Bio
Since 1984, Michael C. Craven has practiced law in Illinois and is a partner in the law firm of Beermann Pritikin Mirabelli Swerdlove LLP, which is considered to be one of Illinois’s largest and most prestigious family law practices with expertise in divorce advice and child support. The firm has offices in Chicago and Highland Park.
Mr. Craven’s ability to effectively negotiate complex legal and financial matters has made him one of Chicago’s most trusted and sought after divorce and child custody lawyers. He is involved in all aspects of family law, including property division, divorce cases, child custody, child support, paternity, domestic violence, and the preparation of prenuptial and post-nuptial agreements. He also has extensive experience in accounting and tax law, making him an expert in litigation involving both custody and financial issues. In addition to a traditional practice in divorce law, Mr. Craven has training and experience in collaborative law.
Mr. Craven has recently been accepted as a member of the prestigious American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, a select group of attorneys who are recognized as preeminent family law practitioners with high levels of knowledge, skill and integrity. Mr. Craven is also recognized by the Leading Lawyers Network as being among the top lawyers in Illinois and he was named as an Illinois Super Lawyer in 2009, 2010, and 2011. Illinois Super Lawyers are “considered among the best in their profession” and “represent the top 5% of the practicing attorneys in Illinois.”
As a divorce and child support expert, the media turns to Mr. Craven for his expertise in divorce law and child support. He frequently speaks on family law issues and has appeared on television and radio. He has been quoted in such prestigious publications as The Chicago Daily Law Bulletin and The Daily Herald. Mr. Craven also reguarly speaks on family law issues for the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Illinois State Bar Association, Chicago Bar Association, and the North Suburban Bar Association. He has authored articles published by the Illinois State Bar Association and the Chicago Bar Association.
Often referred to by his clients as experienced, trustworthy, and responsive, Mr. Craven has a proven track record as one of the top rated divorce and child support lawyers in Chicago. Mr. Craven consistently receives high ratings and client recommendations on AVVO’s website. As one client said, “I was referred to Michael by another attorney. Michael spent a good deal of time with me discussing my issues and options prior to moving forward. He is extremely competent, gets to the heart of the issues, and made the experience as pleasant as possible.” AVVO offers free ratings and profiles for 90% of practicing lawyers in the U.S.
Mr. Craven spends countless hours helping to improve the practice of law for both lawyers and the public. He most recently held a leadership position on the Illinois State Bar Association’s Family Law Council, having been appointed to the Council by the Association’s President. Mr. Craven served on the Council’s Maintenance and Cyber Spying sub-committees.
As a philanthropist, Mr. Craven volunteered his time to several professional and civic groups, including:
- Past Chairperson, Illinois State Bar Association’s Standing Committee on Voluntary Fee Arbitration
- Chicago Bar Association, Call a Lawyer Program
- Chicago Bar Association/YWCA Battered Women’s Program
- Cook County Court Facilitator Program
- Former Member of the Board of Directors of Congregation B’nai Jehoshua Beth Elohim
- Casa Central
Mr. Craven graduated from Northern Illinois University in 1979 with degrees in accounting, finance, and economics. After graduation, he passed the Certified Public Accountant Examination and worked as a CPA in public accounting. In 1981 he entered The John Marshall Law School where he received his Juris Doctorate degree (J.D.). While practicing as an attorney, Mr. Craven entered the night post-graduate law program at The John Marshall Law School and received a L.L.M. in taxation in 1989.
