Professional Experience
Michael S. Rhinehart focuses his practice on all aspects of business litigation and products liability defense, including complex breach of contract cases, various foreclosure actions, fraud, judgement enforcement, landlord/tenant issues, and defense of product manufacturers, retailers, and distributors. He has significant experience in both state and federal courts, as well as in arbitration proceedings. His recent experience includes the following:
- Advising clients on enforceability of non-compete provisions.
- Successfully argued dismissal of claims against automobile finance lender for violations of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act.
- Representing an international bank in high-profile foreclosure proceedings for a proposed Chicago landmark.
- Advising clients on enforceability and scope of mandatory arbitration provisions and defending multi-million dollar arbitration proceedings.
- Regularly representing a major national bank in an array of mechanic’s lien actions brought against it and its borrowers.
- Obtained a $29 million summary judgement decision in favor of lender against both manufactured home community and guarantor of same loan.
- Advising clients on how to structure sweepstakes, contests, and promotions.
- Regularly representing landlords for breach of lease and commercial evictions under the Illinois Forcible Entry and Detainer Act.
- Representing manufacturers, retailers, and distributors of various products and equipment against serious and catastrophic personal injury claims.
- Representing various clients against claims under the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act.
- Representing pro bono clients in asylum proceedings.
Education and Honors
- Northwestern University School of Law (J.D., cum laude, 2010)
Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology (Executive Editor). Research Assistant to Professor Lee Epstein (Judicial Behavior and Constitutional Law). Teaching Assistant to Professor Alyson Carrel (Negotiations).
- Purdue University (B.A., 2005)
B.A. in English, minor in French. Outstanding Career English-Student Award (Finalist). Played Tight End for university’s football team.
Bar Admissions
Illinois,
2010
Court Admissions
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
Professional and Civic Activities
Quarles Cares (Co-Chair).
Anti-Cruelty Society (Volunteer).
Inspiration Cafe (Volunteer).
Chicago Bar Association (Member).
Illinois State Bar Association (Member).
Languages
French