Donald G. Machalinski is Co-Chair of Tressler’s Aviation and Transportation Practice Group. Don concentrates his practice in aviation, product, professional, and premises liability litigation, and his practice also includes insurance coverage litigation. Don has an active casualty trial practice as well as an appellate practice for both liability and coverage matters. Don has achieved an AV® Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, which is a testament to the fact that a lawyer’s peers rank him at the highest level of professional excellence. Since 2019, Don has been selected for inclusion in the Illinois Super Lawyers® and selected as a 2019 Top Rated Lawyer by the National Law Journal. Don was recently selected by his peers in the 2023, 2024, and 2027 editions of The Best Lawyers in America®. Additionally, Don was recently recognized by Best Lawyers as the 2027 “Lawyer of the Year.” He is also a licensed pilot.

Where are you from?

I am originally from Waukegan, IL, and currently live in Aurora, IL.

What was your first job?

I worked in the Facilities Department at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, IL.

Do you have any hidden talents, unique hobbies, and/or fun facts?

I’m passionate about wrestling and currently work as a strength-training coach. I wrestled for about seven years during my youth and later served as the president of a local youth wrestling program for approximately ten years.

Fun fact: Growing up, I was the youngest of eight children in my family.

What is on your bucket list?

I am a devoted Chicago Cubs fan, and currently, I have nothing on my bucket list since I have already experienced seeing the Chicago Cubs win the World Series in my lifetime.

Why did you decide to become an attorney? 

As someone who thrives on competition, I found the dynamic and challenging atmosphere of being a litigator to be incredibly exhilarating. The fast-paced nature of courtroom battles and the strategic thinking required to outmaneuver opposing counsel truly ignited my passion for the profession.

What does a typical workday look like for you? 

A typical day includes going to court, attending depositions, communicating with clients, drafting pleadings and motions, and working towards resolving my cases.

Why did you choose your areas of practice?

As a licensed pilot, I was naturally drawn to aviation litigation and have developed a specialized practice in this area. My background as a certificated pilot gives me unique insights into aviation accidents and the legal topics surrounding them. This experience greatly aids my interactions with aviation professionals, including both my clients and opposing parties.

I have participated in the investigation of numerous aviation accidents, which often entails multiple wreckage inspections conducted alongside various aviation experts. The aviation field is highly regulated, both nationally and internationally, with regulations that pertain to airmen, aircraft, airports, and operations. Additionally, my aviation practice encompasses accidents that occur worldwide and the resulting litigation throughout the United States.

Don as a young pilot.

What do you like most about Tressler?

What I value most about Tressler is the incredible freedom and unwavering support that empower me to deliver robust and dedicated representation for my clients. This environment allows me to advocate passionately and effectively, ensuring that each client receives the attention and care they deserve.

What’s your favorite part of your job? 

I love getting a new assignment. Every new case is unique, with new issues.  And I also believe that new assignments reflect that my clients were pleased with my handling of their prior assignments.

What are you most proud of, professionally and/or personally? 

Personally, I am proud of my family. My wife Kelli and I met in college, and we have been married since 1987. We have three wonderful children, Kyle, Katie, and Jack.

One of my proudest professional accomplishments is the long-standing relationships I have built with many of my clients over the years. I have had some of the same clients for decades, which is truly rewarding. Collaborating with them over such a long period has allowed me to earn their trust. I measure my success by resolving their cases in a cost-effective and timely manner.

Don and his wife, Kelli, in Wrigleyville.

Don and his son, Kyle, in the bleachers at Wrigley Field.

Don stands next to a bus billboard featuring his daughter, Katie.

Don and his son, Jack, at U of I. 

What are some of the most important lessons you’ve learned in your career?

I had opportunities to be lead trial counsel and to take cases to verdict very early in my career.  Those early opportunities really helped me to develop strong pre-trial litigation skills.

How do you approach problem-solving at work?

Being proactive: Identify specific objectives and develop an organized plan to reach that objective.

How do you inspire your team, and what’s your approach to mentoring and developing talent??

I inspire my team by leading by example and keeping a positive outlook.  I also encourage my team members to continue to develop their talents and take on new challenges.

How do you maintain a work-life balance over a long career?

To maintain work-life balance throughout my career, I set specific goals for both my personal and professional life and stay organized to achieve them.

How do you handle tight deadlines?

When faced with tight deadlines, I prioritize by staying organized and taking a proactive approach to my tasks. I believe that many demanding timeframes are often self-imposed, resulting from poor planning or a lack of foresight. By setting clear priorities and breaking projects into manageable steps, I can effectively navigate these pressures and ensure timely completion without compromising quality.

Don Machalinski can be reached at dmachalinski@tresslerllp.com.