1350, Chicago, IL, 60654-4746
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Michael Alkaraki's Reviews
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Michael Alkaraki's Lawyer Endorsements
"Mike is an extremely knowledgeable personal injury practitioner. He is also a reliable resource and committed attorney. I highly recommend him."
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Experience
Honors
2025
Selected to list of Illinois Super Lawyers in Personal Injury, Super Lawyers / Thomspon Reuters
2024
Selected to Illinois Super Lawyers List in Personal Injury, Super Lawyers/Thomspon Reuters
2024
William J. Harte Amicus Volunteer Award, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
2023
Selected to Illinois Super Lawyers List in Personal Injury, Super Lawyers/Thompson Reuters
2022
Certificate of Appreciation for Service to Organized Bar & CBA, Chicago Bar Association
2021
Certificate of Appreciation for Service to Organized Bar & CBA, Chicago Bar Association
2021
St. Robert Bellarmine Award, Loyola University Chicago School of Law
2021
Re-selected to Illinois Rising Stars list in Personal Injury, Super Lawyers
2020
Re-selected as an Illinois "Emerging Lawyer" - Personal Injury, Leading Lawyers Network of the Law Bulletin Publishing Company
2020
Re-selected to Illinois Rising Stars list in Personal Injury, Super Lawyers
2020
Certificate of Appreciation for Service to Organized Bar & CBA, Chicago Bar Association
2020
Elite Lawyer Award for Personal Injury, Elite Lawyer
2019
Re-selected to Illinois Rising Stars list in Personal Injury, Super Lawyers
2019
Re-selected as an Illinois "Emerging Lawyer" - Personal Injury, Leading Lawyers Network of the Law Bulletin Publishing Company
2019
ISBA Civic Education Award, Illinois State Bar Association Standing Committee on Law-Related Education for the Public
2019
Profiled/Interviewed for "40 Under Forty" Feature, Chicago Bar Association "@the Bar" Blog
2018
Re-selected to Illinois Rising Stars list in Personal Injury, Super Lawyers
2018
Re-selected as an Illinois "Emerging Lawyer" - Personal Injury, Leading Lawyers Network of the Law Bulletin Publishing Company
2017
Selected to Illinois Rising Stars list in Personal Injury, Super Lawyers
2017
Re-selected as an Illinois "Emerging Lawyer" - Personal Injury, Leading Lawyers Network of the Law Bulletin Publishing Company
2017
Forty Under 40, Chicago Daily Law Bulletin & Chicago Lawyer Magazine
2016
Highest Possible 10.0 "Superb" Rating from Avvo, Avvo
2016
Appointed to ISBA Tort Law Section Council, Illinois State Bar Association
2016
Top 40 Under 40 Litigation Lawyers in Illinois, 2016, American Society of Legal Advocates
2016
Selected as an Illinois "Emerging Lawyer" - Personal Injury, Leading Lawyers Network of the Law Bulletin Publishing Company
2015
Appointed to ISBA Young Lawyers Division Council, Illinois State Bar Association
2015
Lincoln Award Legal Writing Contest, Selected for Publication, Illinois Bar Association
2015
William J. Harte Amicus Volunteer Award, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
2014
Nominated for 2013-2014 Young Lawyer of the Year - Cook County, Illinois State Bar Association
2014
Featured in "Lawyers Care" Series, ISBA Illinois Lawyer FInder
2014
Cert. of Recognition for Service to Juv. Justice Mentoring Pgm., Hon. Michael P. Toomin, Presiding Judge of the Juvenile Justice Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County
2014
2013 Excellence in Philanthropy Award - Aux. Bd. of Opp. Knocks, Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation
2013
Appointed to CBA Judicial Evaluation Committee, Chicago Bar Association
2013
Elected to ISBA Assembly, Illinois State Bar Association
2006
Certificate of Recognition - Loyola Consumer Law Review, Loyola University Chicago School of Law
Work Experience
2020 - Present
Certified Mediator, The Chicago Bar Association Mediation Service
2020 - Present
Trial Practice (Intensive) Instructor, Loyola University Chicago School Of Law
2018 - Present
Professional Identity Formation Instructor, Loyola University Chicago School of Law
2015 - Present
Adjunct Professor of Advocacy, Loyola University Chicago School of Law
2006 - Present
Partner, Trial Lawyer, Leahy Hoste Alkaraki
Associations
2024 - Present
Career Immersion Mentoring Program (CBA)Mentor
2024 - Present
Palestinian American Bar AssociationMember
2024 - Present
National Arab American Bar AssociationMember
2024 - Present
D.I.C.E. Committee (Diversity, Inclusion, Culture, Equity and Engagement) (CBA)Member
2024 - Present
ISBACLE Coordinator
2024 - Present
Public Affairs Committee (CBA)Member
2023 - Present
Gala Host Committee (IBF)Member
2023 - Present
Law School Ambassador Program (CBA)Ambassador to Loyola Law
2023 - Present
Nominating Committee (IBF)Member
2022 - Present
SPC Membership Subcommittee (CBA)Member
2022 - Present
Law School Clinic Grants Committee (IBF)Member
2021 - Present
Civics Committee (CBA)Member
2021 - Present
Standing Committee on Law Office Management & Economics (ISBA)Member
2021 - Present
Board of Managers (CBA)Board Member
2021 - Present
Strategic Planning Committee (CBA)Member
2020 - Present
Clinics, Centers & Programs Leadership Team - Loyola University Chicago School of Law Alumni Board of GovernorsMember
2019 - Present
Illinois Bar FoundationFellows Liaison to ISBA Tort Law Section Council
2019 - Present
Damen Society (Loyola University Chicago)Member
2019 - Present
Marketing Committee (CBA)Member
2019 - Present
Loyola University Chicago School of Law Alumni Board of GovernorsBoard Member
2019 - Present
Illinois Bar FoundationFellow
2019 - Present
Media Production Committee (CBA)Chair
2018 - Present
Arab American Bar Association of IllinoisMember
2018 - Present
Lawyers Rock Committee (Illinois Bar Foundation)Member
2017 - Present
Hearings Division (CBA JEC Committee)Member
2016 - Present
Mary Lane and the No Static Blues BandPeriodic Member
2016 - Present
Trial Practice Committee (CBA)Member
2016 - Present
Tort Law Section Council (ISBA)Member
2015 - Present
Young Lawyers Division Council (ISBA)Member
2014 - Present
Amicus Curiae Committee (ITLA)Member
2013 - Present
Media Production Committee (CBA)Member
2013 - Present
Judicial Evaluation Committee (CBA)Member
2012 - Present
Opportunity Knocks Auxiliary BoardAuxiliary Board Member
2012 - Present
City Club of ChicagoMember
2011 - Present
Dean's Diversity Council (Loyola Law)Member
2006 - Present
Illinois Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
2006 - Present
American Association of JusticePeriodic Member
2006 - Present
Chicago Bar AssociationMember
2006 - Present
Illinois State Bar AssociationMember
2021 - 2021
Class of 2006 Reunion Committee (Loyola University Chicago School of Law)Member
2017 - 2019
CBA Media Production CommitteeVice Chair
2013 - 2019
Wills for Heroes FoundationPro Bono Attorney
2013 - 2017
Investigations Division (CBA JEC)Member
2013 - 2019
Assembly (ISBA)Member
2012 - 2014
Juvenile Justice Mentoring InitiativeVolunteer Mentor
2004 - 2004
Barack Obama for United States Senate CampaignVolunteer
2003 - 2005
Chicago Innerview MagazineContributing Writer
Education
2006
Loyola University Chicago School of Law
J.D.
2003
Saint Joseph's College
B.A.
Speaking Engagements
2025
You & The Law
The Judicial Evaluation Committee of the CBA
2025
You & The Law
Whether Arms Aid to Israel Violates U.S. Law
2025
2025
Qahwa Corner
Building a Personal Injury & Medical Negligence Law Practice
2024
You and the Law
Free Speech about Israel-Palestine on Campus
2024
You and the Law
South Africa v. Israel in the International Court of Justice
2024
You and the Law
First Amendment Issues Related to Israel-Palestine
2024
You & The Law
Intersections of Art, Law & Social Justice
2024
You & The Law
Intersections of Art, Law & Social Justice II
2024
Palestinian American Bar Association
Pathways to Legal Community Leadership - Becoming Active in Your Local Legal Community
2024
Driving it Home with Patti Vasquez, guest hosted by Paul Farahvar, WCPT 820 AM
South Africa's Genocide Case Against Israel in The World Court
2024
CBA Trial Academy
CBA Trial Academy
2024
CBA Law School Ambassador Program
The Chicago Bar Association for Law Students
2023
You and the Law - Television Program Host
The First Amendment & Democracy
2023
You and the Law - Television Program Host
How to Lose & Save a Constitutional Democracy
2023
You and the Law
How Judicial Indpendence Protects & Promotes Democracy
2023
You and the Law
Antitrust, Competition & Democracy
2023
Practical Tips for Trial & Beyond
Direct & Cross Examination
2023
Everyday Law - Podcast Guest
What's My Case Worth?
2023
CBA Trial Academy
CBA Trial Academy
2022
You and the Law - Television Program Host
Advocating in the United States Supreme Court
2022
Trust Radio Network Interview
Interview/Profile
2022
Apex CLE - Online Presentation
Products Liability: Plaintiff's Perspective - 2022 Update (Speaking - Online CLE Presenter)
2021
You and the Law - Television Program Host
Legal Issues Associated with Building an Authentic Personal Brand
2021
You and the Law - Television Program Host
Legal Issues Surrounding Return to Work
2021
You and the Law - Television Program Host
The CBA Mediation Service
2021
Chicago Bar Association
CBA Trial Academy
2021
Chicago Bar Association
Mediation Simulation Workshop: Mock Mediations
2020
You and the Law - Television Program Host
The CBA Racial Justice Coalition
2020
You and the Law - Television Program Host
The Chicago Bar Association as a Public Resource
2020
You and the Law - Television Program Host
Current Developments in Immigration Law & Policy
2019
You and the Law - Television Program Host
Chicago Animal Care & Control
2019
You and the Law - Television Program Host
An Overview of the Illinois Workplace Transparency Act
2019
Chicago Bar Association
Sharpen Your Jury Trial Skills: 4 Session CLE Seminar Series on Opening Statement, Direct Examination, Cross Examination & Closing Argument
2019
Business Network International, Chicago - River North Chapter
Trial of a Medical Malpractice Case
2018
You and the Law - Television Program Host
The Structure of the Special Counsel Probe and Related Investigations
2018
You and the Law - Television Program Host
An Overview of Landlord-Tenant Law
2018
Loyola University Chicago School of Law
How to Succeed in Law - Top Loyola Alumni Under 40 Panel
2018
ISBA Quick Take Video Presentation
How to Handle a Mediation
2018
ISBA Lawyers in the Classroom Program, Columbia Explorers Academy
How to Become a Trial Lawyer
2018
ISBA Lawyer in the Classroom Program, Belding Elementary School
The Judicial System and the Importance of Civility
2018
Chicago Bar Association
Sharpen Your Trial Skills: 4 Session Seminar Series on Opening Statement, Direct Examination, Cross Examination & Closing Argument
2018
Business Network International - Chicago, River North Chapter
How Third Party Liability Insurers Handle Injury Claims
2018
Arab American Heritage Event
The Rule of Law, Equal Justice, Fellowship & Community Service
2018
Apex CLE Online Presentation
Products Liability: Plaintiff's Perspective - 2018 Update
2017
You and the Law - Webcast Host
Legal Landscape of the Craft Beverage Industry
2017
ISBA Day - Loyola University Chicago School of Law
ISBA Day Panel Discussion on Leaving Law School Practice-Ready
2017
Business Network International, Chicago - River North Chapter
Personal Injury Lawyers ... Who Needs 'Em?
2016
You and the Law - Webcast Host
An Overview of Residential Real Estate Transactions for First-Time Home Buyers
2016
You and the Law - Webcast Host
Intellectual Property for Entrepreneurs & Artists
2016
Upcoming Online CLE Presentation
Products Liability: Plaintiff's Perspective - 2016 Update
2016
Illinois State Bar Association/Kent-Chicago College of Law
Tales from the Well of the Courtroom
2016
Faculty for CLE Program Sessions
Trial Practice Skills Series - Cross Examination & Closing Argument
2015
You and the Law - Television Program Host
Legal & Social Resources for Persons with Developmental Disabilities
2014
You and the Law - Television Program Host
CLAIM - Chicago Legal Advocacy for Incarcerated Mothers
2014
Online CLE Presentation
Products Liability: Plaintiff's Perspective
2014
Medical Records in Illinois (authored materials used by substitute speaker due to conflict with trial)
Use of Medical Records at Trial
2014
Law Day Live - Webcast Host
Family Law feat. Andrew Vaughn of NuVorce, LLC
2013
Law Day Live - Webcast Guest
Law for Pet Owners
2013
Guest Speaker at The John Marshall Law School
Tips for Aspiring Litigation Attorneys
2013
Guest Speaker at Loyola University Chicago School of Law
The Real "One L" - Strategies for Finding Work and Succeeding as a New Litigator
2012
The Legal Forum - Radio Program Guest
Premises Liability
2012
Panelist at Beazley Institute for Health Law and Policy
Bioethics in Film
Publications
2023
Tort Trends (ISBA), Vol. 59, No. 1, Oct. 2023
Inhuman Error: Autonomous Vehicle Liability
2022
Leave granted by Illinois Appellate Court (1st Dist.)
Amicus Curiae Brief of ITLA in Support of Plaintiff-Appellant in Yersich v. City of Chicago, No. 1-22-0598
2020
Tort Trends (ISBA)
Expert Testimony in the Age of Disinformation
2017
Illinois State Bar Association - Tort Trends, June 2017, Vol. 52, No. 4
Perfecting Distributor Liability for Dangerous Products
2016
Illinois State Bar Association - Young Lawyers Division Newsletter, April 2016, Vol. 60, No. 5
Mentoring in Law: Necessity & Opportunity
2016
Illinois State Bar Association - Young Lawyers Division Newsletter, December 2016, Vol. 61, No. 3
Law Practice Civility in the Wake of a Vitriolic Election Cycle
2015
Illinois Bar Journal
Navigating Concurrent Personal Injury & Divorce Cases
2015
2014
Leave granted by Illinois Appellate Court (1st Dist.)
Amicus Curiae Brief of ITLA in Support of Plaintiffs-Appellants in Brock v. CTA et al., No. 1-14-1302
2013
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
Animal Control Act Opinion Limits Victims to One Bite at "Owner" Liability
2013