Danielle Mikhail
Danielle Mikhail
Associate
She/Her
"When a case seems impossible to defend, that’s when I do my best work."
Danielle Mikhail
Associate
She/Her
"When a case seems impossible to defend, that’s when I do my best work."
About Danielle
Danielle defends local government entities and employees in 42 U.S.C. § 1983 civil rights claims, including Fourteenth Amendment substantive and procedural due process allegations such as state-created danger, excessive force, wrongful incarceration, wrongful prosecution, failure to provide medical care in custody, retaliation, wrongful search or seizure, and more. She also defends clients against Illinois state law claims, primarily focusing on wrongful death, survival actions, negligence, medical malpractice, and breach of contract claims.
In addition, Danielle prosecutes evidentiary hearings before the Chicago Police Board, representing the superintendent of the Chicago Police Department in cases seeking termination of police officers for misconduct. Understanding the stress and sensitivity associated with being sued, Danielle maintains personable relationships with her clients while rigorously advocating for them throughout the litigation process.
Areas of Focus
Industries:
Services:
Experience
- Obtained a defense verdict in Cook County Circuit Court on behalf of the Cook County sheriff in a wrongful death jury trial involving allegations of neglect of a jail detainee. The plaintiff sought more than $2.3 million in damages.
- Successfully defended a teacher in a federal jury trial where the plaintiff sought between $3 million and $8 million in damages.
- As special assistant corporation counsel for the City of Chicago, obtained a guilty decision against a police officer charged with misconduct, after an administrative evidentiary hearing before the Chicago Police Board, resulting in employment discharge.
- Successfully defended against a motion for class certification in a high-profile class-action lawsuit involving allegations of constitutional violations at the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center.
- Obtained dismissal with prejudice on seven different lawsuits alleging constitutional violations at the Cook County Jail in a single motion to dismiss based upon fraud on the court.
- Successfully defended an appeal on behalf of numerous medical professionals before the US Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit involving allegations of constitutional violations at the Cook County Jail.
- Obtained multiple summary judgments in Section 1983 civil rights cases involving allegations of constitutional violations at the Cook County Jail.
- Obtained summary judgment in a motor vehicle accident suit involving three separate parties and a counterclaim.
- Obtained prosecution verdict in a petition for court order of detention and examination involving a mentally ill individual at risk of serious physical harm to themselves or others.
Recognition
- Chicago-Kent College of Law at Illinois Institute of Technology, CALI Award, Highest Grade, Compliance in Financial Institutions; Dean’s List
Credentials
Education
- Chicago-Kent College of Law at Illinois Institute of Technology, JD, 2017
- Hope College, BA, 2013
Bar Admissions
- Illinois
Court Admissions
- US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
Thought Leadership
Presentations
- Co-Presenter, "The Federalist Update on Federal Rules," Hinshaw University, CLE Webinar, August 7, 2025
- Co-Presenter, "’Control’ by Janet Jackson: Controlling Document Discovery Under Rule 34," Hinshaw University CLE, Virtual and Chicago, Illinois, July 18, 2024
- Host, "Paving the Way: Legal Action in Response to Hate Crimes and Speech Against Arabs," CLE hosted by the Mediterranean Plus Affinity Network at Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP, Virtual and live in Chicago, Illinois, April 3, 2024
- Co-Presenter, "Discovery and Motions to Compel," CLE, Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, Civil Actions Bureau, February 27, 2019
Interests
Danielle loves to bike by the lake and garden in the summer.
Community/Civic Activities
Danielle serves as leader on the hospitality team at her church, People Church, where she regularly serves coffee and sweet treats to the congregation every Sunday and for special church events.
Thought Leadership
Presentations
- Co-Presenter, "The Federalist Update on Federal Rules," Hinshaw University, CLE Webinar, August 7, 2025
- Co-Presenter, "’Control’ by Janet Jackson: Controlling Document Discovery Under Rule 34," Hinshaw University CLE, Virtual and Chicago, Illinois, July 18, 2024
- Host, "Paving the Way: Legal Action in Response to Hate Crimes and Speech Against Arabs," CLE hosted by the Mediterranean Plus Affinity Network at Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP, Virtual and live in Chicago, Illinois, April 3, 2024
- Co-Presenter, "Discovery and Motions to Compel," CLE, Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, Civil Actions Bureau, February 27, 2019
