BIO
Michael J. O’Rourke has extensive experience in all aspects of corporate
reorganization and business litigation. An honors graduate of Harvard University and the University of Virginia law school, Mr. O’Rourke has fashioned a remarkable career of achievement in all aspects of business law and corporate law. Throughout his 30 year legal career he has tried numerous cases, both jury and non-jury, in almost every conceivable area of commercial law. He has specialized in commercial and bankruptcy reorganization and litigation and has represented numerous banks and financial institutions in trials involving business disputes in courts all over the country. He is a member of a number of federal circuit appellate courts and was admitted to the Northern District, Central District and Southern District federal courts in Illinois.

Mr. O’Rourke received a diploma from Oxford University in England and
received his bachelor’s degree, cum laude, from Harvard University. He
received his law degree from the University of Virginia. Following graduation, Mr. O’Rourke joined Chapman & Cutler as an associate in the firm’s litigation department. Subsequently, Mr. O’Rourke joined Mayer, Brown & Platt as an associate in the firm’s litigation department. Four years later, Mr. O’Rourke joined Winston & Strawn as a litigation associate and was elected a partner two years later.

Mr. O’Rourke’s trial experience extends across all areas of commercial law, including the Uniform Commercial Code, banking, contracts, partnership, trade secrets and creditors’ rights. He has handled complex, multi-district litigation at the federal level and has also acted as lead counsel in numerous class actions around the country. Mr. O’Rourke has also represented major.businesses, such as banks, corporations and partnerships in a wide variety of matters, including bankruptcy and real estate reorganization.

A published author and legal education instructor, Mr. O’Rourke is also active in
civic affairs and is former president of the Lincoln Central Association in Lincoln Park in Chicago and member of the Board of Directors of the Lincoln Park  Conservation Association.

EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts, University of Oxford

Bachelor of Arts, Cum Laude, Harvard University
Juris Doctor, University of Virginia School of Law

LICENSES

Supreme Court of Illinois

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois

U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois

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MEMBERSHIPS & DISTINCTIONS

Illinois Super Lawyers, 2006 – 2011

American Bar Association

COMMUNITY AND PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT
Board of Directors of the Lincoln Park Conservation Association