Michael Best & Friedrich LLP

Firm Managing Partner: David A. Krutz

Founded: 1848

Number of lawyers and technical professionals: 350+

Practice areas ranked: 16

Michael Best is dedicated to the success of its clients. As a dynamic, full-service law firm with more than 350 lawyers and technical professionals, the firm works in collaborative, interdisciplinary practices to serve clients around the world. Michael Best’s mission is to act as a true partner—to help clients strategize, rise above challenges, and seize opportunities.

Main Areas of Practice

Clientele and Industries

Michael Best’s holistic approach has earned them many loyal and long-term clients, from small start-ups to global Fortune 500 companies. The firm works with trade associations, nonprofits, educational institutions, governments, family trusts, and high-net-worth individuals in addition to catering to a diverse list of industries, including:

• Agribusiness
• Banking & Financial Services
• Construction
• Energy
• Food & Beverage
• Healthcare
• Higher Education
• International Trade and Customs Law
• Life Sciences
• Manufacturing
• Non-Profit & Social Enterprises
• Technology
• Water

Commitment to Client Success

Michael Best recognizes that every client is unique, with their own distinct goals and challenges. The firm’s comprehensive practice groups ensure they can provide tailored solutions that address all aspects of their client’s legal and business needs. Practice areas include:

• Capital Markets
• Construction
• Corporate
• Insurance
• Intellectual Property
• Labor & Employment Relations, including Employee Benefits and Compensation
• Litigation
• Privacy & Cybersecurity
• Public Policy Law & Procurement
• Real Estate
• Regulatory
• Tax
• Venture Capital & Private Equity
• Wealth Planning

Whether navigating complex corporate transactions, resolving disputes through litigation, or ensuring compliance with privacy and cybersecurity regulations, Michael Best is committed to delivering results that drive their clients’ success.

Historical Excellence

Since Michael Best’s founding in 1848, the firm has continuously evolved to meet its clients’ changing needs and expectations. One thing remains the same: For generations, clients have relied on Michael Best for exceptional legal service and business acumen.

Consulting Services: Meeting Every Client’s Needs

Michael Best is committed to meeting their clients’ varying needs and understands that lawyers aren’t the only answer. The firm’s affiliated consulting firms provide strategic services that complement and enhance their legal services.

Michael Best Strategies is the law firm’s consulting affiliate providing comprehensive business, communications and media, and government relations planning and strategy.

By collaborating with their affiliates, Michael Best provides clients with a team of business consultants who understand their legal strategies and lawyers who understand their long-term business strategies.

Firm Values

The Michael Best service ethos is expressed in our firm’s core values and guiding principles:

• Client Value. We adhere to a defined set of client service standards across our firm. Our mission is to serve as a strategic partner and to deliver an exceptional experience and value to our clients.
• Integrity. We value honesty and ethical behavior, and we conduct ourselves accordingly.
• Access & Engagement. We work to foster the best firm environment and promote opportunities in the legal profession.
• Excellence. We are committed to excellence in the practice of law and client service, to support the continued success of our clients and firm.
• Innovation. We promote an environment of continuous learning and process improvement, to further our professional development and seek innovative ways to serve our clients.
• Collaboration. We encourage open, respectful dialogue. Michael Best’s culture is collaborative, both within our firm and when working with clients.
• Community. We are dedicated to the long-term health of our people and our communities. We encourage work/life balance, and we give back to the communities where we live and work.