Michael J. Pasquinelli, Jr.

Areas of Practice/Concentration

Michael J. Pasquinelli joined PJM, after compiling 17 years’ experience in complex litigation in both the private and governmental sectors. Prior to joining the firm, Michael represented clients in personal injury, consumer fraud, breach of contract, corporate transactional, corporate general counsel,  commercial real estate, and residential real estate matters; and defended a broad portfolio of civil litigation cases from construction general liability to breach of contract and fiduciary claims. In addition to experience in the private sector, Michael served as an Assistant State’s Attorney in both the criminal and civil divisions, where he reached First Chair status; and worked to resolve over one thousand cases over the course of his public career.

Notably, Michael successfully briefed and argued the landmark case of People v. Johnnie Wilson, before the Illinois Supreme Court, which set the legal standard for parolee searches in Illinois state and federal courts. See People v. Wilson, 228 Ill. 2d 35 (2008). Michael has also successfully appealed civil forfeiture matters, which helped define the procedural burdens and standards under the Illinois Drug Asset Forfeiture Procedure Act. People v. $111,900 United States Currency, 366 Ill. App. 3d 21 (Ill. App. 1st 2006)

Michael graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a B.A. in Economics, and later graduated cum laude from The University of Illinois Chicago School of Law (formerly The John Marshall Law School), where he was a Member of the John Marshall Law Review.

In addition to his legal experience, Michael has experience in the construction industry, having worked as a carpenter, assistant superintendent, superintendent, project manager, construction manager, and home builder in the greater Chicago metropolitan area. In addition, Michael started his own Development Company, having provided development and consulting services in the Chicagoland region, and worked in the mortgage banking industry as well.  Mr. Pasquinelli’s hands on experience in business and development industry brings a common-sense, streamlined approach to providing residential/commercial contract and transactional services, and with providing tort and contract litigation services as well.  This same hands-on practical experience has aided in the assessment and preparation of various planned unit developments, and development agreements for Peterson Johnson and Murray’s existing municipal clients.