Michael Garetto-Balmer

Michael Garetto-Balmer specializes in workers’ compensation law, guiding injured individuals through the complexities of the workers’ compensation system with compassion and dedication. He began his career at Plevin & Gallucci as a law clerk, where he gained hands-on experience in workers’ compensation and personal injury cases, drafting court documents, preparing briefs, reviewing records, and supporting clients throughout trial stages. 

Michael’s problem-solving, communications, and leadership skills enable him to handle complex legal issues and achieve positive outcomes for clients. Prior to earning his J.D. at Cleveland State University College of Law, he spent several years in logistics, operations, and sales and was consistently recognized as a top performer. He also served as a Regional Field Director in the 2015 Chicago Mayoral Campaign.

Before becoming an attorney at Plevin & Gallucci, Michael was an extern for the Honorable U.S. District Court Judge Dan A. Polster. His responsibilities included authoring judicial opinions, memoranda, and sections of proposed orders, as well as research and analysis of case law, federal statutes, executive orders, and docket filings in a wide range of federal matters.

Michael was awarded the prestigious 2025 Jeremy M. Burnside Memorial Scholarship from the Ohio Association for Justice for his exceptional appellate brief challenging the constitutionality of Ohio’s statutory cap on noneconomic damages for injured parties. 

He also was a Research Assistant for CSU’s Global Space Law Center and author of several articles in industry publications, a Student Bar Association Senator, Vice President of the Catholic Lawyers Guild, and pupil member of the William K. Thomas American Inn of Court.

A native of Chicago, Michael holds a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and History from Lake Forest College, where he received multiple awards as a member of the men’s football team. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family and is a dedicated sports fan.