Atty. Michael H. Cramer
Mr. Cramer counsels and represents employers on a wide variety of labor and employment-related legal matters.
Employment Law Management & More Attorney · Serving Chicago, IL
Profile Summary
About Michael H. Cramer at a Glance
Michael H. Cramer is a employment and litigation attorney based in Chicago, Illinois, practicing at Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart PC. Admitted to practice in Illinois, Illinois State Bar Association. Educated at The University of Michigan Law School (J.D., 1988). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Management (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Labor and Employment (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026). Serves clients in Chicago, IL and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Michael H. Cramer
- Mr. Cramer counsels and represents employers on a wide variety of labor and employment-related legal matters
- He has advised clients ranging from small non-profits to Fortune 500 companies on employment matters, negotiated cost-effective resolutions to troubling disputes, and litigated to victory
- Based on peer surveys, Mr. Cramer has achieved Martindale-Hubbell’s highest peer review rating (AV), and has been named among the Best Lawyers in America, a Leading Lawyer and an Illinois Super Lawyer
- Mr. Cramer’s employment litigation practice includes discrimination and harassment cases, wage and hour collective actions, and restrictive covenant litigation
- Examples of his work include: Defending employers including retail chains, restaurant chains, and manufacturers in numerous class and collective actions involving alleged wage and hour violations
- Defeating a former employee’s attempt to certify a class of more than 200 employees alleging denial of overtime pay, then defeating the remaining plaintiff’s claims at trial
- Winning summary judgment on behalf of employers in numerous discrimination and retaliation suits
- Defeating a 27-count federal lawsuit brought by the former chief executive of a non-profit organization against the entity and each of its board members
- Defeating an age and sex discrimination suit in a federal jury trial
- Guiding employers through high-stakes internal investigations and termination situations
- Training in-house counsel, HR professionals and entire workforces on subjects including anti-harassment, anti-discrimination, internal investigations and workplace bullying
- and Assisting clients to reduce EEOC charges and lawsuits by counseling HR and management on policies and all potentially volatile disciplinary and termination decisions
- A frequent speaker and writer on labor and employment law topics, Mr. Cramer serves on the Labor & Employment Advisory Committee for the Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education
Practice Areas Explained
Michael H. Cramer's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Michael H. Cramer 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.
Michael H. Cramer 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.
Michael H. Cramer 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 Michael H. Cramer
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Chicago Choose Michael H. Cramer
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 H. Cramer's practice in the field of employment and litigation.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering employment and litigation, Michael H. Cramer 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 H. Cramer 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 H. Cramer Handles in Chicago
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Michael H. Cramer 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 H. Cramer directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
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How People Find Michael H. Cramer Online
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Michael H. Cramer's Practice Areas & Specializations
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Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions
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