Michael Frisch Joins Elite Chicago Law Firm, Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres

Frisch will lead firm’s Government Litigation and Investigations Practice as a Partner

April 20, 2021

CHICAGO – Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres announced Michael Frisch is joining as a partner leading the firm’s government litigation and investigations practice. Michael’s arrival will add litigation strength and investigations expertise to the firm’s already impressive capabilities.

Michael most recently served as Senior Advisor and Legal Counsel to Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot, advising the Mayor and city leaders on legal, policy, and labor issues. His responsibilities included overseeing all major collective bargaining for the City and leading special projects including serving as the lead on legal aspects of the City’s COVID-19 response.

“I have spent my career guiding clients through complex and high-stakes investigations, enforcement matters, litigation, and negotiations at the intersection of government and business. There could be no better place for me to return to private practice than with this group of bright, diverse lawyers committed to their clients’ success,” said Frisch. “Working for Mayor Lightfoot has been the honor of a lifetime, and I hope to continue serving and supporting her however I can as she continues to fight for fair, transparent and equitable government.”

Michael joined the Lightfoot administration from the Division of Enforcement of the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, where he was responsible for investigating and litigating complex financial fraud affecting the CFTC’s markets, market manipulation, regulatory violations, and matters involving cryptocurrency trading. There, he brought landmark cases including groundbreaking market manipulation cases and one of the CFTC’s first cryptocurrency enforcement matters.

Michael began his career at Chicago-based Mayer Brown, where his practice focused on complex commercial litigation and on matters related to white collar defense and compliance, with a particular focus on clients in the financial services sector.

“I have been fortunate to call Michael a friend for more than a decade and know him to be a first-class counselor of the highest character.  We applaud his service to the City of Chicago and the CFTC and are excited to bring his immense talents to bear on behalf of our clients,” said Drew Beres, one of the firm’s founding partners.

Michael will expand Croke Fairchild’s capabilities to confidently handle disputes, investigations, and other matters involving both private parties and government agencies, including the CFTC.  Michael also plans to continue to serve the Mayor and engage in civic projects that benefit the future of Chicago.

About Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres

Our lawyers are trusted advisors and counselors valued for their legal skill, intellectual curiosity and commitment to forging pragmatic solutions. We have practiced and trained at some of the world’s most prestigious firms and have worked on the most cutting-edge and complex matters. We believe that our structure and our culture allow our lawyers to apply their energy and talents to what matters most – the client. For more information visit crokefairchild.com