The Choice for Local Governments in Illinois

At Klein, Thorpe & Jenkins, the business of local government is our business. 

For more than 85 years we have represented more local governments in Illinois than any other law firm. From school districts to fire protection districts, and from cities, towns and villages to parks and other special districts, governmental entities count on us to ensure their commerce thrives, their air and water are clean and their elections run smoothly.

As a full-service firm, our lawyers serve in the role of general counsel as well as support a wide variety of specialty services or projects for numerous Illinois cities, towns, and villages and also act as special counsel to local governments on a project-by-project basis. Over the years we have evolved to also deliver a diverse range of legal services to help private corporations and individuals reach their personal and business objectives. 

Our more than 30 experienced attorneys practice across the state in our Chicago, Orland Park, Streator, Vernon Hills and Westmont offices, allowing us to conveniently serve clients throughout Illinois.

A Long History of Client-Focus and Solution-Oriented Advice

Since our earliest days, our attorneys have been dedicated to making Illinois a great place to live and work. Our founding partners Paul Klenk and Franklin Klein began in 1935 with a vision of a firm dedicated to serving municipalities around the state. Klenk was the former mayor of Blue Island, while Klein represented Blue Island Park District as well as many elementary and high school districts.

After Klenk retired, the firm became known as Klein & Thorpe with the addition of Art Thorpe, whose municipal practice served Oak Park, Des Plaines and Countryside. Later the firm added Newell Jenkins, who prior to becoming a lawyer was the first village manager of the Village of Maywood, and then subsequently served as the attorney for the villages of Burr Ridge, Lincolnshire and other communities and school districts.

Our attorneys take pride in our history of unparalleled experience, expertise and efficiency in serving our public sector and private clients in Illinois and look forward to continuing our tradition in service to your local government or business.

Today as Klein Thorpe & Jenkins, we continue to bring client-focused and solution-oriented advice to municipalities, businesses and individuals across Illinois.