Overview
Mike has a unique ability to stay focused and even-keeled even when it may look to some like the sky is falling. He takes a thoughtful and direct approach to advising clients in the areas of aviation and aerospace law, commercial litigation, regulatory compliance, and the cannabis industry.
Since entering private practice after serving as a Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney, Mike has represented airlines, airports, aircraft owners and manufacturers in business disputes and lawsuits arising out of accidents. His non-aviation work involves advising businesses, governmental entities, insurers and insurance brokers in commercial and tort litigation.
Mike founded the firm’s cannabis practice in 2013 with the advent of Illinois’ medical cannabis program. Amundsen Davis was one of the first full-service law firms in the Midwest to serve the cannabis industry, and it remains a leader. Mike continues to serve as co-chair, providing counsel to all variety of businesses operating in the cannabis industry.
Mike has held a variety of leadership positions in bar and industry organizations, and has also demonstrated great commitment to his community. He is particularly passionate about his work on the board of directors for Mental Health America of Illinois, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving treatment and care available to those who suffer from mental and emotional disorders.
Experience
Membership & Involvement
- Director, Attorney Division: Aviation Insurance Association
- Member: Education Committee: Aviation Insurance Association; Federal Trial Bar; Chicago Bar Association; Education Committee and Content Committee; Illinois Cannabis Bar Association; Illinois Women in Cannabis; Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel
- Chair: Chicago Bar Association, Aviation Law Committee, 2014-2015
- Defense Research Institute: Aviation Law Committee Program Chair, 2017-2019; Aviation Law Committee Publications Chair, 2013-2015; Aviation Law Committee Membership Chair, 2012-2013; Aviation Law Committee Expert Witness Chair, 2011-2012
- Commissioner: Village of Homewood Board of Fire and Police Commissioners, 2009-2014
- Commissioner: Village of Homewood Community Relations Commission, 2008-2009
- Board of Directors: Mental Health America of Illinois
- Homewood-Flossmoor Soccer Club, Coach
Honors
- Recognized as "40 Illinois Attorney Under 40 to Watch" by the Law Bulletin in 2014
- Selected to the Illinois Super Lawyers List: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
- Selected to the Illinois Super Lawyers "Rising Stars" List: 2015, 2016
- Leadership Award, Defense Research Institute, 2019
Resources & Insights
In the Media
Alerts
Speaking Engagements
Published Works
Blog Posts
Firm News
- 30 SmithAmundsen Attorneys Included on 2022 Illinois Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists30 SmithAmundsen Attorneys Included on 2022 Illinois Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
Congratulations to all of our attorneys named to the 2022 Illinois Super Lawyers and 2022 Illinois Rising Stars lists!
- Cannabis Law in Illinois: The Basics & BeyondCannabis Law in Illinois: The Basics & Beyond
Mike McGrory and Darren Grady present the first-ever IICLE law program.
- Is It Ok to Come Out Now?Is It Ok to Come Out Now?
This article for AIA's magazine discusses how life is getting back to “normal” post pandemic, how the pandemic affected the legal system, and how the lack of personal engagement during the pandemic has impacted lawyer’s ability to do their job effectively.
- Knowing and Mitigating the Risks of Entrusting AircraftKnowing and Mitigating the Risks of Entrusting Aircraft
Knowing and Mitigating the Risks of Entrusting Aircraft
Education
DePaul University College of Law, J.D., 2003
Eastern Illinois University, B.A., 1999
Admissions
- Illinois