MICHAEL LAYDEN
Partner

With more than 25 years of experience in complex civil litigation at the trial and appellate court levels, Michael Layden focuses his practice on technology-related disputes in the life sciences and e-commerce industries, and has represented many high-profile companies and organizations across the country and in the Chicago region.

Michael handles a wide range of matters including class actions, competition and antitrust claims, shareholder disputes, employee covenant disputes, intellectual  property matters, licensing disputes, false claims actions, and other contract and statutory matters. He has also represented the City of Chicago in several high-stakes matters — including the City pension reform litigation, City  retiree healthcare class action dispute, redistricting litigation regarding the re-drawing of City wards, and complex FOIA-related litigation — and has represented the Illinois General Assembly in litigation arising from the decennial state redistricting process. His former firm, Prendergast Layden, combined with CROKE FAIRCHILD DUARTE & BERES in 2023.

In addition to his work as a litigator, Michael serves as a business advisor to companies and institutions. He is a former member of the University of Illinois Medical Center GUILD Board and current member of the American Bar Association, Chicago Bar Association, and Illinois State Bar Association.

Michael serves on the Management Committee and is a member of the Office of General Counsel.