Michael Polachek focuses his practice on closely held businesses and their owners, the sale and purchase of businesses, industrial and commercial real estate, zoning, administration of decedent’s, disabled person’s and minor’s estates and estate planning. Mike has represented both sellers and purchasers of businesses in numerous industries.
Mike is a former member of the Board of Directors of the DuPage Symphony Orchestra, a past trustee of the Northwest Suburban Mass Transit District as an appointed representative of the Village of Bartlett, Illinois, a past chairperson of the Economic Development Commission of the Village of Bartlett, Illinois and a past president of the Rotary Clubs of Franklin Park and Addison, Illinois.
Through the recommendation of attorney colleagues, Mike has been named as a Leading Lawyer in the Closely Held Business Law category and an Illinois Super Lawyer® in the Mergers & Acquisitions category. Mike has received an AV® rating from Martindale-Hubbell which is “a testament to the fact that a lawyer’s peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence”.
Experience
Owner at Law Office of Michael J, Polachek, Ltd.
June 2013 – Present
Business Attorney/Partner at Tressler LLP
May 2000 – May 2013
Attorney/Partner at Darnall, Polachek & Associates
1976 – 2000
Education
Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of TechnologyJuris Doctorate, Law, 1973 – 1976
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
BA, English Literature, 1971 – 1973
Miami University
English Literature, 1969 – 1971
Activities and Societies: Studied in Luxembourg; Delta Chi Fraternity
Honors and Awards
Through the recommendation of attorney colleagues, Mike has been named as a Leading Lawyer in the Closely Held Business Law category and an Illinois Super Lawyer® in the Mergers & Acquisitions category. Mike has received an AV® rating from Martindale-Hubbell which is “a testament to the fact that a lawyer’s peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence.”
Testimonials
“Over 13 years working with Mike on a number of projects, I was always impressed with his attention to detail and his generosity of time. There was no cutting corners or accepting less than excellence in his assessment of the issues and his written work product. His oral communications to clients were always very clear and well thought out. He is a true professional and the results speak for themselves.”
— John Huston, Civil Litigation Trial Lawyer and Firm Senior Partner, Tressler LLP, worked with Michael at Polachek Law Firm
“This is a rarity among LinkedIn recommendations: Mike hasn’t asked me to recommend him, and in fact, he doesn’t even know I’m doing so. Mike is a skilled, thoughtful, and tireless lawyer, and his clients are fortunate to have him as their advocate; but that’s not why I’m writing this recommendation. Rather, I wanted to publicly acknowledge my appreciation for Mike’s mentorship during my first years as an attorney. He was usually generous with his time and energy, and his guidance and encouragement were instrumental in shaping me as a professional. Whenever I knocked on his door for his advice or perspective, he would immediately put his project aside, slide off his reading glasses, and give me his full attention. I continue to benefit from his selfless investment in my future, and I will always be grateful for his kindness to me.”
— Burke Nihill, Attorney, Tressler LLP, worked indirectly for Michael at Tressler LLP
“I have used Michael to prepare loan documents for the bank. He has proven to be professional, knowledgeable and responsive in helping negotiate the loan documents and close the loan relationship.”
— Bob Szyman, was Michael’s client
“Mike is a very astute attorney who can quickly gain the confidence of all parties in a negotiation.”
— Michael Majewski, Vice Pres, Selden Fox, Ltd., was with another company when working with Michael at Tressler LLP