Michael Cramer

Mike 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. Mike's employment law practice includes workplace investigations, discrimination and harassment litigation, and wage and hour class and collective actions. Mike enjoys leading learning sessions on professional interaction and inclusive leadership -- thus promoting work environments that operate free of harassment, discrimination and retaliation. Mike serves on Ogletree’s Diversity and Inclusion Steering Committee. He also serves on the steering committee for the firm’s Workplace Investigations practice group and is a member of the firm’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Compliance practice group. Based on peer surveys, Mike 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. Mike has twice been named a BTI Client Service All-Star (“identified solely through client feedback—as delivering the highest levels of client service”), most recently in 2024. Mike is also an award-winning independent movie director and a widely-published cartoonist. His family comedy, Teenage Ghost Punk, is available on Amazon, iTunes and other Video-On-Demand outlets. Mike serves as a board member and the JEDI officer of the Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI). He previously served on the boards of CARPLS Legal Aid, the Chicago Improv Festival, and the Around The Coyote Arts Festival.