Partner

Michael J. Borree

Biography
Credentials
Experience

Biography

For over fifteen years, Michael Borree’s practice has focused on the defense of physicians, physicians’ groups, hospitals, supportive/assistive living facilities, and skilled nursing homes.  With respect to his practice of defending physicians in cases involving allegations of malpractice, Mr. Borree has successfully defended obstetricians/gynecologists, orthopedic surgeons, general surgeons, cardiologists, internists, gastroenterologists, emergency room physicians, and radiologists. Mr. Borree has tried numerous cases to verdict. Mr. Borree has also achieved excellent results for his clients through dispositive motions in Cook County and in other venues throughout the State of Illinois.

Mr. Borree has also represented lawyers and law firms, and has argued before Illinois’ First District Appellate Court. Mr. Borree also maintains experience in arbitrating disputes for his clients. Mr. Borree served as the firm’s hiring partner between 2012 and 2016. Between 2017 and 2019, Mr. Borree served on the firm’s management committee. As of January, 2022, Mr. Borree serves as the firm’s managing partner.

In 2013, Mr. Borree was named a “Rising Star” in Civil Litigation by Super Lawyers and named a “Super Lawyer” in 2017, 2018 and 2020.  Between 2015 – 2017, he was given the “Emerging Lawyer” distinction from Leading Lawyers. “Emerging Lawyers” have been identified by their peers to be among the top lawyers who are 40 or younger or have practiced for no more than 10 years. Less than 2% of all lawyers licensed in each state receive the distinction of “Emerging Lawyer.”  In 2018-2019, Mr. Borree was also named a “Leading Lawyer.”

Credentials

Education

  • J.D., DePaul University College of Law, cum laude, 2003
    • Managing Editor, DePaul Business and Commercial Law Journal
  • B.A., University of Wisconsin – Madison, 1999

Awards

  • Leading Lawyer
  • Named an “Emerging Lawyer” by Leading Lawyers in 2015 and 2016
  • Named a “Super Lawyer” (2017, 2018, 2020 and 2021)
  • Named a “Rising Star” in Civil Litigation by Super Lawyers in 2013

Affiliations

  • Illinois, 2003
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, 2003
  • Illinois Society of Trial Lawyers
  • American Board of Trial Advocates

Presentations

  • Chicago Bar Association – December 2011 – “Hot Topics in Professional Liability – Discussion of Union Planters Bank, N.A. v. Thompson Coburn Decision and Rethinking the Case Within The Case.
  • American College of Health Care Administrators – IL Chapter, January 2011 – “Managing Liability Risk – Arbitration: How Does It Fit…What Odin v. Carter taught Illinois and What We Still Have to Learn?”

Publications

Employer Solicitation Policies: Unions versus Charity, DePaul Business and Commercial Law Journal, Spring, 2003
Owner Beware: A Residential Landlord’s Liability for the Criminal Acts of Third Parties, Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel, Fourth Quarter, 2003

Experience

DBMS Obtains a Not Guilty Verdict in Cook County

June 25, 2024 Client:

Physicians

Outcome:

Defense Verdict.

On June 25, 2024, DBMS partner Michael Borree and senior counsel Brian O’Kane received a ‘not guilty’ verdict in a medical malpractice case tried in Cook County.   DBMS’ attorneys represented ...

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DBMS Obtains Directed Verdict

April 18, 2024 Client:

Physician Group

Outcome:

Directed Verdict.

On April 18, 2024, Michael Borree and Jeff Eippert obtained a directed verdict in favor of their client, a cardiology group, in a wrongful death case tried in Cook County. ...

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In the news

DBMS Attorneys Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2025

Donohue Brown Mathewson & Smyth is proud to announce that thirteen of the firm’s attorneys have been selected by their ...

Leading Lawyers Recognizes 19 DBMS Attorneys

Donohue Brown Mathewson & Smyth LLC is pleased to announce the names of its attorneys who have been selected as ...