About Michael J. Lohnes

Litigation and government investigations bring high-stakes risk that can endanger profits, careers, and even the health and survival of a company. Recognized as a leader in securities and financial services litigation and enforcement matters, Mike Lohnes helps clients when they are involved in civil litigation or targeted by regulators. His clients include major financial services firms, publicly traded companies, and their officers and directors. Mike also assists private equity firms and other investors in their efforts to recoup investments in failed or fraudulent companies.

No-nonsense advice in disputes and government actions

Recognized as a leading litigator by Chambers, The National Law Journal and Benchmark Litigation, Mike represents financial services firms, public companies, and their officers and directors in both civil litigation, including securities class actions, and regulatory matters. He also assists financial services industry clients in connection with FINRA inquiries and arbitrations. When such clients are confronted with an internal complaint or a regulatory subpoena, Mike is regularly engaged to conduct internal investigations. Mike also regularly advises and represents clients on broker-dealer and investment adviser matters, corporate governance, mergers, financial reporting and disclosure, shareholder demands, insider trading and initial public offerings. Mike also has a robust regulatory consulting practice, advising financial services firms on a variety of compliance matters, including trade reporting such as CAT and LOPR.

Whether they are facing litigation, a regulatory investigation or a whistleblower complaint, Mike makes sure his clients understand the risks and challenges so they can make an informed, strategic choice about how to move forward. When aggressive litigation is called for, he is ready to step into the fight and get the results his clients need. But when the risks are too great to a client's business, he works to find the solution that best aligns with its goals.

Mike also keeps up an active pro bono practice, taking part in the Jose de Diego Community Academy's Lawyers in the Classroom program and serving as a mentor through the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity. He also serves on the boards of directors for both the Public Interest Law Initiative and UpBeat Music & Arts.

⇣   Expand to read more

Practice Focus

  • Securities fraud
  • Investigations and enforcement proceedings by the SEC, CFTC, FINRA and state regulators
  • Internal investigations, including whistleblower complaints
  • White collar defense
  • Securities and regulatory compliance
  • Private investment disputes
  • Privacy class action litigation

News

Publications

Quick Reads

Presentations and Events

Practices
Industries
Education
  • The George Washington University Law School, JD, with highest honors
  • The University of Southern California, BA
Bar Admissions
  • Illinois
Court Admissions
  • US District Court, District of Connecticut
  • US District Court, Northern District of Illinois
  • US District Court, Southern District of Illinois
  • US District Court, Western District of Missouri
  • US District Court, District of Nevada
  • US District Court, Eastern District of North Carolina
  • US Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit
  • US District Court, Eastern District of Michigan
  • US District Court, District of Colorado
  • US Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit
Professional & Community Involvement
  • American Bar Association
  • Leadership Council on Legal Diversity, Mentor
  • The Chicago Bar Association
Recognitions
Recognized or listed in the following:
  • Benchmark Litigation
    Litigation Star, 2019–2020, 2022–2023, 2025-2026
  • Chambers USA
    Litigation Securities, 2025-2026
  • National Law Journal
    Chicago 40 Under 40, 2013
  • Public Interest Law Initiative
    Fellow
  • The Legal 500 United States
    Recommended Attorney, 2021, 2023–2025
Award Methodologies