Library Law

KTJ provides legal services to over fifty Libraries and Library Districts, plus Library Systems that we serve full time and others that we serve part-time. We also serve other library related entities such as the Cooperative Computer Services. KTJ has been representing libraries and library districts throughout the Chicago area and Illinois for decades. KTJ is a full service local government firm and does not "farm out" litigation, nor does it seek outside counsel to handle specialized areas. Our attorneys are capable and experienced in all facets of this practice area. KTJ attorneys have provided legal counsel to its clients in all areas related to library operations throughout the years. The following are a sampling of these areas of expertise.

Finance

We regularly assist and advise our clients in addressing the legal complexities and requirements associated with budget, bonds, tax levy, debt financing, and other specialized financial issues.

Labor and Employment

Relative to employment matters, our attorneys assist our clients with matters ranging from their basic compliance with state and federal requirements related to personnel policies and handbooks, and the hiring, retention, discipline and removal of employees, to issues or claims related to compliance with state and federal laws, including employment discrimination, prevailing wages, overtime, family and medical leave requirements, HIPAA and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Board Practices and Procedures

Our lawyers have extensive experience with the regular practices and procedures of the elected municipal officials, including the Open Meetings Act and Freedom of Information Act. We have also counseled our library clients on issues related to the confidentiality of library and computer information, First Amendment issues related to computer access and filtering, as well as First Amendment issues related to library authority to address patron access and behavior.

Construction Law

We have experience in public sector construction law and litigation, including the contract process, acquisition and development, mechanics’ liens, letters of credit, surety bonds, leasing, lending, foreclosures and financing. Our attorneys have extensive experience in construction contract process and implementation, and in dealing with contractor/surety problems associated with unsatisfactory construction and construction failure. Our attorneys have been involved in and counseled our clients on varying competitive bid matters related to construction projects. We have also assisted in the negotiation and review of architects' contracts and those of the general contractor or construction manager relative to public construction projects. We have successfully handled construction litigation relative to these types of projects and have assisted our clients in ensuring timely completion of projects within the agreed upon budget. See the general sections of our website on “Construction Law” and “Property/Real Estate” for further information in these areas of practice.

Property Issues

Our attorneys are experienced in all types of property issues and transactions that affect local governments. We have experience in condemnation work and have been involved in the development and preparation of "Naperville-type" ordinances requiring developer donations. KTJ has also been involved in the purchase and sale of public properties, to and from private corporations, the granting and obtaining of easements for various purposes, and in the preparation of purchase and sale of personal property. The purchases of personal property regularly involve reviewing specifications and contracts related to the product or equipment. We are experienced in all phases of financing the acquisition of property, the acquisition of raw land and the construction of new buildings, including the acquisition through debt financing, or other revenue sources. See the general sections of our website on “Construction Law” and “Property/Real Estate” for further information in these areas of practice.

Election Law

Our attorneys have provided assistance and consultation to our library clients relative to their obligations in complying with the Illinois Election Code and related statutory requirements. For further information in this practice area, see the general “Election Law” section of our website. 

Partners with Expertise in Library Law

For questions regarding Library Law, please contact Dennis G. Walsh, Gerard E. Dempsey, E. Kenneth Friker, Kathleen T. Henn or Scott F. Uhler.