Kirkland & Ellis LLP: Bartley James P

For school districts, municipalities, and governmental entities in Illinois seeking seasoned legal counsel in public employment, school, and municipal law, James P. Bartley stands as a highly respected attorney. While the provided address "300 N LaSalle St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA" and the phone number (312) 862-2000 or +1 312-862-2000 correspond to Kirkland & Ellis LLP, publicly available information indicates that James P. Bartley is a partner at Klein, Thorpe & Jenkins, Ltd., a firm with a dedicated focus on these specialized areas of law. This introduction will focus on Mr. Bartley's practice as reflected in his known areas of expertise and affiliations, which align with his work at Klein, Thorpe & Jenkins, Ltd., providing a comprehensive overview for local users within the "Nearby Lawyers" category.

James P. Bartley brings over 45 years of extensive experience to his practice, advising and representing clients in a broad spectrum of matters related to public employment, school law, and municipal governance. His deep understanding of the unique legal challenges faced by public sector entities has made him a trusted advisor and litigator in these complex fields.

While the provided Kirkland & Ellis address may be a general reference point, James P. Bartley's established professional context is within firms specializing in public sector law. Such offices are typically structured to handle the specific needs of governmental and educational institutions. This includes facilities for discreet consultations, large meeting rooms for board meetings or negotiations, and extensive resources for researching state and federal statutes, regulations, and case law pertaining to public bodies. The nature of his practice suggests an environment focused on meticulous legal analysis, strategic planning, and effective communication with public officials and stakeholders. Chicago's central location ensures accessibility for school districts and municipalities across Illinois, providing convenient access for conferences, hearings, and other legal proceedings. The professional setting is designed to foster a collaborative approach to solving complex public sector legal issues.

James P. Bartley's comprehensive legal services primarily cater to the unique needs of public bodies, particularly school districts and municipalities. His practice areas include:

• Public Employment Law: Mr. Bartley has extensive experience in all areas of public employment law. This involves advising clients on employment policies, disputes, and compliance with labor laws specific to public sector entities. He represents clients in various employment-related disputes before administrative bodies such as the Illinois Department of Human Rights and the Illinois Labor Relations Board.
• School Law: A significant portion of his practice is dedicated to school law. He advises school districts on a wide range of issues including student matters, special education, school board governance, school finance, and compliance with state and federal education laws. He is a recognized authority in this area, having authored sections of guides for the Illinois Association of School Boards and Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education.
• Municipal Law: He provides legal counsel to municipalities on various matters concerning local government operations, regulatory compliance, and potential litigation. This encompasses advising on ordinances, zoning, contracts, and other legal aspects of municipal governance.
• Labor and Employment (specifically in the public sector): Mr. Bartley has negotiated hundreds of collective bargaining agreements for school districts and municipalities. His expertise in labor relations is crucial for public bodies dealing with employee unions and collective bargaining processes. He also handles arbitrations arising from these agreements.

James P. Bartley's long and distinguished career is characterized by several key features and a high level of expertise:

• Extensive Experience (45+ years): His career spans over four decades, providing him with an unparalleled depth of knowledge and practical experience in the complex and constantly evolving fields of public employment, school, and municipal law. This longevity speaks to his consistent dedication and effectiveness.
• "Leading Lawyer" Recognition: Mr. Bartley has been named a "Leading Lawyer" by Law Bulletin Media. This distinction is awarded to fewer than 5% of all attorneys in Illinois, based on extensive peer recommendations, signifying his high standing and respect within the legal community for his professional ability and ethical standards.
• Admissions: He is admitted to practice in Illinois and Nevada, as well as the Federal District Courts for the Southern District of Nevada and the Northern District of Illinois, allowing him to represent clients in both state and federal jurisdictions relevant to public law.
• Active Involvement in Legal Associations: His commitment to the legal profession is evident through his active participation in various bar associations and legal organizations. He is a member of the Illinois, Nevada, and Chicago Bar Associations. Notably, he has served as chairman and on the executive committee of the Illinois Council of School Attorneys for numerous years and was on the executive board of the Education Law Committee of the Illinois State Bar. He is also a member of the Illinois Local Government Lawyers Association.
• Author and Educator: Mr. Bartley has authored significant publications, including "School Board Meetings and Records" and "Guide to Illinois Statutes Affecting Schools" for the Illinois Association of School Boards, and "Compliance with Sex Equity Rules" for the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education. He also updated Chapter 10 in "Formal Dismissal and Suspension Procedures Under Illinois Tenure Law." These contributions highlight his role as a thought leader and educator in his practice areas.
• Community Involvement: Beyond his legal practice, Mr. Bartley has demonstrated a commitment to the community, serving for eight years on the Board of Directors of Step-Alive NFP, an organization dedicated to reaching at-risk teens through instruction in Chicago Style Steppin. This showcases his broader dedication to social well-being.

For local users, particularly school districts, municipalities, and public sector human resource departments searching for "Nearby Lawyers," James P. Bartley presents as an exceptionally qualified and reputable choice. His over 45 years of experience, coupled with his "Leading Lawyer" designation, provides strong reassurance of his legal acumen and ethical practice. His extensive involvement in drafting and updating legal guides for educational institutions and municipal bodies, along with his leadership roles in professional associations, positions him as a definitive authority in his fields.

The explicit mention of his success in negotiating "hundreds of collective bargaining agreements" and handling "many arbitrations and employment-related disputes" directly addresses critical needs for public employers. Furthermore, his deep understanding of school law, from board meetings to sex equity rules, makes him an invaluable resource for educational institutions navigating complex regulatory and operational challenges. While contact information provided might lead to a larger firm, interested parties specifically seeking Mr. Bartley's expertise in public employment, school, and municipal law should seek confirmation of his current firm affiliation to ensure direct access to his specialized services. His long-standing commitment to both his legal practice and community service reinforces his standing as a highly trusted and effective legal professional in Chicago and across Illinois.