Atty. Michael A. Jacobson
Michael Jacobson represents issuers, lenders and investors in a wide variety of commercial finance matters. He regularly assists them with senior, first-lien, second-lien, unitranche and mezzanine financings and structures.
Banking And Finance Law Attorney · Serving Chicago, IL
Profile Summary
About Michael A. Jacobson at a Glance
Michael A. Jacobson is a business attorney based in Chicago, Illinois, practicing at Katten. Educated at DePaul University (J.D., 1994). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Banking and Finance Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Finance Law (2026). Serves clients in Chicago, IL and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Michael A. Jacobson
- Michael Jacobson represents issuers, lenders and investors in a wide variety of commercial finance matters
- He regularly assists them with senior, first-lien, second-lien, unitranche and mezzanine financings and structures
- Michael frequently handles cash flow and asset-based transactions, leveraged buyouts and buildups, recapitalizations, restructurings and workouts
- He has extensive experience negotiating the complex intercreditor arrangements these deals can require
- He also routinely represents agents, lead arrangers, lenders, asset managers and other investors (both regulated and nonregulated) in a wide range of financings and structures
- They include bilateral, clubbed and broadly syndicated deals, unitranche structures (including "first out, last out" arrangements), senior secured and second-lien credit facilities and cross-border financings
- Michael also helps investors consummating equity co-investments and equity "kickers."While his practice spans a variety of industries, Michael frequently works on financings involving businesses in health care, software and technology, and sports and entertainment
Practice Areas Explained
Michael A. Jacobson's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Michael A. Jacobson handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Chicago.
Business & Corporate Law in Chicago
Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.
Michael A. Jacobson is one of 497,491 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business 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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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Chicago Choose Michael A. Jacobson
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 Michael A. Jacobson's practice in the field of business.
Focused Business Practice
Concentrating on business means Michael A. Jacobson's knowledge of relevant statutes, case law, and procedural nuances stays current — unlike generalist practices that spread attention across unrelated fields.
Local Presence in Chicago
A Chicago-based practice means Michael A. Jacobson 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 Michael A. Jacobson Handles in Chicago
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Michael A. Jacobson 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 Michael A. Jacobson directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
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How People Find Michael A. Jacobson Online
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Michael A. Jacobson's Practice Areas & Specializations
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