ROBBINS SCHWARTZ - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate, Chicago Office and Lisle Office
Aaron counsels employers on various aspects of labor and employment law, including internal investigations, employee discipline, labor relations, workplace policies, and state and federal labor and employment law matters under the Illinois Human Rights Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Family and Medical Leave Act, Occupational Safety and Health Act, Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, Title VII, and other laws. Aaron also represents employers in traditional labor law matters including labor arbitration and grievance proceedings and collective bargaining agreement negotiations.
Aaron represents employers in litigation and before administrative agencies including the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Illinois Department of Human Rights, the U.S. Department of Labor, and the Illinois Department of Labor.
Aaron provides training to employers on internal investigation best practices, avoiding charges of unlawful discrimination and harassment in the workplace, and awareness and management of implicit bias in various sectors.
Aaron is the Associate Representative to Robbins Schwartz's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leadership Committee and Co-Chair of the Firm's Diversity & Awareness Planning Subcommittee.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate, Chicago Office
Amy's practice focuses on labor and employment law. She counsels employers in various aspects, including internal misconduct investigations, disciplinary action, labor relations, and federal and state employment discrimination matters under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Family and Medical Leave Act, Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Illinois Human Rights Act, Title VII, and other federal and state anti-discrimination laws.
During law school, Amy participated in both the Labor and Employment Certificate Program and the Alternative Dispute Resolution Team. She also attended the American Arbitration Association Summit and interned with various in-house legal departments. Prior to joining Robbins Schwartz, Amy worked at a general practice defense firm, focusing on insurance defense and general business law.
Education
J.D., Chicago-Kent College of Law
B.A., University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate, Chicago
- Member of the Firm
- Member of the U.S. Navy Reserves
Brian J. Tuczynski is a member of the firm's construction, commercial transactions, public finance & taxation, and real estate practice groups. Brian represents both private and public clients, including school districts, community colleges, park districts, and municipalities. He assists clients through their construction and commercial transactions, including bidding, contract negotiation, performance disputes, and any resulting litigation. Additionally, he advises on data privacy concerns and assists clients with appeals before Property Tax Appeal Board.
Brian J. Tuczynski is a member of the U.S. Navy Reserves, and currently serves as a judge advocate.
Education
J.D., cum laude, University of Wisconsin Law School
M.A., Florida State University
B.A., West Virginia University
Brittany Flaherty Theis focuses her practice on the representation of school
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Partner, Chicago Office
Caroline Roselli practices in the areas of special education law and student rights. She counsels school districts and colleges concerning student discipline, student records, policy development, students' rights and other student-related matters. She assists school districts in responding to complaints from the Illinois State Board of Education and Office of Civil Rights and she regularly represents public school districts at IEP meetings, due process hearings, mediations, student expulsion and suspension hearings and residency hearings. Caroline has successfully defended school district decisions and prevailed at due process hearings on issues regarding eligibility, requests for residential placements and denial of FAPE claims.
Caroline has presented at annual conferences for both the Illinois Association for School Boards and for the Illinois Alliance of Administrators of Special Education. She is a co-author of the "Special Education" chapter of the Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education's School Law treatise. Caroline also regularly conducts workshops and in-service programs on a variety of special education related topics, including IEP compliance, response to intervention and child find, evaluation procedures, eligibility determinations, autism litigation and discipline of special education students.
Awards
Illinois Emerging Lawyer, School Law (2017-2018)
Illinois "Rising Star," Super Lawyers Magazine, Schools and Education Law (2012-2017)
Education
J.D., cum laude, Loyola University Chicago School of Law
B.A., University of Notre Dame
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Partner, Chicago Office and Lisle Office
Catherine Locallo's practice focuses on labor and employment law and board governance matters. She counsels employers in all aspects of employment law including hiring, employment contracts, employee discipline issues, terminations and reductions in force, collective bargaining and labor relations, nonimmigrant worker visas and employment discrimination matters. She also counsels public bodies on compliance with Illinois' Freedom of Information Act and Open Meetings Act. Catherine has extensive experience representing clients in court and administrative agency proceedings involving discrimination, retaliation and harassment claims.
Catherine is approved by the Illinois State Board of Education to provide school board member training.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Partner, Chicago Office
Chris practices in the firm's commercial, construction, and real estate practice groups, representing public sector clients in commercial transactions, contracting, construction and related transactional matters. Chris has also served in the firm's labor and employment practice group and counseled employers in all aspects of labor and employment law, including labor relations, collective bargaining, grievance and dispute resolution, workplace investigation, employee discipline, terminations and reductions in force, and employment discrimination. Chris also advises clients on board governance and compliance with the Illinois Freedom of Information Act and Open Meetings Act.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Partner, Lisle Office
David concentrates his practice in local government law and litigation. For almost 30 years, he has served as general counsel to Chicago-area municipalities and park districts, representing them in day-to-day legal issues and as a municipal prosecutor. In addition, David has handled numerous litigation matters involving units of local government, including zoning and land use issues, contract disputes, local liquor licensure and code enforcement matters.
David has spoken before groups such as the Illinois Municipal League and the Illinois Institute for Local Government, as well as private groups on such topics as the Freedom of Information Act, the Open Meetings Act, code enforcement and procurement/bidding issues.
Education
J.D., Widener University School of Law
B.A., Georgetown University
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate, Chicago
Elena practices in the firm's litigation and labor & employment groups. In state and federal courts, she represents governmental entities and their employees in civil rights, employment, and tort claims. She also counsels employers on various aspects of labor & employment law, including internal investigations, employee discipline, labor relations, grievance proceedings, collective bargaining negotiations, and more.
Prior to joining Robbins Schwartz, Elena concentrated her practice on trusts and estates litigation. She was also a law clerk at the Department of Labor's Chicago office and gained experience in labor & employment law at a law firm in her hometown of South Bend, Indiana. During law school, Elena served as a third-year representative to the Student Bar Association and was a member of the Indiana Journal for Law and Social Equality. She also participated in several pro bono organizations, including the Inmate Legal Assistance Project.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Partner, Chicago Office
Emily Bothfeld counsels higher education institutions and K-12 school districts on various issues, including student discipline, Title IX, free speech and expression, student disability rights, board governance, and policy development. In her role leading the firm's Title IX practice, Emily performs extensive work with educational institutions to ensure compliance with Title IX and related laws in all aspects of employment and education, including recruitment, admissions, academic programs, counseling, financial assistance, athletics and extracurricular activities, and facilities access. Emily was instrumental in Robbins Schwartz's development of policies, procedures, and training materials for school districts and higher education institutions in response to the United States Department of Education's 2020 amendments to the Title IX regulations, and Emily has significant experience working closely with Title IX Coordinators and administrators tasked with investigating and adjudicating sexual harassment reports and complaints.
Emily also represents both educational institutions and private companies in matters related to student privacy. She regularly advises school districts regarding privacy considerations and compliance requirements associated with the use of educational technology platforms. She has significant experience negotiating data privacy agreements and education-related service agreements on behalf of schools and organizations. In 2020, Emily co-drafted the Illinois addendum to the National Data Privacy Agreement ("NDPA"), a standardized agreement used by school districts and educational technology vendors throughout the United States to streamline the contracting process and establish a consistent framework for protecting and managing student data. The NDPA is currently being utilized by approximately 750 school districts in Illinois and over 11,000 nationally to facilitate compliance with state and federal student privacy and security laws.
Emily has extensive experience representing educational institutions in responding to complaints filed with the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, Illinois State Board of Education, Office of the Illinois Attorney General, and Illinois Department of Human Rights. Emily regularly defends educational entities in state and federal court in defending against constitutional, civil rights, and breach of contract claims.
Before her tenure at Robbins Schwartz, Emily pursued a unique path, representing students with disabilities in special education matters. She holds a Juris Doctor from the George Washington University Law School, where she was an active member of the George Washington International Law Review and the GW Law Moot Court Board.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate, Chicago
Gabriela "Ellie" focuses on labor & employment law and litigation. She represents both public and private sector employers in labor and personnel related matters. She also advises school districts, community colleges, and municipalities regarding various legal issues. Ellie defends her clients in state court, federal court, and before administrative bodies.
Ellie received her Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law, formerly John Marshall Law School, where she graduated with a concentration in Trial Advocacy & Dispute Resolution. As a law student, Ellie was awarded the second-best brief in the Moot Court Honors Program Herzog Competition, a prestigious writing competition requiring students to research and write a Supreme Court Appellate brief, as well as present an oral argument. As a result of this accomplishment, Ellie was a teaching assistant during law school for this intensive writing course to assist other students with their writing, research, and argument-based skills.
Prior to joining Robbins Schwartz, Ellie concentrated her practice in labor & employment law and litigation on behalf of Plaintiffs.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Partner, Champaign Office
Guy Hall provides legal representation to a number of businesses, including electric cooperatives and health care institutions, on a range of matters including governance, policy development, contracts, real estate transactions, mergers, acquisitions, divestments and employment issues. He also advises local governmental entities, including park districts, in the areas of compliance, real estate transactions, taxation and creditor's rights.
Guy is a member and past Chair of the Illinois State Bar Association's Health Care Section Council and has counseled health care entities regarding Medicare and Medicaid, ERISA reimbursement disputes, health care services liens and compliance with the requirements of the Illinois Department of Insurance. Guy has been involved in the formation and conversion of health insurers. He has guided physicians through the development of policies and procedures as well as operational matters involving purchasing and leasing equipment, borrowing and security agreements. He has also advised on privacy matters, including medical records and HIPAA.
Guy has provided counsel regarding election and political party designations, candidate qualification requirements, environmental issues and demolition suits, as well as ordinance drafting and enforcement. He has also provided guidance regarding the Open Meetings Act, FOIA, ADA and other federal and state laws.
Awards
"AV" Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
Education
J.D., University of Tulsa College of Law
B.A., University of Illinois
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate, Chicago Office
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate, Chicago
Hayley counsels K-12 school districts and higher education institutions on various issues, including IDEA, student discipline, Title IX, free speech and expression, student disability rights, board governance, and policy development. She assists school districts in responding to complaints from the Office for Civil Rights, Office of the Attorney General and Illinois State Board of Education, and she represents public school districts at IEP meetings, due process hearings, and student discipline hearings.
Prior to joining Robbins Schwartz, Hayley clerked at a private litigation firm, and interned with the Chicago Public Schools Board of Education. She received her Juris Doctor from Loyola University Chicago. During law school, she worked in the Civitas ChildLaw Clinic where she received her 711 license and served as a child representative in domestic relations and child protection proceedings.
Education
J.D., Loyola University Chicago School of Law
B.A., university honors, University of Michigan
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate, Chicago
Holly counsels employers on many aspects of labor and employment law, including employee discipline, internal investigations, federal and state employment discrimination matters, labor relations, and Title IX investigations and compliance. She represents both private and public sector employers and advises school districts, municipalities, and institutions of higher education.
Prior to joining Robbins Schwartz, Holly clerked at a private higher education firm, interned with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and Chicago Public Schools, and served as a judicial extern for the Honorable Judge Virginia M. Kendall of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. She received her Juris Doctor from Loyola University Chicago, where she also completed a master's degree in Cultural and Educational Policy Studies. Her master's thesis focused on legal reparations and decolonization efforts regarding Indigenous boarding schools in Canada and the United States. During law and graduate school, she served as the Editor-in-Chief of the Loyola International Law Review, and published articles at Loyola University Chicago and Columbia University. Prior to law school, Holly taught English as a Second Language in Nordhorn, Germany.
Holly is a member of the American Educational Research Association, which is a national research society dedicated to advancing knowledge about education and promoting the use of research to improve education and serve the public good. She was selected as a peer reviewer for research paper submissions to AERA's 2024 Annual Meeting.
Awards
American Educational Research Association - selected reviewer for submissions to AERA 2024 Annual Conference; Panels reviewed: De/Colonization and Transformative Curriculum Studies; Legal and Judicial Issues for Equity and Access; Decolonial, Postcolonial, and Anti-Colonial Studies in Education; Indigenous Peoples of the Americas; and Law and Education.
Education
J.D., cum laud e, Loyola University Chicago
M.A., Loyola University Chicago
B.A., magna cum laude, University of Montana
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Partner, Chicago Office and Rockford Office
Howard Metz counsels and represents school districts, community colleges, park districts and municipalities with respect to real estate, commercial transactions, construction law and land use and zoning matters. He has resolved construction cases involving issues such as disputed architectural fees, construction defects, bidding disputes and construction delays. Howard has also litigated issues involving zoning laws and municipal control over school property.
Education
J.D., IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law
B.S., Political Science, University of Iowa
As managing partner, Joseph Perkoski represents educational institutions and public sector employers with a focus on board and executive leadership. Joseph also represents his clients on a broad range of labor and employment issues including collective bargaining, grievance arbitration and contract interpretation. Joseph has defended employers in unfair labor practice charges before the Illinois Education Labor Relations Board, the Illinois State and Local Labor Relations Boards and the National Labor Relations Board. In addition, Joseph has litigated on behalf of management claims involving civil rights, discrimination, wrongful discharge, and harassment issues.
Awards
Fellow, The College of the Labor & Employment Lawyers
Illinois Super Lawyers, 2008-2020
Illinois Leading Lawyer, Employment, Labor and School Law
Education
J.D., The Ohio State University, The Mortiz College of Law
M.A., The Ohio State University
B.A. with honors, The Ohio State University
Job Titles:
- Senior Counsel
- Member of the Firm
- Senior Counsel, Chicago Office
Kathleen C. Ropka is a member of the firm's commercial transactions, construction and real estate practice groups. Kathleen represents public and private clients, including school districts, community colleges, private owners, contractors and subcontractors, in matters relating to contract review and drafting, bidding, contract negotiations, lien and bond law, real estate transactions and any related litigation.
Prior to joining Robbins Schwartz, Kathleen worked at a construction law firm and a general litigation law firm in Chicago, Illinois where she gained invaluable experience in a wide array of practices areas. Kathleen has successfully represented clients in both jury and non-jury trials in state court and federal court and has practiced before the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit and the Illinois Appellate Court, First District. Kathleen now utilizes her diverse legal background and experience in the construction industry to best serve Robbins Schwartz and its clients.
Education
J.D., DePaul University College of Law
B.A., DePaul University, cum laude
Job Titles:
- of Counsel
- of Counsel, Lisle Office
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate, Chicago Office
Katie practices in the firm's public finance and taxation, commercial, construction, and real estate practice groups. Katie represents school districts, community colleges, and municipalities before the Property Tax Appeal Board and the circuit court. She represents clients in the areas of real property taxation, valuation, tax rate objections, and assessment appeals. Katie also represents clients in the areas of commercial transactions, including drafting and negotiating contracts, litigation, and alternative dispute resolution.
Prior to joining Robbins Schwartz, Katie concentrated her practice in tax planning and represented clients in corporate reorganizations. She also has experience working for government entities and non-profits.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Partner, Chicago Office and Lisle Office
Ken Florey concentrates his practice representing public and private clients, including municipalities, school districts, community colleges, townships, libraries, private owners, contractors and design professionals regarding land use, municipal law, construction, tax, finance and litigation. Ken has also started offering his services as a mediator with an emphasis on construction disputes.
Ken was the Chair of the DuPage County Bar Association's Local Government Committee. He was appointed Special Assistant Attorney General to prosecute and defend construction litigation claims on behalf of the Illinois Capital Development Board. Ken is also a member of the Illinois ASBO Service Associate Advisory Committee. He served as a Trustee for the Village of Lombard for eight years and is a member of the Lombard Fire and Police Commission.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Partner, Chicago Office and Lisle Office
Kevin's practice focuses in the area of labor and employment law. Kevin counsels school districts, community colleges, libraries, and municipalities with issues involving employee discipline, internal investigations, employee leaves of absences, and alleged discrimination and harassment claims. Kevin also defends clients in litigation and administrative charges in federal and state court, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Illinois Department of Human Rights, and the Illinois Department of Labor. In addition to his experience in labor and employment law, Kevin has trained school districts and community colleges pursuant to Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972.
Prior to joining Robbins Schwartz, Kevin represented individuals with employment matters, civil rights claims, and consumer protection litigation.
Awards
Illinois "Rising Star," by Super Lawyers Magazine
Education
J.D., The John Marshall Law School
B.A., Indiana University
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate, Chicago
- Member of the Firm
Logan K. Sweeney is a member of the firm's construction, commercial transactions, public finance & taxation, and real estate practice groups. Logan represents private and public project owners, including school districts, community colleges, park districts, and municipalities. She assists with construction and development projects, beginning with property acquisition, zoning, contract negotiation and bidding, project management, and any resulting litigation.
Prior to joining Robbins Schwartz, Logan worked at a transactional law, litigation, and government relations law firm in Chicago, Illinois where she gained experience in a wide array of practices areas. Logan now utilizes her diverse legal background and experience to best serve Robbins Schwartz and its clients.
Education
J.D., Loyola University Chicago School of Law
B.A., University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Partner, Lisle Office and Rockford Office
Neal represents municipalities, school districts, community colleges and other local governmental clients as well as companies and individuals in a wide range of complex legal matters. In addition to representing clients in tort and commercial litigation, Neal represents clients in several unique areas of the law including land use and zoning litigation, construction litigation and election law and campaign finance matters. Neal has represented clients in state and Federal Court and before administrative agencies such as the Illinois State Board of Elections, the Illinois Commerce Commission and the Illinois Labor Relations Board.
Neal advises clients in contract drafting and review. For local governmental clients, he prepares and reviews ordinances, resolutions and intergovernmental agreements, attends board and committee meetings and advises elected and appointed officials and employees on all types of legal issues that concern local governmental clients. Neal Smith concentrates his practice in the areas of board governance, land use issues, tax, finance and litigation. Neal advises municipal and school district electoral boards and candidates running for public office on issues concerning ballot access and campaign finance.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Partner, Chicago Office
Matt Gardner is a partner at Robbins Schwartz where he is a member of the firm's construction, commercial transactions, real estate, and public finance practice groups. Matt represents private and public project owners over the course of construction and development projects, beginning with property acquisition, zoning, contract negotiation and bidding, project management, surety and warranty claims, and any resulting litigation concerning payment, delays, or design or construction defects. Matt also represents contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers on a variety of construction-related matters, including payment claims, preserving and enforcing lien rights, and defending defect claims.
In addition to his construction and real estate practice, Matt represents school districts, colleges, and educational technology companies in matters relating to student records and data privacy. Matt regularly drafts and negotiates data privacy agreements, software license agreements, and other service agreements that comply with applicable federal and state privacy laws and regulations while simultaneously protecting his client's interests. He was part of a team of Robbins Schwartz attorneys that drafted the Illinois addendum to the National Data Privacy Agreement and frequently advises clients on the evolving legal landscape for education privacy matters and risks associated with data breaches or ransomware attacks. Matt has worked with educational technology clients to successfully complete responses and bid submissions as part of the procurement process for some of the largest school districts in the nation resulting in significant contracts. He also works with education technology clients to prepare subcontracts, policies, and procedures to address data security and compliance with the multitude of state and federal data privacy laws.
Matt is the past Chair of the Chicago Bar Association Construction Law and Mechanics Lien Subcommittee (2018-19), has testified before the General Assembly on construction-related matters, and is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association and Chicago Bar Association Judicial Evaluation Committee. Matt has also performed pro bono services representing clients through Chicago Volunteer Legal Services and Franciscan Outreach.
Awards
Illinois "Rising Star," by Super Lawyers Magazine, in the area of Construction Litigation (2021-2022)
Education
J.D., University of Wisconsin Law School
B.S., University of Utah
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate, Chicago Office
Matthew is a member of the labor and employment practice group. He counsels employers in various aspects of labor and employment law, such as employee discipline, labor relations, and federal and state employment discrimination matters under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Family and Medical Leave Act, Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Illinois Human Rights Act, Title VII, and other federal and state anti-discrimination and wage laws. He also advises clients on Illinois Freedom of Information Act and Open Meetings Act matters.
Before he joined Robbins Schwartz, Matthew served as in-house counsel and FOIA Officer for the Illinois Office of the Governor. In that role, he counseled dozens of agencies on compliance with sensitive FOIA requests, advised on current and potential litigation issues, and served as a legal liaison to the Illinois Department of Human Rights and the Illinois Human Rights Commission.
Education
J.D., University of Chicago Law School
M.P.P., University of Chicago, Harris School of Public Policy
B.B.A., summa cum laude, Baylor University
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Partner, Chicago Office
Michelle practices in the area of education law with a focus on special education and student matters. She counsels school districts and community colleges regarding the IEP process, due process, Section 504, student discipline, board policy and student records.
Prior to joining Robbins Schwartz, Michelle worked as an attorney for Waukegan Public Schools and Chicago Public Schools, focusing in special education. She has experience counseling IEP teams and school administrators, representing districts in complex due process hearings and developing policies and procedures for school districts. Prior to starting law school, Michelle was a Middle School Language Arts Teacher in Los Angeles, CA.
Job Titles:
- Senior Counsel
- Senior Counsel, Lisle Office
Nicole Karas focuses her practice on local government and corporate law. She serves as outside general counsel to local governmental clients providing a wide range of legal assistance. Nicole counsels clients on major construction, land acquisition, contract drafting and negotiation, intergovernmental cooperation agreements, board policies, personnel policies, employment issues, contracts for purchases of goods and services, Open Meetings Act, FOIA issues, and ordinance/resolution drafting.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Partner, Chicago Office
Nikoleta Lamprinakos is an experienced trial lawyer who concentrates her practice in the defense of government officials and governmental entities in civil rights, employment and tort claims against both governmental bodies and officials, including municipal entities, school districts, police departments and park districts. She has handled a multitude of complex litigation matters in both the federal and state courts.
Nikoleta has successfully represented governmental entities and their employees at the trial and appellate level in both state and federal court. She has successfully litigated cases before the Federal District Court for the Northern, Central and Southern District of Illinois as well as the Circuit Courts of Cook, DuPage, Lake and Will, Kane, Kendall and various downstate venues as co-lead counsel and second chair counsel.
Most recently, Nikoleta was co-lead counsel in a civil rights excessive force and unreasonable search case brought by a mother and daughter against five police officers where she obtained a not guilty jury verdict on all counts on behalf of all officers. Nikoleta also leads the firm's litigation practice group for associates and helps mentor new associates.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate, Lisle Office
Patrick practices in the area of local government law with a focus on municipalities and park districts. He represents his clients in day-to-day legal issues, litigation, and as a municipal prosecutor.
Prior to joining Robbins Schwartz, Patrick worked as an Assistant State's Attorney in DuPage County. In that role, he was responsible for supervising the prosecution of hundreds of pending misdemeanor and felony cases. Including, trying numerous cases to verdict at both bench and jury trials.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Partner, Chicago Office
Phil Gerner counsels and represents school districts and community colleges in collective bargaining negotiations, union representation petitions and IELRB proceedings, teacher evaluations, remediations and dismissals, employee discipline and discharge issues, labor contract administration and grievance arbitration and other labor and employment issues. Phil has represented school districts and community colleges in numerous labor arbitrations, unfair labor practice hearings, tenured teacher dismissals and IDHR and EEOC proceedings. Phil has successfully handled a number of appellate court appeals on issues of significance for educational employers, including short-term employee bargaining unit exclusion standards, teacher evaluation plan bargaining obligations and RIF/seniority rights of tenured teachers.
Phil is a frequent presenter for IASB, IASA, Illinois ASBO, ICCTA and other educational employer associations on a full range of labor and employment issues, including collective bargaining negotiations, teacher evaluation and remediation, school administrator employment contracts, employee discipline and discharge, and public employee speech and concerted activity issues.
Awards
Illinois Leading Lawyer, Employment and School Law, 2004-2012
Education
J.D., Washington University School of Law
B.A., cum laude, St. Lawrence University
Job Titles:
- of Counsel
- of Counsel, Chicago Office
Robert Riley's practice is concentrated in advising and representing units of local governments, corporations and insurers in labor and employment matters. Bob has litigated civil rights cases, complex commercial cases and defended personal injury and property claims. He has represented numerous public employers in collective bargaining negotiations, grievance arbitrations and unfair labor practice cases.
Bob joined Robbins Schwartz in 1989. He began his legal career in labor and employment law in 1980, representing public sector employees, including PATCO (air traffic controllers) employees terminated as a result of a national job action. He also represented numerous individual employees in discrimination and First Amendment cases. From 1984 to late 1989, he litigated large, complicated commercial and insurance fraud and arson cases throughout the Midwest including cases in Illinois, Iowa, Indiana and Wisconsin.
Education
J.D., DePaul University College of Law
B.A., Political Science, Western Illinois University