University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, B.S. Liberal Arts and Sciences, 2002
Chicago-Kent College of Law, J.D., 2006
Moot Court Honors Society, Vice-President
Bar and Gavel Society
Partner Michelle Todd, a member of the firm’s Management Committee, concentrates her school law practice in the areas of special education and student matters. Michelle has extensive experience working with clients on IDEA and Section 504 disputes, including special education mediations and due process hearings, the development and implementation of IEPs and Section 504 plans, and accommodating students in all educational settings. She also advises clients on student discipline, Title IX, First Amendment considerations, and policy development. In addition, Michelle frequently conducts trainings on a wide variety of student and special education issues to audiences across the state. She is a frequent contributor to SpecialEd Connections, a national, special education publication.
Clients turn to Michelle for her leadership and thoughtful, practical approach to counseling on sensitive matters involving students. She strongly advocates for clients while always placing the students’ needs as the first priority in resolving a dispute.
In her spare time Michelle enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband, two young children, her dog Penny, and cat Rusty.
American Bar Association, Member, 2013 – Present
Chicago Bar Association, Member, 2014 – Present
Illinois Alliance of Administrators of Special Education, Member, 2018 – Present
Illinois Council of School Attorneys, Member, 2006 – Present
National Council of School Attorneys, Member, 2006 – Present
Emerging Lawyer, Leading Lawyers Network, 2016 – Present
New Board Member Training, Illinois Alliance of School Boards, 2015 – Present
Legal Panel Participant, Illinois Alliance of Administrators of Special Education Annual Fall Conferences, 2017 – Present
