A skilled and creative litigator, Michael Dickler represents clients in complex commercial litigation, often in Delaware Chancery Court, and in a wide range of other disputes.
Whether it’s a no-holds-barred attack or an early resolution, Michael works toward resolving the dispute based on its importance to the client and the client’s broader goals and long-term aspirations.
Michael focuses on disputes concerning company operations, typically between either buyers and sellers of companies or between management and boards and their shareholders. Often these disputes involve accusations of fraud or gross mismanagement.
In each instance, he takes the time to understand the client’s business and the role litigation can play. Then, strategizing with the client, he discusses the range of possible outcomes and their potential impact on their business. Clients appreciate his clarity, creativity, persistence, and hard work.
Before joining Sperling Kenny Nachwalter, Michael worked at Jenner & Block in Chicago and, before that, he served as a law clerk to the Honorable Wayne R. Andersen of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (retired).
Honors & Awards
Named an Illinois “Rising Star” or “Super Lawyer” in business litigation by Super Lawyers® magazine annually since 2010.
Representative Matters
Argued and obtained a unanimous decision in favor of our clients, the plaintiff-taxpayers, before the Florida Supreme Court in a matter establishing the accrual rule for the statute of limitations in the state of Florida. Our clients had been amongst Florida’s largest general contractors and had used a tax shelter later challenged by the IRS. Because the underlying IRS case took so long before determining liability, plaintiffs were not in a position to seek claims against the advisors who had implemented the transaction. Once the plaintiffs sued, the defendant contended the statute of limitation. The trial court agreed. On appeal, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit certified the question to the Supreme Court of Florida, which unanimously held in our clients’ favor. This case established a bright line for the accrual of claims in Florida. Kipnis v. Bayerische Hypo-Und Vereinsbank, AG, No. SC-15-740 (Fla.).
Represented a class of developers asserting antitrust claims against Google arising out of the pricing in the Google Play Store. Working with the other plaintiffs’ class counsel, we developed, prosecuted, and ultimately settled the claims. Michael’s role focused on working with economic experts concerning the impact of Google’s conduct. In re Google Play Store Litigation, 3:21 MD 02981.
Represented LVI, a demolition and construction company owned by a private equity firm, against NCM, another private-equity-owned demolition firm, for claims arising from the merger between the two entities. LVI contended that NCM had falsified its financial results to make itself more attractive as a potential partner. Conducting dogged financial analysis of thousands of individual construction projects, we were able to sustain the alleged claims against the defendants’ motions. LVI Group Investments, LLC v. NCM Group Holdings, LLC, C.A. No. 12067-VCG (Del. Ch.). The matter ultimately settled.
Professional Activities
Professional Memberships
Chicago Bar Association
Practice Areas
Clerkships
- Law clerk to the Hon. Wayne R. Andersen (N.D. Ill.)
Education
J.D., University of Michigan Law School, 1999
- First Place, Campbell Moot Court Competition
B.A., University of Michigan, 1996
Bar Admissions
- Illinois
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
