Michael D.Wexler
Partner
Trade Secrets, Computer Fraud and Non-Competes
mwexler@seyfarth.com
Clients benefit from Michael’s extensive investigatory experience and considerable jury trial practice.
More About Michael
Michael is a seasoned trial attorney with extensive and successful jury and bench trials throughout the United States for clients of all sizes, including some of the largest companies in the world. His practice focuses on trial work and counseling in the areas of trade secrets and restrictive covenants, corporate espionage, unfair competition, complex commercial disputes, intellectual property infringement, and white collar criminal defense in both federal and state courts.
A former state prosecutor, Michael’s extensive investigatory experience and considerable jury trial practice enables him to advise clients with regard to potential disputes and represent clients through and including a determination of their rights at trial.
Michael has successfully obtained and defended temporary restraining orders and preliminary and permanent injunctions in several jurisdictions. He represents clients in the insurance, securities, finance, banking, transportation, manufacturing, technology, pharmaceuticals, advertising, real estate, employment, medical equipment, and computer industries throughout the United States. He has extensive experience in related areas for due diligence and assists with patent litigation and other litigation involving complex technology.
And Michael is also recognized as a leader within the firm as a member of the Partner Board, national chair of the Trade Secrets, Non-Compete and Computer Fraud practice group, chair of the Chicago Litigation department and a member of the firm’s Lawyer Development Committee. Moreover, Michael holds leadership positions in local charitable organizations.
He has been recognized by The Legal 500 (Legalese Ltd.) as a Leading Lawyer in Trade Secrets for a number of years as well as chair of Seyfarth Shaw LLP’s Legal 500 Tier 1 Trade Secrets Group.
A former state prosecutor, Michael’s extensive investigatory experience and considerable jury trial practice enables him to advise clients with regard to potential disputes and represent clients through and including a determination of their rights at trial.
Michael has successfully obtained and defended temporary restraining orders and preliminary and permanent injunctions in several jurisdictions. He represents clients in the insurance, securities, finance, banking, transportation, manufacturing, technology, pharmaceuticals, advertising, real estate, employment, medical equipment, and computer industries throughout the United States. He has extensive experience in related areas for due diligence and assists with patent litigation and other litigation involving complex technology.
And Michael is also recognized as a leader within the firm as a member of the Partner Board, national chair of the Trade Secrets, Non-Compete and Computer Fraud practice group, chair of the Chicago Litigation department and a member of the firm’s Lawyer Development Committee. Moreover, Michael holds leadership positions in local charitable organizations.
He has been recognized by The Legal 500 (Legalese Ltd.) as a Leading Lawyer in Trade Secrets for a number of years as well as chair of Seyfarth Shaw LLP’s Legal 500 Tier 1 Trade Secrets Group.
- JD, Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology
Order of the Coif
Kent Legal Scholar
Chicago-Kent Law Review
National Moot Court Competition Teams
Legal Writing Teaching Assistant - BA, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Illinois
- US Supreme Court
- US Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit
- US District Court, Northern District of Illinois (Trial Bar)
- US District Court, Central District of Illinois
- US District Court, Southern District of Illinois
- US District Court, Northern District of Indiana
- US District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin
Related Key Industries
Blogs
Related Trends
Related News & Insights
-
Blog Post
Dec 10, 2024
Now Available! Seyfarth’s 2024-2025 50-State Non-Compete Desktop Reference—Your Must-Have Guide
-
Attorney Publication
12/05/2024
Seyfarth’s 2024-2025 50-State Non-Compete Desktop Reference—Your Must-Have Guide
-
Blog Post
Dec 3, 2024
Seyfarth Recognized in WIPR’s 2024 USA Trade Secrets Rankings
-
Media Mentions
11/04/2024
Michael Wexler and Noah Finkel Discuss the Election’s Potential Impact on Non-Compete and Overtime Rules in Forbes
- Listed in Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.) for Commercial Litigation (2016-2025); Trade Secrets Law (2023-2025)
- Recognized as a Leading Lawyer and Recommended Attorney for Trade secrets (litigation and non-contentious matters) by The Legal 500 (Legalese Ltd.) (2011-2024)
- American Bar Association
- Chicago Bar Association
- Illinois Bar Association
- ITechLaw Association
- Co-Author, “Federal Texas Court Sets Aside with “Nationwide Effect” the FTC Rule Banning Non-Competes,” Legal Update, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (August 21, 2024)
- Co-Author, “FTC Non-Compete Ban: What You Need to Know,” Legal Update, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (April 25, 2024)
- Co-Author, "Guarding Secrets: Navigating the Shifting Landscape of Restrictive Covenants in 2024 ," 2024 Commercial Litigation Outlook, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (February 2024)
- Co-Author, "California's Enhanced Non-Compete Ban: Implications For Employers," HR.com (January 2, 2024)
- Co-Author, "FTC Proposes Rule Banning Use of Non-Competes with Employees and Workers and Limiting Employer Protections Against Unfair Competition," Legal Update, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (January 5, 2023)
- Co-Author, "50 State Desktop Reference What Businesses Need to Know about Non-Competes and Trade Secrets Law," Seyfarth Shaw LLP (2022)
- Co-Author, "2022 Trade Secrets Webinar Series: Takeaways & Recordings," Legal Update, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (December 29, 2022)
- Co-Author, "The DOJ and FTC Issue Joint Statement on Competition in Labor Markets in Light of COVID-19: What Effect, If Any, Does This Have on Non-Competes?," Legal Update, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (April 27, 2020)
- Co-Author, "Supreme Court Issues Decision Significantly Expanding the Scope of FOIA’s Confidentiality Exemption," Management Alert, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (July 2, 2019)
- Co-Author, "Top 10 Developments and Headlines in Trade Secret, Non-Compete, and Computer Fraud Law in 2018/2019," Management Alert, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (February 6, 2019)
- Co-Author, "Supreme Court Grants Cert. to Interpret Meaning of “Confidential” or “Trade Secret” Under FOIA," Management Alert, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (January 17, 2019)
- Co-Author, “2016 Trade Secrets Webinar Series Year in Review,” Management Alert, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (January 5, 2017)
- Co-Author, "2014 Trade Secrets Webinar Series Year in Review," Management Alert, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (December 17, 2014)
- Co-Presenter, “Deciphering the FTC's Non-Compete Ban: Navigating the New Regulatory Terrain and Adequately Protecting Employers' Interests,” Webinar, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (May 3, 2024)
- Co-Presenter, "2023 Trade Secrets & Non-Competes Year in Review," Webinar, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (January 30, 2024)
- Co-Presenter, "2023 Trade Secrets Webinar Series Recap: Key Takeaways and Access to Recordings," Webinar, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (December 19, 2023)
- Co-Presenter, "2022 Trade Secrets & Non-Competes Year in Review," Webinar, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (January 24, 2023)
- Co-Presenter, "FTC Proposes Rule Banning Use of Non-Competes. Now What?," Webinar, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (January 12, 2023)
- Co-Presenter, "2021 Trade Secrets & Non-Competes Year in Review," Webinar, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (January 27, 2022)
- Co-Presenter, "2020 Year in Review: What You Need to Know about the Recent Cases and Developments in Trade Secrets, Non-Competes, and Computer Fraud Law," Webinar, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (January 26, 2021)
- Co-Presenter, "Coronavirus & Remote Work Force: Best Practices for Protecting Trade Secrets and Intellectual Capital," Webinar, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (March 27, 2020); Webinar Recording
- "2018 Year in Review: What You Need to Know about the Recent Cases and Developments in Trade Secrets, Non-Compete, and Computer Fraud," Webinar, presented by Seyfarth Shaw LLP (January 29, 2019)
- "2017 National Year In Review: What You Need to Know About the Recent Cases/Developments in Trade Secrets, Non-Compete, and Computer Fraud Law," Webinar, presented by Seyfarth Shaw LLP (January 25, 2018)
- “2016 National Year In Review: What You Need to Know About the Recent Cases/Developments in Trade Secrets, Non-Compete, and Computer Fraud Law,” Webinar, presented by Seyfarth Shaw LLP (February 2, 2017)
- "The Intersection of Trade Secrets Violations and the Criminal Law," Webinar, presented by Seyfarth Shaw LLP (October 4, 2016)
- Employment Law Conference: "Trade Secrets and Non-Competes," Law Bulletin Seminars (November 8, 2007)
- "Protecting Confidential Information, Document Retention and Destruction in Illinois," Lorman Education Services (June 16 and June 23, 2005)
- Moderator, "Successful Corporate Strategy for Protecting Trade Secrets and Confidential Information, Advanced Approaches to Labor and Employment Law for In-House Counsel," Northstar Conferences LLC (May 4, 2005; March 3, 2004)
- "Trade Secrets Litigation Trends and Dealmaking Tips," Law Seminars International (June 2003)
- Guest Lecturer, "Demonstrative Exhibits and Examination," Chicago-Kent College of Law Intellectual Property Law Trial Advocacy (Spring 2003)
- "Records Management, Policies and Destruction and Electronic Discovery," Price Waterhouse Coopers General Counsel Forum (May 2002)
- Guest Lecturer, "Direct and Cross Examination," Chicago-Kent College of Law Intellectual Property Law Trial Advocacy (Spring 2002)
Clients benefit from Michael’s extensive investigatory experience and considerable jury trial practice.
More About Michael
Michael is a seasoned trial attorney with extensive and successful jury and bench trials throughout the United States for clients of all sizes, including some of the largest companies in the world. His practice focuses on trial work and counseling in the areas of trade secrets and restrictive covenants, corporate espionage, unfair competition, complex commercial disputes, intellectual property infringement, and white collar criminal defense in both federal and state courts.
A former state prosecutor, Michael’s extensive investigatory experience and considerable jury trial practice enables him to advise clients with regard to potential disputes and represent clients through and including a determination of their rights at trial.
Michael has successfully obtained and defended temporary restraining orders and preliminary and permanent injunctions in several jurisdictions. He represents clients in the insurance, securities, finance, banking, transportation, manufacturing, technology, pharmaceuticals, advertising, real estate, employment, medical equipment, and computer industries throughout the United States. He has extensive experience in related areas for due diligence and assists with patent litigation and other litigation involving complex technology.
And Michael is also recognized as a leader within the firm as a member of the Partner Board, national chair of the Trade Secrets, Non-Compete and Computer Fraud practice group, chair of the Chicago Litigation department and a member of the firm’s Lawyer Development Committee. Moreover, Michael holds leadership positions in local charitable organizations.
He has been recognized by The Legal 500 (Legalese Ltd.) as a Leading Lawyer in Trade Secrets for a number of years as well as chair of Seyfarth Shaw LLP’s Legal 500 Tier 1 Trade Secrets Group.
A former state prosecutor, Michael’s extensive investigatory experience and considerable jury trial practice enables him to advise clients with regard to potential disputes and represent clients through and including a determination of their rights at trial.
Michael has successfully obtained and defended temporary restraining orders and preliminary and permanent injunctions in several jurisdictions. He represents clients in the insurance, securities, finance, banking, transportation, manufacturing, technology, pharmaceuticals, advertising, real estate, employment, medical equipment, and computer industries throughout the United States. He has extensive experience in related areas for due diligence and assists with patent litigation and other litigation involving complex technology.
And Michael is also recognized as a leader within the firm as a member of the Partner Board, national chair of the Trade Secrets, Non-Compete and Computer Fraud practice group, chair of the Chicago Litigation department and a member of the firm’s Lawyer Development Committee. Moreover, Michael holds leadership positions in local charitable organizations.
He has been recognized by The Legal 500 (Legalese Ltd.) as a Leading Lawyer in Trade Secrets for a number of years as well as chair of Seyfarth Shaw LLP’s Legal 500 Tier 1 Trade Secrets Group.
- JD, Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology
Order of the Coif
Kent Legal Scholar
Chicago-Kent Law Review
National Moot Court Competition Teams
Legal Writing Teaching Assistant - BA, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Illinois
- US Supreme Court
- US Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit
- US District Court, Northern District of Illinois (Trial Bar)
- US District Court, Central District of Illinois
- US District Court, Southern District of Illinois
- US District Court, Northern District of Indiana
- US District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin
Related Key Industries
Blogs
Related Trends
Related News & Insights
-
Blog Post
Dec 10, 2024
Now Available! Seyfarth’s 2024-2025 50-State Non-Compete Desktop Reference—Your Must-Have Guide
-
Attorney Publication
12/05/2024
Seyfarth’s 2024-2025 50-State Non-Compete Desktop Reference—Your Must-Have Guide
-
Blog Post
Dec 3, 2024
Seyfarth Recognized in WIPR’s 2024 USA Trade Secrets Rankings
-
Media Mentions
11/04/2024
Michael Wexler and Noah Finkel Discuss the Election’s Potential Impact on Non-Compete and Overtime Rules in Forbes
- Listed in Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.) for Commercial Litigation (2016-2025); Trade Secrets Law (2023-2025)
- Recognized as a Leading Lawyer and Recommended Attorney for Trade secrets (litigation and non-contentious matters) by The Legal 500 (Legalese Ltd.) (2011-2024)
- American Bar Association
- Chicago Bar Association
- Illinois Bar Association
- ITechLaw Association
- Co-Author, “Federal Texas Court Sets Aside with “Nationwide Effect” the FTC Rule Banning Non-Competes,” Legal Update, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (August 21, 2024)
- Co-Author, “FTC Non-Compete Ban: What You Need to Know,” Legal Update, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (April 25, 2024)
- Co-Author, "Guarding Secrets: Navigating the Shifting Landscape of Restrictive Covenants in 2024 ," 2024 Commercial Litigation Outlook, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (February 2024)
- Co-Author, "California's Enhanced Non-Compete Ban: Implications For Employers," HR.com (January 2, 2024)
- Co-Author, "FTC Proposes Rule Banning Use of Non-Competes with Employees and Workers and Limiting Employer Protections Against Unfair Competition," Legal Update, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (January 5, 2023)
- Co-Author, "50 State Desktop Reference What Businesses Need to Know about Non-Competes and Trade Secrets Law," Seyfarth Shaw LLP (2022)
- Co-Author, "2022 Trade Secrets Webinar Series: Takeaways & Recordings," Legal Update, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (December 29, 2022)
- Co-Author, "The DOJ and FTC Issue Joint Statement on Competition in Labor Markets in Light of COVID-19: What Effect, If Any, Does This Have on Non-Competes?," Legal Update, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (April 27, 2020)
- Co-Author, "Supreme Court Issues Decision Significantly Expanding the Scope of FOIA’s Confidentiality Exemption," Management Alert, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (July 2, 2019)
- Co-Author, "Top 10 Developments and Headlines in Trade Secret, Non-Compete, and Computer Fraud Law in 2018/2019," Management Alert, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (February 6, 2019)
- Co-Author, "Supreme Court Grants Cert. to Interpret Meaning of “Confidential” or “Trade Secret” Under FOIA," Management Alert, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (January 17, 2019)
- Co-Author, “2016 Trade Secrets Webinar Series Year in Review,” Management Alert, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (January 5, 2017)
- Co-Author, "2014 Trade Secrets Webinar Series Year in Review," Management Alert, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (December 17, 2014)
- Co-Presenter, “Deciphering the FTC's Non-Compete Ban: Navigating the New Regulatory Terrain and Adequately Protecting Employers' Interests,” Webinar, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (May 3, 2024)
- Co-Presenter, "2023 Trade Secrets & Non-Competes Year in Review," Webinar, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (January 30, 2024)
- Co-Presenter, "2023 Trade Secrets Webinar Series Recap: Key Takeaways and Access to Recordings," Webinar, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (December 19, 2023)
- Co-Presenter, "2022 Trade Secrets & Non-Competes Year in Review," Webinar, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (January 24, 2023)
- Co-Presenter, "FTC Proposes Rule Banning Use of Non-Competes. Now What?," Webinar, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (January 12, 2023)
- Co-Presenter, "2021 Trade Secrets & Non-Competes Year in Review," Webinar, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (January 27, 2022)
- Co-Presenter, "2020 Year in Review: What You Need to Know about the Recent Cases and Developments in Trade Secrets, Non-Competes, and Computer Fraud Law," Webinar, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (January 26, 2021)
- Co-Presenter, "Coronavirus & Remote Work Force: Best Practices for Protecting Trade Secrets and Intellectual Capital," Webinar, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (March 27, 2020); Webinar Recording
- "2018 Year in Review: What You Need to Know about the Recent Cases and Developments in Trade Secrets, Non-Compete, and Computer Fraud," Webinar, presented by Seyfarth Shaw LLP (January 29, 2019)
- "2017 National Year In Review: What You Need to Know About the Recent Cases/Developments in Trade Secrets, Non-Compete, and Computer Fraud Law," Webinar, presented by Seyfarth Shaw LLP (January 25, 2018)
- “2016 National Year In Review: What You Need to Know About the Recent Cases/Developments in Trade Secrets, Non-Compete, and Computer Fraud Law,” Webinar, presented by Seyfarth Shaw LLP (February 2, 2017)
- "The Intersection of Trade Secrets Violations and the Criminal Law," Webinar, presented by Seyfarth Shaw LLP (October 4, 2016)
- Employment Law Conference: "Trade Secrets and Non-Competes," Law Bulletin Seminars (November 8, 2007)
- "Protecting Confidential Information, Document Retention and Destruction in Illinois," Lorman Education Services (June 16 and June 23, 2005)
- Moderator, "Successful Corporate Strategy for Protecting Trade Secrets and Confidential Information, Advanced Approaches to Labor and Employment Law for In-House Counsel," Northstar Conferences LLC (May 4, 2005; March 3, 2004)
- "Trade Secrets Litigation Trends and Dealmaking Tips," Law Seminars International (June 2003)
- Guest Lecturer, "Demonstrative Exhibits and Examination," Chicago-Kent College of Law Intellectual Property Law Trial Advocacy (Spring 2003)
- "Records Management, Policies and Destruction and Electronic Discovery," Price Waterhouse Coopers General Counsel Forum (May 2002)
- Guest Lecturer, "Direct and Cross Examination," Chicago-Kent College of Law Intellectual Property Law Trial Advocacy (Spring 2002)