Michael Zimmermann Tressler LLP

Zimmermann, Michael F. Of Counsel

Zimmermann, Michael F. Of Counsel

Practice Focus

Michael F. Zimmermann concentrates his practice in government law, human resources and commercial litigation. For more than 20 years, he has served as general counsel to Chicago-area municipalities and their leaders, representing them in day-to-day legal issues and as municipal prosecutor. Mike is chair of Tressler’s local government law group.

In addition, Mike represents a variety of businesses and individuals in commercial litigation evolving from disputes related to business transactions; land development; commercial real estate and related contract, liability and administrative licensing; as well as regulatory matters. He also represents both private and public clients in the creation and operation of projects designed to spur economic development.

With respect to his local government law practice, Mike advises elected officials and administrative staff on general business matters, development, personnel, Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Districts and other tax incentives, code enforcement and public policy issues. He also defends and prosecutes a full range of matters that often involve unique local government concerns, including the following:

  • Zoning and development, land use and eminent domain
  • Personnel and employment discrimination claims
  • Civil rights issues
  • Administrative review law
  • Police department liability
  • Police and fire department disciplinary commission matters
  • Premises liability and personal injury, and
  • Local liquor licensure

Mike assists clients in a wide variety of employment matters. These include policy creation, investigations, discipline and defense of discrimination claims.

Mike brings to all of his clients a commitment to proactive, effective representation that reflects his familiarity with the requirements of sound public policy, good business judgment and reliable trial advocacy.

Professional Background

Mike joined Tressler LLP in March 2012 when his then-current firm, Raysa & Zimmermann LLC, merged with Tressler. 

In 2008 and 2009, he was named to the Illinois Super Lawyers Rising Star® list in the category of Government/Cities/Municipalities and Civil Litigation Defense.

Memberships & Affiliations

International Municipal Lawyers Association, Member
Illinois Municipal League, Home Rule Attorneys’ Committee, Member
Illinois Institute for Local Government Law, Member
Chicago Bar Association, Member
Illinois State Bar Association, Member

Publications

Recent Articles and Blogs

News

Representative Experience

  • Bonert v. Schiller Park
  • Matters v. Miulli
  • Obtained dismissal of religious discrimination claim by Illinois Department of Human Rights for national restaurant franchisee.
  • Obtained cost of defense settlement in FMLA claim filed in federal court for national restaurant franchisee.
  • Successfully obtained settlement of national origin discrimination claim 2 weeks pay for national restaurant franchisee.
  • Successfully obtained unfounded determination in sexual orientation discrimination claim filed with Illinois Department of Human Rights for national restaurant franchisee.
  • Obtained nuisance value settlement in state Whistle Blower Act lawsuit settled for national restaurant franchisee.
  • Obtained summary judgment in ADEA and Sec. 1983 claim, affirmed by the 7th
  • Circuit court of appeals for a unit of Illinois government.
  • Settled race discrimination claim investigated by EEOC for 4 weeks pay for a unit of Illinois government.
  • After a contentious period of employment that ended in termination after less than one year, we defended a public school district client against in EEOC claim of race discrimination
  • Settled a race discrimination claim on behalf of a unit of Illinois government asserted under Federal and Illinois state law
  • Settled a U.S. district court ADA discrimination lawsuit on behalf of a unit of Illinois government
  • Settled an ADA discrimination claim filed by a 40+ year old Hispanic female by allowing her to continue in employment for eight months in order to reach her public service retirement, in exchange for a global release of all potential claims.
Back to Attorneys Search