Michael A. Wilder
Leading with Integrity. Litigating with Excellence. Championing Diversity.
Overview
Michael A. Wilder
Chair, Board of Directors | Global Board Member | Complex Litigation & Jury Trial Practice Group
Littler Mendelson P.C.
Michael A. Wilder is Chair of Littler’s Board of Directors, a member of the firm’s Global Board, and a core leader in its Complex Litigation and Jury Trial Practice Group. For nearly two decades, he has represented employers in a wide range of employment law matters before state and federal courts, appellate courts, administrative agencies, and arbitration tribunals.
His litigation experience includes defending claims under Title VII, § 1981, ADEA, ADA, FMLA, USERRA, and various retaliation, defamation, and whistleblower laws. He has secured numerous wins at both trial and appellate levels, including multiple affirmations by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.
A skilled investigator, Michael has led high-stakes C-suite investigations for multinational clients and regularly advises on workplace culture, compliance, and best practices. He also provides training and strategic counsel to help organizations navigate complex employment challenges.
Michael serves on Littler’s Inclusion, Equity & Diversity Council, shaping firmwide IE&D strategy. He previously externed for the Hon. Diane Larsen and the NLRB, and earned a Certificate in Labor and Employment Law. While in law school, he was an editor for the Employee Rights and Employment Policy Journal and inducted into the Bar and Gavel Society.
Email
Phone
Education
Education
J.D., Chicago-Kent College of Law, 2006
B.A., Michigan State University - James Madison College, 2003
Corporate Governance Training Program, Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management, 2024
LEAD Program, Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management, 2025
B.A., Michigan State University - James Madison College, 2003
Corporate Governance Training Program, Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management, 2024
LEAD Program, Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management, 2025
Areas of Expertise
Awards & Recognition
Awards & Recognition
Legends of the Law Award, Black Men Lawyers’ Association (BMLA)
Notable Leaders in Accounting, Consulting & Law, Crain’s Chicago Business
C.F. Stradford Award, Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office (CCSAO)
Men of Excellence Award, Chicago Defender
40 Game Changers, WVON & Ariel Investments
Leading Lawyers, Top Lawyers in Illinois
Top 5 Under 40, Just The Beginning – A Pipeline Organization
Leading Lawyers, Top Labor & Employment Lawyers in Illinois
Most Influential Minority Lawyers in Chicago, Crain’s Chicago Business Magazine
40 Under 40, Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
Presidential Award, Cook County Bar Association
Junior Counselor Award, Cook County Bar Association
Distinguished Alumni Service Award, Chicago-Kent College of Law, Black Law Students Association
Outstanding Young Alumni Award, Chicago-Kent College of Law
Who's Who & People on the Move, featured in:
Black Enterprise
Crain’s Chicago Business
Bloomberg Law
Reuters
Chicago Tribune
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
Chicago Business Journal
Cook County Record
Attorney at Law Magazine
Notable Leaders in Accounting, Consulting & Law, Crain’s Chicago Business
C.F. Stradford Award, Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office (CCSAO)
Men of Excellence Award, Chicago Defender
40 Game Changers, WVON & Ariel Investments
Leading Lawyers, Top Lawyers in Illinois
Top 5 Under 40, Just The Beginning – A Pipeline Organization
Leading Lawyers, Top Labor & Employment Lawyers in Illinois
Most Influential Minority Lawyers in Chicago, Crain’s Chicago Business Magazine
40 Under 40, Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
Presidential Award, Cook County Bar Association
Junior Counselor Award, Cook County Bar Association
Distinguished Alumni Service Award, Chicago-Kent College of Law, Black Law Students Association
Outstanding Young Alumni Award, Chicago-Kent College of Law
Who's Who & People on the Move, featured in:
Black Enterprise
Crain’s Chicago Business
Bloomberg Law
Reuters
Chicago Tribune
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
Chicago Business Journal
Cook County Record
Attorney at Law Magazine