Michael Hernandez

Michael practices in the areas of education, labor, and employment law. He is experienced in investigations as well as litigation in state and federal courts and administrative agencies, including property tax appeal work. He has a broad background in constitutional and civil rights law, including affirmative action and desegregation matters. His practice also includes vendor contracts, drafting legislation, labor negotiations, and assisting emerging or transitioning companies.

Prior to joining the firm, Michael served as General Counsel of the Illinois State Board of Education and Deputy General Counsel for the Chicago Board of Education. He also served as an Assistant District Attorney with the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office.

Michael previously served as a member of the Executive Committee of the Illinois Council of School Attorneys and as part of the Illinois Operational Shared Services work group. He has been active in the American Bar Association, the Chicago Bar Association, and the Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois.

In 2014, Michael was nominated as a Fellow for the American Bar Foundation (ABF) and currently serves as the Illinois Chair for 2021-2026.  In 2024, Michael was recognized with the Outstanding State Chair Award by the ABF.  He served on the Leadership Greater Chicago Fellows Advisory Board and as a board member of the National Latino Education Institute. He was also the Vice Chair of the Arts Alliance Illinois Board.

Michael was appointed as the firm’s first Diversity Officer in 2006 and has been a congressional nominee to the National Hispanic Leadership Summit. He is a founding member of the Chicago Advisory Board of Teach for America, and he has served as designated counsel for the National Hispanic Sales Network.