Lawyer Limelight Featuring Mike Sprengnether, Attorney at Law
CPH Insurance is proud to work with Mike as part of our Attorney Helpline. He advises insureds in several states: Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Arkansas, California, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Florida, New York, New Jersey, Colorado, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
Read on to learn more about Mike in our Lawyer Limelight blog series:
BIO
I graduated From Loyola University of Chicago Law School in 1976 and was admitted to the Illinois Bar the same year. Over the next 30 years, I concentrated my practice as a personal injury defense attorney and insurance coverage work. During that time, I had approximately 40 jury verdicts. Over the last 15 years my practice has transitioned to defense of mental health professionals and became my exclusive practice about 7 years ago. Over the 15 years, I’ve defended 8 malpractice lawsuits vs. mental health professionals; represented them in several dozen IDFPR Board complaints, with no sanctions entered, and handled more than 500 subpoena compliance matters, records and depositions.
FAMILY
Married for 50 years to Mary, a retired math teacher. We have 2 children and 4 grandchildren.
PETS
We have had 5 rescue Black Lab mutts, Lady, Blaze, Charcoal, Cody and Buddy, who we recently lost and who is sorely missed. We haven’t decided on our next pet.
HOBBIES
I’ve always been into cooking but I used to restore old Corvettes, for 12 years I was a football referee, and for the last 25 years have been seriously into bbq. For 2 years I had a bbq competition team, but now only judge bbq contests. I am a master judge, having judged over 70 contests. I make my own sauces and rubs and keep my family and friends supplied.
MOST ENJOYABLE ASPECT OF JOB
In the practice of law, a legitimate thank you is a rarity, however, whether in my private practice or for the consultation calls, most mental health professionals are very grateful and thankful for the representation and advice. This gratitude keeps me wanting to work and assist their concerns.
MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF JOB
Keeping abreast of the various laws in multiple states for the consultation calls. I have created a library of research but face almost daily questions that are state specific and need to be researched.
ADVICE TO MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
1. Calm down! A records request or a subpoena for records are just pieces of paper seeking information. They are not attacks on your practice, your abilities, or your license.
2. If you agree to act as a child therapist in a divorce/custody battle, or for a troubled family, expect to be dragged into the legal fray. Even if the parents say they won’t, the lawyers always will, and try to get you to render opinions about the parents, which you cannot do as a child therapist. Approach these potential clients cautiously.
3. It’s ok to say no sometimes. Your clients often request something from you that you know you can’t do, but you want to help, and that puts you in a compromising position, for which you seek consultation. It’s ok to say no. Here is what a recent phone consult wrote to me about my direct approach to issues. ” I loved your style, candor and honesty and I needed to hear it….(this) is much needed for the next generation of therapists…We were not taught how to be tough, resilient, and coached to put accountability on the clients for their own healing journey.” As therapists you walk a fine line to maintain a relationship with your clients, but always giving in may not be the best answer.
