Michael A. Grill
Michael A. Grill
+1.312.578.6644

Overview

Mike Grill is a commercial litigation attorney in Holland & Knight's Chicago office. Mr. Grill guides businesses, business owners, financial services companies, insurers, government entities, trustees and individuals in resolving disputes in state and federal courts, arbitration and mediation.

Mr. Grill has a significant background in matters involving business valuations, business divorces, partnership disputes, equity ownership disputes, shareholder and LLC member oppression and claims of breaches of fiduciary duties. He also handles cases concerning allegations of breaches of contract, fraud, restrictive covenants, theft of trade secrets, securities law violations, class action claims asserting violations of consumer protection laws and other claims that arise in the business context.

Representative Experience

  • Represented a minority shareholder in obtaining more than $10 million in share value and attorneys' fees
  • Represented a minority partner in obtaining more than $15 million in partnership interest value
  • Represented a minority shareholder in obtaining a seven-figure valuation of minority equity position
  • Represented an incentive unit holder in obtaining an additional $3 million in unit value following a contractual put option valuation dispute
  • Defended family-owned businesses against claims of shareholder oppression, breach of buy-sell agreements, and violation of Illinois' Books and Records statute in a share valuation dispute
  • Defended a limited liability company (LLC) member against claims of oppression and breach of fiduciary duty, as well as for injunctive relief
  • Defended corporate owner against claims of shareholder oppression, breaches of fiduciary duties and conversion
  • Represented numerous minority business owners in disputes against majority owners attempting to "squeeze out" minority owners at below-value equity prices

  • Defended a national financial services company in multiple actions alleging a former registered representative engaged in "selling away," operating a Ponzi scheme and related securities law violations
  • Represented a public pension fund in an investment contract dispute with a long-time investment adviser
  • Defended a national financial services company in litigation and arbitration against claims of control person liability stemming from allegations of registered representatives' sales of unsuitable financial products and breaches of fiduciary duty

  • Defended national consumer electronics retailer against claims the retailer violated the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (MMWA)
  • Defended multiple businesses from claims alleging violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA)

  • Represented a national law firm following partner's theft of trade secrets and breach of fiduciary duties and unlawful competition, including in initial injunction proceedings
  • Defended a former owner of a closely held company from claims of breach of confidentiality agreement
  • Defended a consumer products manufacturer and distributor whose competitor asserted a trademark right in the color of the product at issue
  • Represented a software creator in injunction, copyright and breach of contract proceedings following national buyer's failure to honor purchase terms

Credentials

Education
  • University of Illinois College of Law, J.D., cum laude
  • Northwestern University, B.A., History
Bar Admissions/Licenses
  • Illinois
Court Admissions
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
  • U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois
  • U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
  • U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas
Memberships
  • Attorneys for Family-Held Enterprises (AFHE), 2018-Present
  • American Bar Association
  • Illinois State Bar Association
Honors & Awards
  • Holland & Knight Public and Charitable Service All-Star Award, 2017-2019
  • Excellence in Pro Bono Service, Federal Bar Association, Chicago Chapter, 2013, 2018
  • Emerging Lawyer, Leading Lawyer, 2015
  • Pro Bono All Star, Holland & Knight, 2010-2012, 2020, 2021
  • Pro Bono Champ, Holland & Knight, 2008-2009
  • University of Illinois Journal of Law, Technology and Policy, Articles Editor