Michael D. Froelich

Senior Counsel Chicago
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Summary

Mike is highly knowledgeable about the Illinois Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act, the Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act and the medical and recreational cannabis laws of many other states. He has assisted clients with all aspects of the applications to establish cannabis businesses, such as assuring compliance with the relevant laws and regulations; acquiring properties for the proposed facilities; negotiating terms of investment; and building management teams of like-minded, industry-experts and investors. He has further assisted cannabis-industry clients with preparing franchising agreements, forming a cannabis-focused investment fund, and the sale of a vertically integrated cannabis company. Mike has also presented continuing legal education courses on cannabis in Illinois.

In Mike’s litigation practice, he has worked on a diverse range of matters in both state and federal court. He has a wide range of experience which includes working with both plaintiffs and defendants in commercial litigation, employment matters, civil rights and disputes relating to the Illinois Video Gaming Act.

Mike also served as a clerk to the Honorable Judge William Bauer of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.

Awards

  • Honoree, Best Lawyers in America, Civil Rights Law, Gaming Law (2023 – 2024)

  • Taft Pro Bono Honor Roll Award

    (2022)

  • Honoree, Leading Lawyers (2018 – present)

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Education

  • Loyola University Chicago School of Law (2003)
  • Lake Forest College (1998)

Admissions

  • Federal - Northern District of Illinois
  • Federal - 7th Circuit Court of Appeals
  • Federal - U.S. Supreme Court
  • State - Illinois

Speeches and Publications

  • Speaker, “An Introduction to the Cannabis Regulation & Tax Act,” Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, March 8, 2024 (with Jeremy Stonehill).
  • Speaker, “Cannabis Law in Illinois: The Basics & Beyond,” Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education webcast, October 2021
  • Panelist, “Illinois Cannabis: Complex Legal Issues,” ISBA’s Health Care Law Section Council and Young Lawyers Division seminar, April 2021
  • Panelist, “Real Estate Law and Cannabis Legislation,” Chicago Bar Association Young Lawyer’s Section Real Estate Law Committee seminar, November 2019

Professional Affiliations

  • American Bar Association

    Member

  • Illinois State Bar Association

    Member