Daniel. A Kaufman

Clients turn to Daniel Kaufman because he is an outstanding trusted advisor and litigator who handles cases (class actions, multi-plaintiff, and single plaintiff) and other matters involving myriad employment, higher education, and other issues. His clients include colleges and universities; businesses (from financial services to film studios); municipalities; and non-profit organizations.

Clients rely on Dan because of his deep knowledge of employment law and higher education law; exceptional judgment; strategic advice; and litigation success. His experience includes:

• Discrimination and harassment claims

• Retaliation and whistleblower claims

• Hiring, disciplining, and terminating employees

• Leaves, disability, and accommodations

• Non-compete, non-solicitation, and confidentiality agreements

• Litigation avoidance and strategy

• Addressing financial challenges

Dan is passionate about service, including serving on the Board of the National Association of College and University Attorneys. Dan also teaches Law & Ethics in Higher Education in Northwestern University’s Masters in Higher Education program. Dan’s public service includes serving as a Highland Park, IL City Councilperson (2011-21). The Judges of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and the Chicago Chapter of the Federal Bar Association recognized Dan’s dedication to service with the “Award for Excellence in Pro Bono Service” in 2010.

Dan has held various leadership roles at Michael Best, serving as the Co-Chair of the firm’s Higher Education Group, previously serving on the firm’s Management Committee, as the Managing Partner of the Chicago Office, and as the Chair of the Labor & Employment Relations Group.

Member, National Association of College and University Attorneys (NACUA) Board of Directors, 2022-2025

Annual Program Committee, 2025-2026; 2024-2025; 2022-2023; 2021-2022 (Co-Chair, Compliance Working Group); Annual Program Committee, 2018-2019 (Co-Chair, Compliance Working Group), 2017-2018, 2016-2017 (Co-Chair, Business and Real Property Working Group), 2015-2016, 2008-2009, 2007-2008

CLE Committee, 2023-2024; 2013 and 2010

Member, Committee on Board Operations, August 2023-Present

Instructor, Law & Ethics in Higher Education, Northwestern University’s Masters in Higher Education program, 2023-2025

Member, University of Chicago Law School Visiting Committee, 2006-2009

Member, American Bar Association, Employment and Litigation Committees

Member, Illinois State Bar Association

Member, Chicago Bar Association

Highlights of Dan’s experience as a litigator include:

Led trial team when jury found no liability against our client, one of the largest municipalities in Illinois, in a federal case alleging disability discrimination. This case helped to define and limit the scope of an employer’s obligation to provide employees with a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Led trial team when jury found no liability against our client in a federal case alleging retaliation and other claims.

Bench trial victory on behalf of a large healthcare entity in a groundbreaking case claiming discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

Obtained summary judgment (affirmed by the Seventh Circuit) on behalf of a large healthcare entity in a national origin discrimination case. This case is frequently cited for the compelling argument we made that a court is not to act as a “super personnel department” substituting its judgment for the decision-making process of an employer.

Attained dismissals and successful resolutions of disability discrimination, harassment, retaliation, defamation, and other claims against leading universities.

Attained numerous dismissals, summary judgment and successful resolutions of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage and hour and other claims against businesses, higher education institutions, municipalities and other clients.

Defeated plaintiffs' motion for class certification and obtained summary judgment (affirmed by the Seventh Circuit) in a 10-plaintiff case against a large employer. The plaintiffs alleged race and national origin harassment and discrimination and retaliation.

Successfully represented a construction company in a multi-plaintiff case that alleged federal and state wage and hour claims. The claims alleged misclassification and denial of overtime pay.

Defended and successfully resolved a non-competition lawsuit filed against a bank, mortgage company, and senior executives after the mortgage company had hired a group of senior executives and other employees from another mortgage company.

Prevailed in and successfully resolved numerous other disputes involving non-competition, non-solicitation, non-disclosure, and trade secret claims. Cases include successful hearings on motions for temporary restraining orders and preliminary injunctions, on behalf of banks and other financial services institutions, professional services companies, hedge funds, and other clients.

University of Chicago Law School

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

1986

Amherst College

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

1983