Meet Michael B. Kilgallon

Candidate Cook County 10th Subcircuit Judge

 

Michael B. Kilgallon grew up in the Sauganash neighborhood of Northwest Chicago. His father had a career that included being an attorney for the City of Chicago, then Director of the Public Building Commission, and finally, a Cook County Circuit Court Judge. His mother was a psychologist in the Golf School district, who, despite raising five children, managed to earn her Master's and later her Doctorate in Psychology.

Michael's wife, Toni Kilgallon, also grew up in Sauganash, relocating there during her 6th-grade years from the Our Lady of Angels Parish. She's an accomplished teacher with an Apple award to her name.

Their family is diverse in its professional pursuits. Their children include Kevin, a Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Doctor at Rainbow Children’s Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio; Kelly, a therapist specializing in counseling adolescents and young adults through her private practice; John, with over 6 years of service at Mariano's Food Stores; and Natalie Petric Whalen, who serves as the Regional Director of Enforcement for the CME Group. Kevin is married to Brittany, also a pediatrician working for the University Medical Group in Cleveland, Ohio, while Natalie is married to James Whalen, a managing partner at the Lipe Lyons Law Firm, specializing in Insurance Defense.

Michael is a proud grandfather to six granddaughters. Natalie and James have three children – Tiile (11), Caroline (9), and Ainsley (7). Kevin and Brittany have three kids as well – Saiorse (3), Niamh (1.5), and Fiadh (6 months old).

In terms of education, Michael graduated from Loyola Academy in 1973, obtained a degree in Psychology from the University of Illinois in 1977, and graduated with honors from the IIT/Chicago Kent School of Law in 1983. During law school, he also worked as a Deputy Sheriff during the day while attending classes at night.

Outside of work and family, his hobbies include playing the guitar in a Blues Band named Cheryl and the Dynamics. He enjoys spending time with his kids and grandkids, with frequent visits to Cleveland. He's also an active supporter of his granddaughters' diverse interests, attending their various events like soccer matches, cross country races, volleyball games, field hockey matches, dance recitals, and more. He occasionally watches Cubs games and University of Illinois games.

EXPERIENCE

Education

• University of Illinois - Champaign-Urbana — 1977
  B.A. Psychology
• IIT Chicago - Kent School of Law — 1983
  J.D. with Honors

Work Experience

• 1980 - 1983
  Deputy Sheriff/Bailiff assigned to 1^st District Appellate Court while going to law school at night
• 1983 - 1985
  City of Chicago Corporation Counsel's Office - Torts Division
• 1985 - 1986
  Law Offices of John M. Falasz, Jr., Ltd.
• 1986 - 1995
  Hinshaw & Culbertson — Capital Partner 1995
• 1995-2003
  Principal, Kilgallon & Carlson
• 2003-2009
  Principal, Kilgallon & Craig Law Offices
• 2009-Present
  Principal, Kilgallon Law Offices

Professional Memberships

• Illinois State Bar Association
• Chicago Bar Association

Publications

• Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education
• Handbook on Premises Liability
• Author: Chapter on Investigation of
• Premises Liability case from Defense Perspective

Primary Areas of Specialty

• Premises Liability, Auto, Products Liability,
• Structural Work Act and other Construction
• Accident Cases, Defamation; Appeals

 

AREAS OF PRACTICE

Policy Consultation

Comprehensive or Commercial General Liability and Associated Claims:

• Construction Related Claims
• Contractual Liability
• Personal Injury Liability Offenses, including Slander and Libel
• Employers Liability
• Automobile Liability including Uninsured and Underinsured Coverages, including Rental Car
• Liability
• Homeowner's Liability
• Professional Liability
• Director's and Officer's Liability
• Owner's and Contractor's Protective Liability

Tort Defense

Experienced trial attorneys handle all aspects of the defense of tort cases, and have successfully negotiated, arbitrated, and tried numerous cases in the following areas:

• Motor Vehicle Liability, including Rental Car Liability
• Defamation
• Premises Liability
• Intentional Torts
• Products Liability
• Construction Accidents
• Municipal Tort Liability
• Structural Work Act
• School Law Litigation
• ADA Litigation
• Litigation pertaining to the rights of the disabled under other federal and state laws