Michael T. Manseau
Partner
Michael T. Manseau is a Partner in our Workers’ Compensation Department. He joined our firm in 2017.
In 2010, Michael earned a Bachelor of Science degree, Summa Cum Laude, from Bradley University. He double majored in Political Science and Criminal Justice and was an eight-semester Dean’s List recipient.
Immediately prior to law school, Michael worked as a legal assistant for a small suburban law firm that primarily handled criminal defense, real estate, and personal injury matters.
Michael went on to earn his Juris Doctor and Certificate in Trial Advocacy from The John Marshall Law School in 2014. He earned CALI Awards for the highest grades in Criminal Procedure-Adjudication and Products Liability.
During law school, Michael interned for the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office where he clerked in the Cold Case Homicide, Human Trafficking and Narcotics Units. Through these experiences, Michael gained invaluable legal research, writing, and analysis skills. He also completed a 300-hour Rule 7-11 clinical externship that strengthened his advocacy skills.
Michael was also a teacher’s assistant and research assistant to Professor Rogelio Lasso. He assisted with updating the medical malpractice and professional liability chapters of the Illinois Tort Law Manual.
Michael was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 2014. He began his legal career at a small plaintiff’s personal injury firm in Chicago where he gained extensive courtroom and litigation experience. He successfully conducted several mandatory arbitration hearings. However, he quickly realized his true passion was for doing defense work and he embarked on a new path.
Prior to joining Rusin Law, Michael worked at a suburban defense firm where he gained valuable litigation and trial experience in the field of workers’ compensation defense, as well as auto-subrogation claims.
Michael is known as an aggressive, “roll-up the sleeves” advocate who takes a proactive approach to the defense of workers’ compensation claims. He is also a highly skilled investigator who methodically obtains facts and develops evidence.
Michael also has extensive experience and expertise handling complex and high-exposure claims, including fatality cases. Throughout his career, he has obtained several favorable outcomes at the arbitration and Commission levels.
Notably, Michael also worked in the retail industry for over seven years. This included two executive-level management internships during college, which helped him develop a strong foundation and commitment to impeccable client service and understanding of business objectives.
Outside of work, Michael primarily enjoys spending time with family, which consists of his lovely wife, three sons, and two dogs. He also enjoys traveling, cooking a variety of cuisines, dining out, health & wellness, exercising, and being outdoors – especially on family walks, bike rides, and at the pool.
Education
B.A. in Political Science & Criminal Justice, Bradley University, summa cum laude, 2010
J.D. with a Certificate in Trial Advocacy, The John Marshall Law School, 2014
Admissions
Illinois, 2014
Significant Cases
Antonia Ortiz v. Olcott Plastics – 09WC45573 & 10WC 36037
Berta Calderon v. Olcott Plastics – 12WC42178
Massimiliano Toti v. Albany Steel & Brass – 15WC18192
Chad Ewing v. Crestwicke Country Club – 15WC27253; 17IWCC839
Dadaris Ocasio v. Gate Gourmet, Inc. – 15WC32176
Michael Stitts v. Koppers, Inc. – 17WC33270; 19IWCC520
Frank Scapardine v. XPO Logistics d/b/a Con-Way – 17WC001103; 21IWCC0441
Kevin Zimmerman v. Safeguard Properties – 16WC021065; 22IWCC0414
Nick DiGioia v. Village of Schaumburg – 19WC035650; 22IWCC0238; 22L050453