Michael S. Bergerson, Jr.

A strategic litigator with substantial trial experience, Michael has represented individuals and businesses in complex tort and contract litigation, both as plaintiff’s and defense counsel, and in white collar and securities and commodities matters in state and federal courts throughout the country. His experience on a variety of high-stakes cases helps him offer clients pragmatic advice at virtually all stages of litigation and gives clients an edge at critical moments in each case.

Prior to joining the firm, Michael was an attorney at Winston & Strawn LLP in Chicago for nearly 10 years. There, he worked on a number of sophisticated matters, including a $6 billion defamation trial before a South Dakota jury, the largest of its kind in U.S. history; a six-week wrongful death trial before a San Diego jury; a six-week SEC trial involving alleged securities fraud by a large broker-dealer; a three-week political corruption trial in Chicago; and a U.S. Supreme Court appeal of a former governor’s conviction for honest services fraud. He has also assisted clients with complex civil claims including alleged assault, battery, breach of contract, conversion, defamation, product disparagement, securities and commodities violations, and fraud.

Outside the courtroom, Michael serves as a trusted adviser to individuals and businesses seeking strategic and cost-effective guidance. His background in government, coupled with substantial defamation and media law experience, allows him to be a reliable resource for clients facing public relations and other business risks.

Michael has long been active in the Northwest Indiana community and is on the board of directors for One Region, a nonprofit supporting economic development and quality of life improvements, and for Citizens Concerned for the Homeless. He devotes substantial time and attention to pro bono matters, which began when he was a student representing South Bend residents at the Notre Dame Legal Aid Clinic.

Michael served for three years as a senior aide to U.S. Rep. Peter J. Visclosky, who represents Indiana’s First District in Northwest Indiana. As a legislative aide, he advised the congressman on trade, labor, manufacturing, and energy policy, managed constituent correspondence, and served as staff director of the Congressional Steel Caucus. He has also managed a number of political campaigns, including two successful county-wide races in LaPorte County, Indiana.