Overview
CHICAGO – McDermott Will & Emery is pleased to announce that Litigation partner Michael (Mike) Weaver has been selected to Crain’s Chicago Business’ inaugural list of “Chicago’s Notable LGBTQ Executives.” This honor recognizes his significant contributions to advancing workplace equality both at McDermott and in the broader Chicago community.
As chair of McDermott’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Diversity and Inclusion Committee, Weaver helps develop and promote Firm-wide policies and programs, including the annual LGBTQ Workplace Awareness Program, which fosters understanding through film and discussion. As hiring partner for the Chicago office, he ensures that McDermott’s commitment to attracting, retaining and promoting top talent from a wide range of backgrounds is reflected throughout the hiring process.
“Having diverse lawyers represented in leadership positions and across practice areas is a top priority, and Mike regularly goes above and beyond to help put our values into action and foster a supportive environment,” said Anthony Upshaw, the Firm’s Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion. “We know that the most challenging legal issues require innovative ideas and our clients benefit from the variety of perspectives we can bring to the table.”
Weaver focuses his practice on product liability litigation, which includes representing medical device, manufacturing, and consumer goods companies in complex litigation matters. He counsels clients on product recalls and compliance with the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission standards and labeling requirements.
Weaver also serves as President of the Board for the Family Defense Center (FDC), which advocates for justice for families in the child welfare system by providing civil legal through individual representation, impact litigation, policy advocacy, and collaborative partnerships. In addition to his Board service, Mike represents a number of FDC clients on a pro bono basis, seeking to overturn unjust indicated findings of abuse or neglect. He was also part of a McDermott team honored for their “Excellence in Pro Bono Service” from the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois in 2016.
McDermott continues to champion diversity, knowing that a variety of viewpoints drives creative solutions and an inclusive atmosphere encourages collaboration in pursuit of successful client outcomes. The Firm recently achieved Mansfield Certification for its progress in building a diverse pipeline and has committed to “Mansfield 2.0,” which adds consideration for LGBTQ+ lawyers. McDermott has become a recognized leader in workplace diversity, including earning a perfect score on the HRC Corporate Equality Index for the past 12 years. Equality Illinois, the State’s oldest and largest organization advocating for LGBTQ equality, last year selected McDermott as one of the top Illinois law firms for LGBTQ diversity and inclusiveness practices.
To view Mike’s full profile in Crain’s Chicago Business’ “Chicago’s Notable LGBTQ Executives,” please click here.
