Areas of Focus
Mike Doornweerd represents aerospace, defense, and aviation companies in complex disputes relating to customers, suppliers and the government. These disputes may relate to contract disagreements, warranty disputes, business torts, and compliance and regulatory issues. Be it through trial (he has litigated to verdict or final award over 20 trials and arbitrations) or settlement (he has negotiated hundreds of millions of dollars in favorable settlements for his clients), Mike recognizes when it is appropriate to push through to verdict and when a deal makes the most sense financially and strategically for his client. Mike serves as a Co-Chair of the firm’s Litigation Department and a Co-Chair of its Aerospace and Defense Practice.
Mike’s 25+ years in the industry enable him to provide practical and steadfast advice in real life business situations. He is laser focused on his client’s goals and crafts all of his strategies with them in mind. Mike’s efficient way of litigating saves his clients time and money and minimizes disruption to their ongoing business practices. Mike is also able to seamlessly partner with in-house lawyers and other outside counsel to serve his clients in the most professional and effective manner.
Most importantly, Mike is sensitive to their future profitability in mind, Mike has proved that he can zealously advocate for his clients while preserving important partnerships. By developing creative, strategic solutions, Mike is often able to not only resolve the conflict at hand but also put systems and policies in place so conflict does not arise again.
A client-centric approach is critical to success.
Areas of Focus
Credentials
Service / Recognition
Overview
Mike Doornweerd represents aerospace, defense, and aviation companies in complex disputes relating to customers, suppliers and the government. These disputes may relate to contract disagreements, warranty disputes, business torts, and compliance and regulatory issues. Be it through trial (he has litigated to verdict or final award over 20 trials and arbitrations) or settlement (he has negotiated hundreds of millions of dollars in favorable settlements for his clients), Mike recognizes when it is appropriate to push through to verdict and when a deal makes the most sense financially and strategically for his client. Mike serves as a Co-Chair of the firm’s Litigation Department and a Co-Chair of its Aerospace and Defense Practice.
Mike’s 25+ years in the industry enable him to provide practical and steadfast advice in real life business situations. He is laser focused on his client’s goals and crafts all of his strategies with them in mind. Mike’s efficient way of litigating saves his clients time and money and minimizes disruption to their ongoing business practices. Mike is also able to seamlessly partner with in-house lawyers and other outside counsel to serve his clients in the most professional and effective manner.
Most importantly, Mike is sensitive to their future profitability in mind, Mike has proved that he can zealously advocate for his clients while preserving important partnerships. By developing creative, strategic solutions, Mike is often able to not only resolve the conflict at hand but also put systems and policies in place so conflict does not arise again.
A client-centric approach is critical to success.
Areas of Focus
Credentials
Admissions
- Illinois, 1996
Education
- Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, JD, cum laude, Member of School of Law's National Moot Court Team, 1995
- Kalamazoo College, BA, cum laude, with honors, Phi Beta Kappa, 1992
Court Admissions
- Illinois Supreme Court
- US Court of Appeals, Third Circuit, 2000
- US Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit, 2024
- US Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit, 1997
- US Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit, 2001
- US Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit, 2007
- US Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit, 2020
- US District Court, Northern District of Illinois, 1996
- US District Court, Northern District of Illinois (Trial Bar), 2008
- US District Court, Southern District of Illinois, 2000
- US Court of Federal Claims, 2001
Clerkships
- Hon. Cornelia G. Kennedy, US Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit, 1995-1996
Service / Recognition
Awards
- Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators in America, 2025-2026
- Legal 500, General Commercial Disputes, 2020-2021; International Arbitration, 2021
- Illinois Super Lawyers, Business Litigation, 2013-2015
- US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Award for Excellence in Pro Bono Service, 2010
Community
- Wellness House, Volunteer
Service to the Bar
- American Bar Association