Overview
Michele Niermann has dedicated her legal career to representing units of local government in all aspects of government operations. She has over twenty-five years of experience as an Assistant State’s Attorney and as legal counsel for the County of Kane, Illinois, and its elected and appointed officials. From December 2020 to February 2023, she served as the Chief of the Civil Division of the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office, where she led a ten-member team of attorneys and staff, managed outside legal counsel, coordinated the defense of all litigation and claims against the County and its officials and employees, and advised the County Board and its Chairman on corporate governance matters.
During her tenure as an Assistant State’s Attorney, Michele focused a considerable portion of her practice on advising and representing the County and its officials in state and federal employment matters, and in labor arbitrations and negotiations. Prior to joining the State’s Attorney’s Office, Michele was an associate with the law firm of Chapman and Cutler LLP where she practiced in the areas of environmental law and tax-exempt bond financings.
Professional Affiliations
- Illinois State Bar Association, Standing Committee on Government Lawyers (CLE Coordinator 2022-2023), and Local Government Law Section Council
- Kane County Bar Association, Local Government Law Committee, and Employment & Labor Law Committee
Community Involvement
Awards and Recognitions
- Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office, Prosecutor of Year, 2011