Attorney

Michael J. Lichner
Michael J Lichner is an experienced Illinois personal injury lawyer ready to take on your case and fight for you.
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Attorney Michael J Lichner
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award - The National Trial Lawyers Top 100
MJL- Super Lawyers Badge
award - Expertise 2024 Best Truck Accident Lawyer in Joliet
award - Expertise 2024 Best PI Lawyers in Joliet
award - Expertise 2024 Best Car Accident Lawyers in Plainfield
award - Expertise 2024 Best PI lawyer in Bridgebrook
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Attorney Michael J Lichner

Bar Admissions

  • Illinois, 2010
  • Northern District Federal Trial Bar, 2013

Education

  • John Marshall Law School, Chicago, IL – May 2010, J.D.
  • University of St. Thomas, Houston, TX – May 2004, M.A. Education
  • University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL – May 2002, B.A. History, Minors in Sociology and Political Science

AWARDS & MEMBERSHIPS

  • Super Lawyers, 2025 – selected
  • The National Trial Lawyers, Top 100 – selected in 2024
  • Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Joliet – selected in 2024 by Expertise.com
  • Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Bolingbrook – selected in 2024 by Expertise.com
  • Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Joliet – selected in 2024 and 2025 by Expertise.com
  • Best Car Accident Lawyers in Plainfield – selected in 2024 and 2025 by Expertise.com
  • American Association for Justice – member
  • Illinois State Bar Association – member
  • Will County Bar Association – member
  • Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys – member
  • SSCM Athletic Commission – member
Experience You Can Trust

Bio

Michael J. Lichner is a well-respected attorney and recognized as a Top 100 National Trial Lawyer. His practice concentrates on personal injury cases. With over a decade of experience, Mr. Lichner is an active member of his community and a partner at Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol, LLC., located in Joliet, IL and with satellite offices in Plainfield and Naperville, IL.

Attorney Lichner received his Bachelor of Arts in History with minors in Political Science and Sociology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Upon graduation, Michael joined Teach for America, dedicating the next two years of his life to teaching middle school students in inner-city Houston. While teaching in Houston, Michael earned his Master of Education from the University of St. Thomas. After returning to Chicago, Mr. Lichner attended The John Marshall Law School in Chicago, Illinois (now the University of Illinois Chicago Law School), where he received his Juris Doctor in May of 2010. While attending law school, Mr. Lichner clerked for the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office in the Felony Trial Division at 26th and California. Mr. Lichner was admitted to practice law in Illinois in November 2010. In January 2011, Mr. Lichner joined Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol, LLC, where he now is a partner, focusing on representing injured people.

When he’s not busy practicing law, Michael enjoys spending time with his family and is an active member of his community, devoting substantial time to local charities, events and supporting local businesses and communities. He is a member of his son’s school’s Athletic Commission and is deeply committed to daily healthy exercise and steadfastly believes that every child deserves an opportunity to attain an excellent education. He has been married for over 20 years. Michael and his wife have a very active and extremely inquisitive son, who constantly keeps them on their toes.

Get In Touch

815-258-7877
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Testimonials

Award Winning Service
Karla Christopher
★★★★★
Michael is a very thorough and attentive attorney. After a nasty dog bite he fought for and won the maximum settlement from the insurance company. I am so grateful that a friend referred him. If you think you should be compensated for a dog bite I encourage you to reach out to him. He is the BEST!!!
Julie-Ann Kasky
★★★★★
Mike went above and beyond to make sure I received a settlement that was more than I could imagine. My case was settled fairly quickly and luckily and I would highly recommend Mike Lichner to anyone.
Barbara Stamper
★★★★★
Everyone I encountered during the process was very professional, caring, and helpful. My questions were answered and explanations given if I didn't understand something. Thank you!
Sharon Candace
★★★★★
We were beyond pleased with Attorney Michael Lichner, his hard work and dedication to our case was more than we expected. The outcome was life changing for our family and cannot thank Michael and Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol enough! We highly recommend them.
J H
★★★★★
I'm still currently working with Michael but so far he has been great for me. Very professional and works hard for his clients. Definitely recommended.
TJ Davisel
★★★★★
I just want to say a hearty thank you to Michael J. Lichner and the team for helping me with an unfortunate hit and run situation. They were so helpful every step of the way! Thank you so much!!
Fernanda Lockowitz
★★★★★
“It’s going to be okay,” was the comforting phrase that I heard from my lawyer, Michael J. Lichner, from the beginning to the end of my case. I reached out to the RCK law firm after being involved in a car accident that was not my fault. I was very upset and frustrated and did not know how to handle the situation. The day of my appointment, I was filing my case with one of the lawyers from the firm. Suddenly, attorney Michael J. Lichner stepped into the office to listen to all my concerns. He was very compassionate and took his time to explain the legal process in the simplest way for me to understand. I walked out of that office with confidence, hope, and held great trust in him. Without a doubt, I requested him to be the lawyer for my personal injury case. Attorney Lichner was very professional, committed, dedicated, and hardworking. Despite his busy schedule, he managed to keep me informed throughout the entire legal process. He was always genuine and very knowledgeable. Lawyer Michael Lichner reassured me that he had my best interests in mind. He showed this to me from beginning to end when he gave me the call to let me know he won my case. There are no words to express how grateful I am! I am very confident to recommend Personal Injury Lawyer, Michael J. Lichner, without reservation, and I feel privileged to know him. AWESOME EXPERIENCE! One of the best professionals I have ever met.

Have Any Questions?

We know that you have important questions when you’re looking for an attorney. We’re always here to answer questions. There’s no cost or obligation to talk to our legal team. Learn more about your case and our legal services. Please contact us!
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How do I know if I have a case?

The most basic grounds for a case are that you’re hurt and it’s someone else’s fault, legally. There are multiple legal standards that may apply.

Most cases are accidents. The party responsible doesn’t necessarily have to have hurt you on purpose. Simple negligence, which is just an unreasonable absence of care, can be enough for the victim to have the right to compensation. In other words, you might have a case, even if it was an accident.

Ask us for your personal consultation. We can learn about what happened in your case and explain how the law may apply.

How will the value of my case be determined?

The purpose of a personal injury case is to compensate you fairly for the losses that you have suffered. That includes financial losses, plus the physical and emotional suffering that goes along with injuries. The question to answer is – What has the personal injury cost you, financially and personally?

There are other factors that may impact the value of a case. Comparative negligence may apply, for example. Punitive damages may be awarded, subject to statutory limitations and requirements for pretrial motion and hearing to amend the complaint. The legal strength of the case may also impact its value.

At your consultation, we look at your specific case and explain how the value of your case may be determined.

Will I have to go to court for my personal injury case?

Most Personal Injury cases don’t go to court, but we’re always ready just in case. In fact, aggressively preparing your case can be exactly what’s needed to reach a fair settlement. We’re always ready to pursue your interests as long as necessary for you to get justice.

It’s normal to be nervous about court. Many people ask us if their case will go to court, hoping that the answer is no. Rest assured that you’re hiring us to represent you. We’ll speak for you to the court. If it’s your turn to testify, we’ll make sure that you’re fully prepared and that you know what to expect.

As your legal representative, Michael L. Lichner works to understand your goals for litigation. He’ll discuss the pros and cons of going to court and help you make the right decisions for your case.

What types of damages can I recover in a personal injury lawsuit?

In a personal injury lawsuit, you can recover damages for the losses you have – financially and personally. You’ll have direct financial losses which may include medical bills, physical therapy, lost wages, and damaged property. You can put in a claim for these expenses.

In addition, when you have a personal injury, you suffer in a lot of ways that can’t be measured directly. For example, you will have physical pain. Injuries may cause mental injury and emotional anguish. Your lifestyle may change. These are real losses, too.

How can I have attorney Michael J. Lichner represent me?

If you’re interested in hiring Michael J. Lichner, contact us. Call or message us, and we’ll take it from there. We offer free consultations and no fee unless we win.

We’ll start with a consultation, answer your questions, and explain how representation works. When you pick us as your representation we’ll get right to work!

Don’t wait, contact us today!

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Start with a free case evaluation with attorney Michael J. Lichner. At your consultation, we can discuss your case and what you may receive in compensation. See if our services are right for you. Get started today.

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