Michelle Rakestraw is a Senior Associate in Dinsmore & Shohl LLP’s Commercial Litigation practice group. She represents businesses and individuals in complex commercial disputes, arbitrations, and litigation matters in state and federal courts. Her practice encompasses a broad range of business litigation, including shareholder disputes, franchise litigation, employment matters, real estate litigation, and other commercial controversies. She advises clients across numerous industries, including energy, healthcare, franchising, transportation, manufacturing, banking, construction, and municipal services.
Michelle manages all phases of litigation, from pre-suit counseling and risk assessment through discovery, motion practice, depositions, mediation, arbitration, trial, and post-judgment proceedings. She has significant experience handling complex discovery issues, coordinating e-discovery efforts, working with expert witnesses, and developing litigation strategies that align legal objectives with business priorities.
Clients value Michelle’s practical, results-oriented approach and her ability to navigate complex factual and legal issues while maintaining focus on efficient and strategic dispute resolution. Her experience includes working closely with business owners, corporate leadership, in-house counsel, and multidisciplinary teams to manage significant litigation matters.
Before joining Dinsmore, Michelle served as an Assistant State’s Attorney for Cook County, Illinois, where she handled trials, appeals, and complex investigations, gaining extensive courtroom and advocacy experience.
Michelle earned her J.D. from Loyola University Chicago School of Law, where she received CALI Awards for Excellence in Legal Writing and Advocacy and participated in the school’s moot court program.
