Governmental Clients

Governmental clients of Giffin, Winning, Cohen & Bodewes, P.C. benefit from the firm's long history of representing municipalities throughout central Illinois.  In addition to providing advice, counsel, and dispute resolution to cities and towns, our attorneys are equally effective representing individual and corporate clients before local and state boards and commissions. 

Local Government Representation

Giffin, Winning represents a number of local cities and villages, ranging in size from several hundred to tens of thousands of residents.  Our attorneys pride themselves on providing hands-on service and regularly attend municipal meetings on behalf of their clients.

Cities and villages have their own unique issues.  Our attorneys believe that it is important for the elected officials of these bodies, charged with protecting limited taxpayer resources, to have access to experienced legal counsel.  Common issues faced by municipal clients include:

• Employment issues
• Union negotiations
• Vendor contracts
• Intergovernmental agreements
• Zoning issues
• Utility service issues
• Tax levies
• Bonding
• Organization of meetings
• Open meetings act requirements
• Freedom of information act disclosures
• Ordinance violations
• Budgeting and appropriations

In addition to providing advice and counsel to governmental entities, Giffin, Winning is able to translate our experience into effective representation for our corporate and individual clients who have business before a government agency.

Zoning

The firm often represents businesses or individuals seeking a change in the zoning requirements for a particular piece of property.  These changes often involve zoning amendments, variances, and/or conditional permitted uses.  Many of these changes require the owner to provide documentation, attend public hearings, and answer opponents' questions about the effect of a proposed change.  Our attorneys have a great deal of experience in representing units of government and are able to review zoning cases from the perspective of city officials.

Ordinance Violations

Cities and villages have the power to pass certain laws regulating the actions of residents or the general public alike.  These laws are called ordinances, and municipalities often impose a fine for violations.  In most cases, under Illinois law, these fines are limited to $750 per offense, per day.  Common offenses include violations for improper parking, overgrown weeds, failure to follow building or zoning codes, animals on the loose, and failure to pay utilities.  It is important to resolve ordinance violations as quickly as possible as delays often result in large fines. 

Giffin, Winning's experience representing government agencies has provided our attorneys with a unique perspective and ability to handle government relations and other issues on behalf of corporate clients, including lobbying, contracts and procurement, elections and administrative law issues.  Whether you are a governmental entity or an individual or business with a matter pending before a government agency, contact Giffin, Winning, Cohen & Bodewes, P.C. for professional legal advice and representation.