We can be aggressive, if needed, but prefer to work cooperatively.
Michael Sabath is a distinguished litigator with more than 30 years of experience in all areas of family and matrimonial law.
Michael’s family law work includes matters involving complex financial issues, corporate valuations, non-marital asset protection, premarital and postmarital agreements, child custody, support and parenting time.
He is managing partner of the firm’s Lake Forest office.
Approach
Michael understands that the legal system is not set up to address all of the issues involved when couples divorce. Drawing on his years of experience, he guides couples through the process with creative approaches to help them achieve their goals.
Michael strives to resolve matters efficiently to avoid incurring unnecessary fees and stress. A skilled negotiator, he assists clients in reaching favorable settlements without the necessity of trial when possible. When necessary, however, he aggressively represents clients successfully at trials and on appeals.
Reputation
Michael was one of the youngest attorneys ever nominated as a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (Illinois Chapter). He has been selected for inclusion in Illinois Super Lawyers each year since 2007 and named to the Leading Lawyers Network each year since 2004.
Professional Recognition
- The Best Lawyers in America®, 2018 – Present
- Family Law
- Illinois Super Lawyers, 2007 – Present
- Leading Lawyers Network, 2004 – Present
- Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished SM
Presentations & Presentations
- “Common Social Media Pitfalls in Divorce,” 2024
- “Why Equitable Doesn’t Always Mean Equal When Dividing Assets,” 2023
- All About Maintenance – The Lilac Tree Center for Divorce Resources, May 2023
- The Games People Play – Illinois Institute for Continuing Education Business Valuation, Financial, and Tax Issues in Divorce program, March 2019
- Maintenance: Review, Modification, Termination, and Implications of the Bernay Case – Lake County Bar Association, September 2017
Contact
msabath@bergerschatz.comdownload vCard
Education
Illinois Institute of Technology/Chicago-Kent College of Law, J.D., with honors, 1992
University of Colorado at Boulder, B.A., 1989
Bar Admissions
Illinois
United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois
Professional Leadership
Chicago Bar Association, Member
- Family Law Committee Young Lawyers Section, Past Co-Chair