Catherine M. Michael

Catherine M. Michael is a nationally recognized attorney known for her relentless advocacy on behalf of injured children, vulnerable adults, and families whose lives have been devastated by negligence, abuse, and systemic failure. With over two decades of experience, she is a trusted and formidable legal force in the areas of personal injury, wrongful death, education law, special education issues and institutional accountability.

Licensed in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Texas, and before the United States Supreme Court, Catherine represents clients in some of the most emotionally charged and high-stakes legal battles involving children and individuals with disabilities. Her work spans personal injury, including wrongful death, sexual abuse in daycare, churches and schools, and school-based misconduct bringing clarity, compassion, and courtroom strength to families when they need it most.

Catherine has successfully led cases against public and private schools, group homes, daycares, residential facilities, and other institutions that have failed in their duty to protect. Her legal victories include multimillion-dollar settlements and groundbreaking litigation that has driven policy reform and brought national attention to the systemic mishandling of abuse and neglect in school environments.

Catherine is frequently featured by national media outlets and invited to speak on syndicated television and radio programs due to her extensive experience and thought leadership in both education and injury law. She has served as lead counsel in some of the nation’s most sensitive cases, including representing survivors of school shootings, children with special needs subjected to restraint and seclusion, and families grieving the wrongful death of loved ones in institutional care.

More than an attorney, Catherine is a fearless advocate who understands the legal, emotional, and practical challenges families face after trauma. She brings not only decades of legal experience, but deep personal commitment to the clients she serves.

If you are searching for an attorney with the courage to confront powerful institutions and the experience to win against them, Catherine M. Michael is the advocate you want in your corner.

Bar Admissions

• Indiana
• Texas
• Ohio
• Michigan
• U.S. Supreme Court
• U.S. District Court Southern District of Indiana
• U.S. District Court Northern District of Indiana
• U.S. Court of Appeals 7th Circuit

Professional Associations

• U.S. Supreme Court Bar Association
• Indiana State Bar Association
• Indianapolis Bar Association
• Hamilton County Bar Association
• Council of Parents Advocates and Attorneys (COPAA)

Honors

• 2024, Super Lawyers – Area of School and Education Law
• 2023, Super Lawyers – Area of School and Education Law
• 2022, Super Lawyers - Area of School and Education Law
• 2021, Super Lawyers - Area of School and Education Law
• 2020, Super Lawyers - Area of School and Education Law (Sole individual recognized in Indiana in the area of School Law)
• 2019, Super Lawyers - Area of School and Education Law
• 2016, Super Lawyers - Rising Star Award in the area of School and Education Law (Top 2.5% Lawyers in Indiana under 40)
• 2015, Super Lawyers - Rising Star Award in the area of School and Education Law (Top 2.5% Lawyers in Indiana under 40)
• 2014, Super Lawyers - Rising Star Award in the area of School and Education Law (Top 2.5% Lawyers in Indiana under 40)
• 2013, Super Lawyers - Rising Star Award in the area of School and Education Law (Top 2.5% Lawyers in Indiana under 40)
• 2012, Super Lawyers - Rising Star Award in the area of School and Education Law (Top 2.5% Lawyers in Indiana under 40)
• 2011, Super Lawyers - Rising Star Award in the area of School and Education Law (Top 2.5% Lawyers in Indiana under 40)
• 2010, Super Lawyers - Rising Star Award in the area of School and Education Law (Top 2.5% Lawyers in Indiana under 40)
• 2010, Judge Taliaferro Award – Indiana State Bar Association. Awarded for legal Representation specific to the unmet civil rights needs of children presented by the Civil Rights Commission for Children Division.
• 2009, Super Lawyers - Rising Star Award in the area of School and Education Law (Top 2.5% Lawyers in Indiana under 40)

Practice Areas

• Education Law
• Personal Injury
• Personal injury sustained by children and disabled individuals.
• Special education due process and Section 504 disputes
• Expulsion and disciplinary challenges
• Tort-related claims, such as sexual abuse, molestation, and rape
• Private school conflicts and disciplinary issues
• Civil rights and disability claims that students face