Michael R. Stiff

Michael R. Stiff is a partner at Spesia & Taylor and a lifelong resident of Will County, Illinois. With over three decades of legal experience, he is known for his versatile litigation skills and long-standing service to school districts, municipalities, and private clients throughout the state. His practice spans civil litigation, municipal law, education law, and employment and civil rights disputes.

Mr. Stiff graduated from Loyola University School of Law in 1988 and earned his undergraduate degree in journalism and English from Lewis University, where he was a charter member of the Lewis Honor Society and Editor-in-Chief of the student newspaper. His educational foundation laid the groundwork for his analytical, persuasive, and detail-oriented legal practice.

Early in his career, Mr. Stiff gained experience at both a national law firm and a boutique litigation practice. Since joining Spesia & Taylor, he has continued to handle a wide range of litigation, including medical malpractice, construction injuries, premises liability, and administrative hearings. His caseload spans courts across Illinois, including Will, Cook, DuPage, Kankakee, and Grundy Counties.

Michael R. Stiff is also deeply involved in municipal representation, advising clients on zoning, tax increment financing, bond issues, annexations, and ordinance enforcement. He frequently serves as an administrative hearing officer and has prosecuted nearly 100 ordinance cases for municipal clients. His work has involved high-impact cases, including environmental siting hearings and large contract disputes for public entities.

Mr. Stiff regularly represents schools and diocesan organizations in employment and regulatory matters. He is admitted to practice in Illinois and the U.S. District Courts for the Northern and Central Districts of Illinois. He is a member of both the Illinois State and Will County Bar Associations and serves as an arbitration panelist in Will County, reflecting his respected standing in the legal community.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Spesia & Taylor Attorneys at Law
• Member, Illinois Bar Association
• Member, Will County Bar Association

Licensed State

• Illinois

Education

• Loyola University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Lewis University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges