Hodges Loizzi Eisenhammer Rodick & Kohn LLP

In the specialized domain of legal services for public entities, particularly educational institutions and local governments, Hodges Loizzi Eisenhammer Rodick & Kohn LLP (HLERK) stands as a prominent and highly regarded firm. Operating within the "Nearby Lawyers" category, HLERK is a dedicated legal partner for school districts, special education cooperatives, charter schools, and various other public bodies across Illinois. Its focus on this niche, yet vital, sector of the legal landscape distinguishes it as a firm with deep expertise and a clear mission.

Hodges Loizzi Eisenhammer Rodick & Kohn LLP is strategically located at 500 Park Blvd Ste. 1000, Itasca, IL 60143, USA. This address places the firm within a modern, professional office complex in Itasca, a thriving suburban area of Chicago. An office suite on the 10th floor suggests a well-established and sophisticated legal environment, equipped to handle complex legal matters. The physical environment would typically feature comfortable and private consultation rooms, extensive legal research facilities, and a supportive administrative infrastructure. This location in Itasca provides convenient access for clients throughout the Illinois metropolitan area, emphasizing the firm's role as a "Nearby Lawyer" that is easily accessible to its institutional clients. The professional setting reinforces the firm's credibility and its capacity to manage significant legal challenges for public sector entities.

The core services offered by Hodges Loizzi Eisenhammer Rodick & Kohn LLP are highly specialized, focusing primarily on education law, municipal law, and labor law, as they pertain to public bodies. Founded on the principle of providing "the best legal services at a reasonable cost" to Illinois schools, the firm has expanded its reach to serve a diverse range of public entities. Key areas of their practice include:

• School Law: This is a foundational practice area, encompassing a wide range of issues such as student rights, discipline, special education, bullying, Title IX compliance, policy development, open meetings act, and FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) requests.
• Special Education Law: A critical component of school law, where the firm provides counsel on IEPs (Individualized Education Programs), 504 plans, due process hearings, and compliance with federal and state special education mandates.
• Labor and Employment Law: Advising public bodies on collective bargaining, employee discipline, grievance arbitration, employment contracts, discrimination claims, wrongful termination, and compliance with labor laws.
• Municipal Law: Providing legal counsel to municipalities, park districts, and other local governments on governance, land use and zoning, environmental regulations, contracts, and general litigation.
• Litigation: Representing clients in various court proceedings, administrative hearings, and alternative dispute resolution methods, addressing complex legal challenges they may face.
• Board Governance: Assisting school boards and other public governing bodies with legal compliance, policy formulation, and ethical considerations.

HLERK's commitment to these specialized areas means that their attorneys possess deep, nuanced knowledge of the unique legal frameworks and challenges faced by public institutions, distinguishing them from general practice firms.

The features that define Hodges Loizzi Eisenhammer Rodick & Kohn LLP revolve around its unique operating model and its commitment to client success. The firm was founded in 1990 with the principle of combining "the best practices of small boutique law firms with resources generally available only to larger firms." This hybrid approach is a significant feature, allowing HLERK to offer the personalized attention and responsiveness often found in smaller, more focused firms, while simultaneously leveraging the extensive resources, depth of knowledge, and comprehensive capabilities typically associated with larger legal organizations. This ensures that clients receive tailored solutions without compromising on the breadth of legal expertise.

With a team of approximately 28 lawyers and supporting staff, HLERK is large enough to "devote substantial and diverse resources to our clients' representation," yet maintains "high-touch services that meets clients' individual needs." This balance is crucial for public bodies that often require timely and specific legal advice on a myriad of evolving issues. The firm's longevity, celebrating over 35 years of service, further underscores its stability, experience, and enduring commitment to its client base.

Another key feature is the firm's proactive engagement with current legal developments affecting its clients. Their regular news updates and articles, such as those on Title VI actions regarding DEI, ISBE responses to federal requests, and Title IX regulations, demonstrate a commitment to keeping their clients informed and prepared for legislative and regulatory changes. This proactive approach helps public bodies navigate complex legal landscapes and mitigate potential risks.

While the provided customer reviews are succinct ("Great law firm."), they indicate a positive sentiment and client satisfaction. For a firm primarily serving institutional clients rather than individual consumers, such concise yet positive feedback often reflects a high level of professional respect and effective service delivery. This suggests that clients view HLERK as a reliable and competent legal partner, capable of handling their specific and often sensitive legal needs effectively. Employee reviews also speak to a "friendly office environment" and "opportunities to learn and grow as a lawyer," hinting at a positive internal culture that likely translates into better client service.

From a promotional perspective, the firm's established reputation and specialized focus are its strongest assets. The explicit statements about their commitment to "providing practical legal services unique to these critical public bodies" and their "35 Years of Service: Our Commitment to School Leaders and Our Communities" serve as compelling promotional messages. These highlight their deep industry knowledge and long-standing dedication. The sheer volume of school entities they represent (over 175 Illinois school entities) is a powerful testament to their standing in the education law sector, implicitly promoting their reliability and expertise.

The clear contact information, phone: (847) 670-9000 and mobile phone: +1 847-670-9000, provides a direct avenue for prospective clients to engage with the firm. This accessibility, combined with their specialized expertise, decades of experience, and demonstrated commitment to the public sector, positions Hodges Loizzi Eisenhammer Rodick & Kohn LLP as a premier legal partner for educational institutions and public bodies across Illinois.