Michael Fates

Biography

Michael Fates (he/him) joined Bielski Chapman in 2024 as litigation and transactional Associate Attorney. He routinely handles business disputes, breach of contract, and mechanic’s lien litigation. Michael’s litigation experience includes working on both sides of personal injury law providing valuable experience regarding the litigation process. Prior to Bielski Chapman, Michael worked at different firms including in insurance defense, subrogation, and Plaintiff’s personal injury.

Prior to his legal career, Michael was an options market maker, concentrating in volatility while trading in the financial markets, previously holding a FINRA Series 56 license. His understanding of business and markets helps to understand the value or future value of a business involved in a legal matter.

Michael earned his Bachelor of Arts in Communication and later his J.D. from Depaul University. During his time at DePaul Law, Michael Served as the Managing Business Editor of the Sports Law Review, and Treasurer of the Business Law Society. Additionally, he was a member of DePaul’s team at the Tulane University School of Law’ s National Baseball Arbitration Competition.

Michael is from the western suburbs of Chicago, where he currently resides with his family.