Atty. Michael Joseph Small

Atty. Michael Joseph Small

Michael Joseph Small is a lawyer practicing general practice, food & beverage, health care and 6 other areas of law. Michael received a B.A. degree from Brown University in 1985, and has been licensed for 35 years.

Chicago Chicago 35 yrs experience 35 year
Call (872) 270-8615 Book Appointment

Food & Beverage & More Attorney · Serving Chicago, IL · 35+ Years Experience

Profile Summary

About Michael Joseph Small at a Glance

Michael Joseph Small is a Partner based in Chicago, Illinois, practicing at Foley & Lardner LLP. They have 35+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1991. Their practice focuses on bankruptcy, m&a, estate litigation, creditor rights, and health care. Admitted to practice in Illinois United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh and Ninth Circuits United States District Co (1991). Educated at University of Chicago Law School (J.D., 1991) and Brown University (B.A., 1985). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Serves clients in Chicago, IL and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated October 2026

About Michael Joseph Small

  • Michael Joseph Small is a lawyer practicing general practice, food & beverage, health care and 6 other areas of law
  • Michael received a B.A. degree from Brown University in 1985, and has been licensed for 35 years
  • Michael practices at Foley & Lardner LLP in Chicago, IL

Practice Areas Explained

Michael Joseph Small's Areas of Legal Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Michael Joseph Small handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Chicago.

Bankruptcy & Debt in Chicago

A bankruptcy attorney can help you eliminate debt, stop creditor harassment, and protect your home through Chapter 7 or Chapter 13.

Michael Joseph Small is one of 104,458 bankruptcy attorneys indexed nationally. Browse bankruptcy attorneys in Illinois →

Mergers & Acquisitions in Chicago

Michael Joseph Small is one of 49,430 m&a attorneys indexed nationally. Browse m&a attorneys in Illinois →

Estate & Trust Litigation in Chicago

Michael Joseph Small is one of 19,876 estate litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse estate litigation attorneys in Illinois →

Creditor Rights & Collections in Chicago

Michael Joseph Small is one of 42,582 creditor rights attorneys indexed nationally. Browse creditor rights attorneys in Illinois →

Health Care Law in Chicago

Health care attorneys for HIPAA, Medicare, Medicaid, regulatory compliance, and medical licensing matters.

Michael Joseph Small is one of 66,157 health care attorneys indexed nationally. Browse health care 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.

Frequently Asked

Common Questions About Michael Joseph Small

Where is Michael Joseph Small's law office located?
Michael Joseph Small's law practice is located in Chicago, Illinois. The firm is Foley & Lardner LLP. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Michael Joseph Small handle?
Michael Joseph Small focuses on bankruptcy, m&a, estate litigation, creditor rights, health care. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Illinois.
How long has Michael Joseph Small practiced law?
Michael Joseph Small has 35+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1991.
Where did Michael Joseph Small go to law school?
Michael Joseph Small earned their education at (J.D., 1991); (B.A., 1985).
How can I contact Michael Joseph Small for a consultation?
You can contact Michael Joseph Small directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Michael Joseph Small received?
Michael Joseph Small's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Professional Profile

Why Clients in Chicago Choose Michael Joseph Small

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 Joseph Small's practice in the field of bankruptcy, m&a, estate litigation, creditor rights, and health care.

Decade-Tested Legal Experience

Michael Joseph Small brings 35+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.

Broad Practice Area Coverage

Covering bankruptcy, m&a, and estate litigation, Michael Joseph Small 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 Joseph Small 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 Joseph Small Handles in Chicago

Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Michael Joseph Small 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.

Chapter 7 liquidation
Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 repayment plans
Bankruptcy
Debt negotiation
Bankruptcy
Creditor harassment defense
Bankruptcy

This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Michael Joseph Small directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.

Search Reference

How People Find Michael Joseph Small Online

Prospective clients searching for legal help in Chicago commonly use a combination of the attorney's name and their specific legal need. The following search terms frequently lead people to this profile and to attorneys like Michael Joseph Small.

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If any of the above matches what you searched for, you've found the right profile. Use the contact options at the top of this page to get in touch with Michael Joseph Small directly.

Education & Law School Background

J.D.
University of Chicago Law School
- 1991
B.A.
Brown University
- 1985

Awards & Professional Honors

AV Preeminent

Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions

Illinois United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh and Ninth Circuits United States District Co
Admitted: 1991

Client Reviews & Ratings — Michael Joseph Small

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