Michael J. Drabant

Attorney Bio

Michael J. Drabant is a Partner at A. Traub & Associates, where he focuses his practice on estate planning, guardianship, special needs planning, trust and estate administration, and Medicaid applications and appeals. Known for his "ethical and compassionate representation," Mike brings a thoughtful and responsive approach to every client matter—priding himself on returning client messages no later than the next business day.

Mike began his legal career in 2010 as an Associate at A. Traub & Associates before founding his own firm, The Drabant Law Group, Ltd., in 2013. In 2016, he joined Wilson & Wilson Estate Planning & Elder Law in LaGrange, Illinois, where he eventually became a partner. He returned to A. Traub & Associates in 2023, bringing with him over a decade of deep experience in elder law and estate planning. He is also appointed as a Guardian ad Litem for adults with disabilities in DuPage County.

Mike earned his B.A. in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Maryland and his J.D. and LL.M. in Taxation, with honors, from The John Marshall Law School in Chicago. He is a published legal writer and has presented widely on estate planning, special needs trusts, guardianship, and elder law—including appearances on WGN Radio and at statewide legal conferences.

He has been recognized as one of Illinois' Rising Stars by Super Lawyers Magazine from 2015 through 2021. Mike is an active member of both the DuPage County Bar Association and the Illinois State Bar Association, where he has served in numerous leadership roles and section councils.

When not practicing law, Mike enjoys singing in his church choir, skiing in the winter, and playing golf in the summer.

Practice Areas:

Law School:

• The John Marshall Law School, Chicago, J.D., 2009
• The John Marshall Law School, Chicago, LL.M., 2009

Publications:

• "Introduction to Pooled Special Needs Trusts," DuPage County Bar Association Brief, January 2024
• "Tips for Handling Medicaid Applications & Appeals During COVID-19," Elder Law Section Council Newsletter, Illinois State Bar Association, August 2020
• "Ethics Corner: Estate Planning Attorneys Should Not Ignore Their Own Mortality," Trusts and Estates Section Council Newsletter, ISBA, September 2015
• "Ethics Corner: A Word of Caution When Accepting Credit Card Payments," Trusts and Estates Section Council Newsletter, ISBA, July 2014
• "Understanding the Ethical Implications of Fee Sharing," DCBA Brief, April 2014
• "Having A Will Can Save Arguments For Generations," Naperville Sun, May 2010

Presentations:

• "Estate Planning: Guardian of the Estate and the Case of Jay Leno," WGN Radio, Let's Get Legal, April 2024
• "Illinois Estate Planning 2024: New Laws, Old Tools, and the Changes You Need to Make," National Business Institute (NBI), January 2024
• "Advanced Special Needs Planning," DCBA Estate Planning & Probate Section, May 2023
• "Introduction to Pooled Special Needs Trusts," DCBA Estate Planning & Probate Section, May 2022
• "Defenses to Involuntary Nursing Home Discharges," DCBA Elder Law Section CLE, May 2021
• "Preserving Benefits: An Introduction to Special Needs Trusts," Wilson & Wilson, April 2021
• "Special Needs Trusts 101: The Fundamentals of Special Needs Planning," DCBA Mega Meeting, March 2021
• "Guardianship for Seniors and Adults with Disabilities," Association of Senior Service Providers of DuPage County, October 2020
• "Understanding Powers of Attorney and Guardianship for Seniors," Wheaton Park District, February 2019
• "Aging with Dignity: Taking Control of the Aging Process," Wilson & Wilson, January 2018
• "Pet Trust Seminar," West Suburban Humane Society, April 2016
• "Estate Planning for Same-Sex Couples," Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Chicago, 2012