Chicago, IL trial attorney Michael Leonard discusses how his experience on both sides of employment cases helps him. He believes that focusing exclusively on one side of a case—either representing defendants or plaintiffs—can create a limited perspective, as experience is filtered through a single lens. By handling cases on both sides, he has gained a broader understanding of the challenges and opportunities inherent in litigation.

His experience on the defense side has provided him with insight into the pressures defense clients face, including their frequent reluctance to take cases to trial. This perspective enhances his effectiveness on the plaintiff side, allowing him to advocate more strategically and assertively. He emphasizes that bringing cases to trial is often where his skills are most valuable and where he has achieved the greatest success, ensuring that his clients’ interests are fully represented throughout the litigation process.