Atty. Michael C. Whalen
Michael Whalen is an associate in the Litigation practice of Paul Hastings and is based in the firm’s Chicago office. His practice focuses on complex commercial litigation, internal corporate investigations, and white collar criminal defense.
Profile Summary
About Michael C. Whalen at a glance
Michael C. Whalen is a criminal defense, business, white collar, and litigation attorney based in Chicago, Illinois, practicing at Kirkland & Ellis LLP. Educated at New York University (J.D., 2014). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026) and Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (2026). Serands clients in Chicago, IL and the surrounding metropolitan area.
Want to Get Service From This Attorney?
Sign up free and choose one of the two methods below.
Have a legal question? Sign up free, submit it through the Ask the Attorney module and receive a focused answer from a specialist.
- Free to ask a question
- Answers from specialist attorneys
- Optional private / anonymous question
Request an online video meeting or an in-person consultation at the attorney's office. Pick a time that works for you and share the details securely.
- Online video meeting
- In-person at the attorney's office
- Secure messaging and payment
About
- Michael Whalen is an associate in the Litigation practice of Paul Hastings and is based in the firm’s Chicago office
- His practice focuses on complex commercial litigation, internal corporate investigations, and white collar criminal defense
- Prior to joining Paul Hastings, Mr. Whalen clerked for the Honorable Thomas L. Ludington of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
- Mr. Whalen received his law degree from New York University School of Law in 2014
- He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, magna cum laude, in Political Science and Classics from the College of the Holy Cross in 2011
- Mr. Whalen is admitted to practice law in Illinois
- He is admitted to the bar in the Eastern District of Michigan and the Sixth Circuit
Practice Areas Explained
Michael C. Whalen's Areas of Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Michael C. Whalen handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.
A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.
Michael C. Whalen is one of 214,270 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in Illinois →
Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.
Michael C. Whalen is one of 501,317 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Illinois →
Michael C. Whalen is one of 20,025 white collar attorneys indexed nationally. Browse white collar attorneys in Illinois →
Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.
Michael C. Whalen is one of 454,532 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in Illinois →
Jurisdictional Context
Why local counsel matters in Illinois
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 andnue, 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.
Looking for additional Illinois attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Chicago or all attorneys in Illinois.
Frequently Asked
Common questions about Michael C. Whalen
Where is Michael C. Whalen's law office located?
What practice areas does Michael C. Whalen handle?
Where did Michael C. Whalen go to law school?
How can I contact Michael C. Whalen for a consultation?
What awards or recognition has Michael C. Whalen received?
Practice Areas
Education
Awards
Reviews
No reviews yet.