John H. Kelly focuses his local government practice on public employment, particularly as it relates to police departments, fire departments, and public safety communications. In addition to serving as general counsel for local governments, he practices in the areas of pension and administrative law. He has appeared before all levels of the state court system and numerous administrative bodies, including the Illinois Labor Relations Board.

With many years of experience on personnel issues as both a working law enforcement officer and as counsel to numerous commissions and police and fire chiefs, Mr. Kelly brings a uniquely practical perspective to his advice for the firm’s governmental clients.

 

An emphasis of Mr. Kelly’s practice is the representation of 9-1-1 centers throughout Illinois on all aspects of their operations, including state regulations, corporate organization, personnel policies and practices, and liability issues. He is defense counsel for a major insurer of 9-1-1 agencies, and is the attorney for the National Emergency Number Association, the Illinois Chapter of the National Emergency Number Association, and the Illinois Chapter of the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials.

 

Mr. Kelly has been a presenter at the Illinois, Arizona, Missouri, Texas, and Minnesota state 9-1-1 conferences, and at numerous national conferences. In addition, he has taught 9-1-1 law in Illinois and throughout the country. Mr. Kelly has also conducted training classes for police and fire departments in diverse topics including the use of force, discipline, and the legal ramifications of fire prevention. He has written numerous articles on topics of personnel administration.

Mr. Kelly is a member of the Lake Zurich Fire and Police Commission and served as a member of the Private Bar Committee for the Study of Legal Needs for the Poor. Before entering law school, Mr. Kelly was a juvenile officer and high school liaison officer with the Northbrook Police Department from 1973 to 1983.