Local Government

Representing communities is what we do. Our attorneys are experienced in all aspects of municipal law. We advise mayors, boards, and city councils on all general corporate matters and board governance. As new state and federal laws are passed, we inform our clients on the impact and effect of these laws and develop innovative solutions for compliance. We pride ourselves on building strong working partnerships with our municipalities in order for them to more effectively represent the citizens they serve. We understand the importance of staying within budget and provide cost-effective solutions for matters related to municipal law.

 

Services Provided:

• Ordinance and resolution preparation

• Professional service contract review and preparation

• FOIA and OMA counsel

• Prosecution and defense of lawsuits

• Memos advising of new laws, potential threats and new technology

• Direct access to members of the General Assembly

• Attendance at regular and special meetings

• Finance, including bonds, budgets, and defense of property tax appeals

• Land use and zoning

• Economic development

• Real estate transactions

• Representation of Fire and Police Commissions

• Liquor control commissions and hearings

• Prosecutions in traffic court and administrative adjudication proceedings

The firm has continually represented townships since the early 1980’s, providing all legal work required for townships, general assistance, highway districts, and assessors’ offices. We handle all legal issues faced by our township clients and are well-versed in the intricacies of intergovernmental relations.

 

Services Provided:

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• Intergovernmental Agreements

• FOIA requests

• Contract review and preparation

• Commercial transactions

• Legal notices

• Ordinances and Resolutions

• Budgets and levies

• Agendas and minutes

• Employee policy manuals

• General procedural meeting and township matters

• Food pantry

• Mental Health Boards

• Highway Commissioners and Road Districts

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• Assessor’s Offices

• General Assistance guidelines and procedures

• Waivers and hold harmless agreements

• Purchase and sale of township property

• Review of bids and requests for proposals for construction projects

• Review Property Tax Appeal Board notices for possible intervention

• Road construction, easements, right-of-way

• Election matters (electoral boards)

• All litigation matters in the Circuit, Appellate and Supreme Courts

• Legislative updates at the County, State and Federal levels

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Our local government practice extends beyond municipalities. We also represent a number of park districts and special districts, including fire protection districts, special recreation districts and a mosquito abatement district. We assist with purchase and development of property, finance issues, FOIA and OMA matters, review of construction contracts, preparation of grant applications, the bidding process, review and drafting of contracts, personnel matters, all aspects of labor and employment, attendance at meetings, drafting policies/IGAs/resolutions and handling litigation.

 

Special and Other Districts

• Fire Protection Districts

• Special Recreation Districts

• Mosquito Abatement Districts

• Forest Preserve Districts

• Sanitary Sewer Districts

• Library Districts

We work on behalf of our municipal clients on all aspects of economic development, from expansion, land acquisition, tax increment financing districts, incentive agreements and property development or redevelopment. Our development attorneys are current on incentives that have successfully helped our clients realize their economic development needs. From drafting development agreements to working with municipalities, boards, utility companies and vendors, we are a valuable and trusted partner for our clients.

We understand complex local zoning laws and state regulations, and we know how to overcome opposition and challenges to real estate projects. We know that navigating land use regulations often takes political and legal savvy, and our years of experience enable us to benchmark the likelihood of success on any given project. When disputes occur, we offer a strong track record of success. We have achieved significant victories for our clients litigating complex real estate matters, locally and nationally, in state and federal courts, for cases concerning large office towers, housing developments, and other commercial and retail properties.

 

Our firm’s extensive legal portfolio includes consultation on municipal land use and zoning litigation, tax increment financing, negotiation of development agreements, map amendments, zoning compliance, and land use regulations and litigation.