Michelle A. Rakestraw

Senior Associate

Michelle focuses her practice on complex commercial litigation. She represents clients in commercial litigation matters involving breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, and shareholder claims. She is instrumental in developing litigation strategy and finding ways to mitigate liability for clients.

Previously, Michelle served as a prosecutor for the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office where she litigated dozens of trials and pre-trial motions. She also drafted numerous appellate briefs and has argued twice before the Illinois Appellate Court, First Judicial District.

Credentials

Education

Loyola University of Chicago Law School (J.D., 2016)

Indiana University (B.A., 2012)

Bar admissions

  • Illinois

Court admissions

  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois

Distinctions

  • Best Lawyers®

News
  • August 21, 2025

    260 Dinsmore Attorneys Listed as 2026 Best Lawyers®, Ones to Watch

  • August 15, 2024

    250+ Dinsmore Attorneys Named 2025 Best Lawyers ®, Ones to Watch

  • August 17, 2023

    200+ Dinsmore Attorneys Named 2024 Best Lawyers®, “Ones to Watch”