Atty. Michael Dockterman
Michael Dockterman is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Intellectual Property. Michael, who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 2010.
Commercial Litigation & More Attorney · Serving Chicago, IL
Profile Summary
About Michael Dockterman at a Glance
Michael Dockterman is a business, ip, and litigation attorney based in Chicago, Illinois, practicing at McDermott Will & Schulte. Admitted to practice in Illinois, Illinois State Bar Association. Educated at Duke University (J.D., 1978) and Yale University (BA, 1975). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026) and Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Intellectual Property (2026). Serves clients in Chicago, IL and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Michael Dockterman
- Michael Dockterman is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Intellectual Property
- Michael, who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 2010
- This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michael is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area
Practice Areas Explained
Michael Dockterman's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Michael Dockterman 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 Dockterman is one of 497,491 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Illinois →
Intellectual Property in Chicago
IP attorneys protect inventions, brands, and creative work through patent prosecution, trademark registration, copyright, and trade-secret enforcement.
Michael Dockterman is one of 105,285 ip attorneys indexed nationally. Browse ip attorneys in Illinois →
Civil Litigation in Chicago
Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.
Michael Dockterman is one of 450,750 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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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Chicago Choose Michael Dockterman
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 Dockterman's practice in the field of business, ip, and litigation.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering business, ip, and litigation, Michael Dockterman 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 Michael Dockterman 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 Dockterman Handles in Chicago
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Michael Dockterman 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 Dockterman directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
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How People Find Michael Dockterman Online
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Michael Dockterman's Practice Areas & Specializations
Education & Law School Background
Awards & Professional Honors
Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions
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