Gerard E. Dempsey graduated from Xavier University in 1962 with an A.B. degree, earned an L.L.B. degree from Harvard University Law School in 1965, and then served for two years as a law clerk in the Illinois Appellate Court (1st District). He has been admitted to the bars of the State of Illinois, the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois, and the United States Tax Court. He represents school and municipal clients, municipal libraries, library districts, library systems, and consortiums of public libraries. He has also conducted school and municipal litigation at both trial and appellate levels. His experience includes consultation and preparation of contracts for computer hardware, software and new communications technologies. He has served as Special Assistant State’s Attorney, and also represents other local governmental entities, including park districts, as well as private sector clients.
Mr. Dempsey has co-authored the pamphlet Formal Dismissal Procedures under Illinois Teacher Tenure Law, with other members of the firm, published by the Illinois Association of School Boards, and has recently updated a chapter on "Dismissal and Suspension Procedures" for the practice handbook on Illinois School Law published by the Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education, and a chapter on "Punitive and Compensatory Damages" for the practice handbook on Conflicts of Interest and Liability of Illinois Elected Officials published by the Illinois Municipal League. He has published and lectured on various local governmental law, public sector deferred compensation and exempt organization (§501(c)(3)) topics, and is active in compensation, income tax and estate planning matters. Mr. Dempsey also participates as counsel to three intergovernmental risk management agencies for the Metropolitan Library System.