Michael C. Milstein

Capital Member

Michael concentrates his practice on workers’ compensation defense for employers, insurers, and third-party administrators.  His practice is dedicated to defending all types of WC claims, from minor slips and falls to catastrophic injuries. He works diligently as an advocate for his client’s best interests to resolve matters effectively and efficiently.

He values the relationships he builds with his clients.  He’s always focused on their interests and prides himself on always being available to help whether it is on a case, answering random questions, or providing training for example.

In his 15+ years of experience, he has gained extensive knowledge that allows his unique out-of-the-box thinking used for case resolution.  Michael has been recognized for his exceptional service by both Leading Lawyers and Rising Stars.

On the personal side, Michael is married for over 10 years to his wife Carli, who is an artist. They have 2 kids, Parker (6) and Avery (3), and live in Highland Park, IL. He enjoys playing with his kids, cleaning up after his kids, and relaxing after his kids go to sleep (also sports, stand-up comedy, and walks with his dog).

DID YOU KNOW: I am an awful artist which is why I married a professional one.

  • Education:

    • J.D., Chicago-Kent College of Law, Chicago, Illinois, 2007
    • B.A., University of Illinois, Champaign, Illinois, 2004
  • Professional Memberships & Associations:

    • Claimsxchange
    • Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Association
  • Seminars & Presentations:

    • “Hidden Treasures Revealed Within the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act & Rules,” Downey & Lenkov Clients, February 2024
    • Omaha Educational Seminar, September 2023
    • “The Hidden Side of Claims and the Scary Pitfalls to Avoid,” ClaimsXchange Annual Conference October 2023
    • “Tomorrow is Here: AI’s Impact on Claims,” Downey & Lenkov Clients, July 2023
    • “A New Frontier: Remote Work and Workers Compensation Claims,” CLM Work Comp, Casualty & Risk Management Conference, May 2023
    • “Breaking the Chain: How to Successfully Defend Causation Claims in Illinois,” Downey & Lenkov Clients, February 2023
    • “Understanding Mental Health Claims in Workers’ Compensation,“ CLM Annual Conference, March 2022
    • “Illinois Workers’ Compensation Forms You Need To Know,” Downey & Lenkov Clients, March 2022
    • “Illinois Workers’ Compensation: The First COVID Decisions,” Downey & Lenkov Clients, November 2021
    • “Defending Shoulder & Knee Injury Claims: A Medical & Legal Perspective,” Downey & Lenkov Clients, June 2021
    • “Case Law and Legislative Update,” National Business Institute, June 2021
    • “From Struggle to Success: 2020 Lessons and 2021 Solutions,” RIMS Annual Conference, April 2021
    • “The McAllister Supreme Court Decision & the Future of Denying Accidents in IL,” Downey & Lenkov Clients, October 2020
    • “Workers’ Compensation and COVID-19 Rebuttable Presumption,” Illinois State Bar Association, October 2020
    • “5 x 4 — Five Compelling Workers’ Compensation Topics from Four Different Perspectives,” CLM Workers’ Compensation and Retail, Restaurant & Hospitality Conference, June 2020
    • “The COVID-19 Effect: Impact on Workers’ Comp,” WorkCompCentral, April 2020
    • “2020 Workers’ Compensation News & Changes You Need to Know,” Downey & Lenkov Clients, January 2020
    • “3rd Annual BDL Great American WC Quiz,” Downey & Lenkov Clients, September 2019
    • “Workers’ Compensation Horror Stories,” Downey & Lenkov Clients, October 2018
    • “Ask Us ANYTHING Part II,” Downey & Lenkov Clients, April 2018
    • “Ask Us ANYTHING,” Downey & Lenkov Clients, December 2017
    • “Workers’ Compensation Mock Trial,” Artex Risk Management Conference, February 2017
    • “Common Workers’ Compensation Issues Defined Part II,” Downey & Lenkov Clients, October 2016
    • “Trial And Appellate Procedure,” Sterling Education Services, Inc., June 2015
    • “Fighting Fraud Claims,” Downey & Lenkov Clients, May 2015
    • “Permanent Partial Disability,” Downey & Lenkov Clients, April 2014
    • “Legal Considerations for a Telework Program,” Telework Summit, October 2013
    • ”AMA Ratings in Illinois,” Downey & Lenkov Clients, July 2013
    • ”Workers’ Compensation Mock Trial,” Downey & Lenkov Clients, April 2013
    • ”Multi-Jurisdictional Workers’ Compensation Claims,” Panelist for a CLE presentation, February 2012
    • ”Illinois Workers’ Compensation 101 Overview Seminar,” GuideOne Insurance Company, July 2011
    • ”IL Workers’ Compensation Reform,” Downey & Lenkov Clients, June 2011
  • Articles & Publications:

    • “Legislative Update,“ Downey & Lenkov Workers’ Compensation Newsletter, February 2017- Present
    • “COVID-19 Rebuttable Presumption Extended,” Downey & Lenkov Workers’ Compensation Newsletter, February 2021
    • “Illinois Legislature Extends COVID-19 Rebuttal Presumption,” Downey & Lenkov Client Alert, January 2021
    • “Amendment to Extend COVID-19 Rebuttal Presumption Filed,” Downey & Lenkov Client Alert, January 2021
    • “McAllister: Common Bodily Movements and a Change in Compensability,” Downey & Lenkov Illinois Workers’ Compensation Newsletter, October 2020
    • “The Realities of the Workers’ Compensation COVID-19 Rebuttable Presumption,” Illinois State Bar Association Building Knowledge Construction Law Newsletter, July 2020
    • “Dramatic Expansion of IL Employees Workers’ Compensation Rights,” Downey & Lenkov Client Alert, April 2020
    • “Full Duty Release & Job Offer; TTD Suspension,” Downey & Lenkov Illinois Workers’ Compensation Newsletter, December 2018
    • “Bank Teller Leaves Empty Handed,” Downey & Lenkov Illinois Workers’ Compensation Newsletter, June 2018
    • “Early Bird Gets The Worm,” Downey & Lenkov Illinois Workers’ Compensation Newsletter, February 2018
    • “Illinois Workers’ Compensation Reform,” The Illinois Manufacturer Magazine, Winter Edition, 2012
  • News & Insights:

    • Risk & Insurance, “5 Workers’ Comp Litigation Considerations Employers Should Review Before a Claim Heads to Court,” June 2020

Chicago, Illinois 312-377-1501 | Crown Point, Indiana 219-488-2590
Indianapolis, Indiana 219-488-2590 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin 414-758-3367

Chicago, Illinois

312-377-1501


Crown Point, Indiana

219-488-2590


Indianapolis, Indiana

219-488-2590


Milwaukee, Wisconsin

414-758-3367