Michael J. Valaik

Mike Valaik has tried cases to juries and judges throughout the United States, representing clients in some of Bartlit Beck's biggest wins. Mike represented Hewlett-Packard against Oracle in a breach of contract case resulting in a $3.1 billion verdict for his client, HP, after a five-week jury trial in San Jose. Mike coordinated and orchestrated the successful patent and antitrust defense of Bayer's leading drug Cipro, which was a sixteen-year battle in federal and state courts including appellate victories in both the Federal Circuit and Second Circuit. Mike led UTC's patent litigation against Rolls-Royce regarding swept fan blade technology where ultimately Rolls-Royce sought billions of dollars in damages and lost on summary judgment. Mike was also trial counsel for UTC in a ten-week bench trial in 2004 based on a False Claims Act case relating to the "Great Engine War" between Pratt & Whitney and GE in the 1980s.

Mike has also tried numerous other cases to verdict, including pro bono representation of an Albanian woman seeking asylum in the United States after being a victim of human trafficking. His experience includes patent litigation in the aerospace, biotech, and computer fields, as well as general commercial litigation such as breach of contract, fraud, antitrust, and other issues.

Mike combines his trial experience with strong leadership skills. Mike graduated with Honors from the United States Naval Academy and received a M.A. in modern military history from the University of Maryland after graduation from Annapolis. Mike joined the firm in 2000, after spending four years practicing at Baker & Daniels in Indianapolis.

Mike is also an Adjunct Professor of Law at Northwestern Law School where he teaches "High-Tech Trial Techniques." He also teaches NITA's trial programs in multiple cities.