Attorneys

Michael Galasso joined Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP in 2000 following a successful and distinguished career as an attorney and jurist. He handles complex family law cases including disputed child custody matters and is also available to mediate such cases.

For 23 years following his graduation from Chicago-Kent College of Law in 1961, Mr. Galasso litigated family law cases in DuPage County.  He represented both men and women in divorce, child custody, property division, spousal and child support, and business valuation disputes.  In 1984, he was appointed Associate Judge in DuPage County.  During his 16-year tenure as a jurist, he served as Presiding Judge of the Domestic Relations and Law Divisions and Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of DuPage County.  In 1999, Mr. Galasso was appointed to the Second District of the Illinois Appellate Court.

Mr. Galasso is intimately familiar with the programs and services offered to divorcing couples and their families in DuPage County because he was instrumental in creating and implementing many of them.  For example, while he was Presiding Judge of the Domestic Relations Division, Mr. Galasso developed the court annexed conciliation program that requires all custody disputes to be assigned to a court-approved clinical psychologist for mediation and evaluation.  He also created the Divorce Evaluation Program, which helps families cope with the emotional trauma of divorce.  While he was Chief Judge, he assisted in the renovation of the Juvenile Detention Center and the creation of a literacy program in the detention facility, a court annexed mediation program in major civil cases, an electronic reporting system, the Expedited Child Support and Enforcement Program, and a specialized Drug Court.

As a certified mediator, Mr. Galasso utilizes his vast experience with and knowledge of the Illinois court system when working with clients in mediation.  He understands the complex problems divorcing couples and their families are facing and can educate them about their options, foresee potential hurdles, advise them how the issues have been addressed in other similar situations, and recommend beneficial programs and services available to them.

Education

Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago-Kent College of Law, J.D. (1961)

Elmhurst College, B.S.B.A. (1958)

Admissions

Illinois (1961)

U.S. District Court (1963)

U.S. Supreme Court (1965)

Memberships

Center for Analysis of the Alternate Dispute Resolution Commission (Executive Committee; Member, 1998-2005)

DuPage County Bar Association (Director, 1980-1981; Member, 1965-present)

DuPage County Board of Directors (Member, 1980-1983)

DuPage Legal Assistance Foundation (President, 1979-1982; Member, 1982-present)

Illinois State Bar Association (Member, 1962-1983)

Illinois Judges Association (Director-1998-2000, Co-Chair of Government Affairs Committee, 1997-2001: Member, 1985-present)

Awards and Honors

DuPage Bar Association “Man of the Year” (1987)

Illinois Judges Association Outstanding Achievement Award (2001)

Leading Lawyers Network (2013)

Court Positions Held

Illinois Appellate Court Judge (1999-2000)
DuPage County Circuit Court Judge (1984-1999)

Appointments by the Illinois Supreme Court

Child Support Advisory Committee (1986)
Committee on Legislation (1988)

Teaching Experience

DuPage County Legal Secretaries Association (1983)
College of DuPage (1986-1988)

Editor