Michael is a Democratic candidate for Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County. He is currently a partner in the trial department at the law firm of McDermott Will & Emery LLP. As a litigator with a focus on commercial litigation, he has been involved in a wide assortment of complex matters in courts across the country and has significant trial and appellate experience.
Michael serves as the Pro Bono Litigation Partner where he cultivates and enhances opportunities for McDermott’s attorneys to volunteer their services to help people and communities.
Michael spent many years working with the non-profit Family Defense Center (n/k/a Ascend Justice), which provides access to justice for families in the child welfare system through direct representation and policy advocacy. In addition to serving on the Board, including as Board President for four years, Michael has provided pro bono representation to families throughout Cook County on DCFS matters.
Michael organized a legal clinic for LGBTQ+ individuals with the Center on Halsted and the Broadway Youth Center of Howard Brown. The Center on Halsted was so pleased with this program that it selected Weaver and his team for its “Outstanding Volunteer Attorney” Award. Michael is also active with youth mental health awareness and local small business issues.
Michael earned his law degree at Loyola University Chicago School of Law. Before law school, he worked in higher education administration where he obtained a Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration and Human Resource Development from the George Washington University. Michael also has a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs from the George Washington University. He has interned for three federal judges: Judge William J. Hibbler, Judge Ronald A. Guzman, and Judge Ann Claire Williams. Prior to joining McDermott, Michael served as a law clerk for Chief Justice F. Michael Kruse and Associate Justice Lyle L. Richmond of the High Court of American Samoa.
All of the bar associations that have reviewed Michael’s credentials to serve as Judge have found him “Qualified” or “Recommended” to serve. The Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago found Michael “Highly Recommended”.
Michael lives with his husband, Paul, and their two Pugs, Magnum and Louie, in the Edgewater neighborhood in Chicago.
For more information visit: http://michaelweaverforjudge.com/
