Atty. Mark E. Schmidtke
Mark E. Schmidtke represents clients in ERISA and Non-ERISA employee benefits matters in state and federal courts throughout the United States for nearly 30 years.
Litigation - ERISA Attorney · Serving Chicago, IL
Profile Summary
About Mark E. Schmidtke at a Glance
Mark E. Schmidtke is a employment and litigation attorney based in Chicago, Illinois, practicing at Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart PC. Admitted to practice in Indiana, Indiana State Bar Association. Educated at Valparaiso University (J.D., 1981) and Valparaiso University (BA). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - ERISA (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law (2026). Serves clients in Chicago, IL and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Mark E. Schmidtke
- Mark E. Schmidtke represents clients in ERISA and Non-ERISA employee benefits matters in state and federal courts throughout the United States for nearly 30 years
- He has been lead or co-lead counsel in ERISA litigation matters pending in the courts of 49 states
- He has argued appeals in the United States Courts of Appeals for the Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, Tenth, and Eleventh Circuits, as well as the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, the Minnesota Supreme Court, the Minnesota Court of Appeals, the Indiana Court of Appeals, and the California Court of Appeals
- He has also authored several briefs and petitions at the United States Supreme Court, including amicus curiae briefs in important ERISA cases such asHardt v
- Reliance Standard, Black & Decker v
- Nord and Yates v
- Hendon
- Mr. Schmidtke serves as National ERISA Counsel for several large life, health and disability insurers, consulting with house counsel and outside counsel on litigation matters and advising house counsel and business clients on document drafting and policy issues
- Mr. Schmidtke has also represented national and international companies in large class actions
- He has written numerous books and articles on employee benefit-related issues and is a frequent speaker at national seminars
- Mr. Schmidtke has been appointed to a three-year term on the U.S
- Department of Labor Advisory Council on Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans for 2014-2016 and is serving as Vice Chair for 2015
Practice Areas Explained
Mark E. Schmidtke's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Mark E. Schmidtke handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Chicago.
Employment Law in Chicago
Employment lawyers represent workers in wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, wage & hour disputes, and severance negotiations.
Mark E. Schmidtke is one of 167,770 employment attorneys indexed nationally. Browse employment attorneys in Illinois →
Civil Litigation in Chicago
Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.
Mark E. Schmidtke is one of 450,751 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in Illinois →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Chicago
Practicing law in Illinois. Legal matters in Illinois are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Chicago are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Illinois state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Illinois brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Illinois courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Chicago Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Chicago-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Illinois attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Chicago or all attorneys in Illinois.
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Common Questions About Mark E. Schmidtke
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Chicago Choose Mark E. Schmidtke
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Mark E. Schmidtke's practice in the field of employment and litigation.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering employment and litigation, Mark E. Schmidtke can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Chicago
A Chicago-based practice means Mark E. Schmidtke attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues Mark E. Schmidtke Handles in Chicago
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Mark E. Schmidtke has experience with under Illinois law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Mark E. Schmidtke directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
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How People Find Mark E. Schmidtke Online
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Mark E. Schmidtke's Practice Areas & Specializations
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