Richard J. Kavanagh

Mr. Kavanagh concentrates in the areas of land use and zoning, real estate, probate and trust law, and government law. His work in real estate includes both commercial and residential transactions, for purchasers and sellers, real estate development, including acquisitions, annexation and zoning matters, and real estate taxation, including assessment matters. His experience in trusts and estates includes drafting of Wills and Trust Agreements, tax planning, and estate and trust administration. Mr. Kavanagh’s governmental practice has included representation of governmental bodies as general counsel and board attorney and representation of individuals and entities before governmental boards and commissions, primarily for zoning and annexation matters.

Experience

Mr. Kavanagh has over 45 years of experience in the areas of estate and trust administration and tax and financial planning, and has practiced law in the southwest suburbs of Chicago for more than 40 years, particularly in the areas of real estate, zoning and development, estate planning and probate, and municipal and governmental law. He is rated as an AV© Preeminent™ Lawyer by Martindale Hubbell, representing the recognition of the highest level of professional excellence and integrity by his peers.

Bar Admissions

• Illinois, 1974
• U.S. Supreme Court, 2000
• U.S. Tax Court, 1979

Education

• Loyola University Chicago School of Law, Chicago, Illinois
  • J.D. (Cum Laude)
• University of Chicago Graduate School of Business
  • M.B.A.
  • Major:  Finance
• DePaul University School of Commerce
  • M.S.
  • Honors: With Distinction
  • Major: Taxation
• Georgetown University School of Foreign Service
  • B.S.F.S
  • Major:  International Affairs

Honors and Awards

• Named one of the Top Lawyers in Illinois – Land Use, Zoning & Condemnation Law by Midwest Real Estate News
• Named Super Lawyer by Law & Politics and Chicago Magazine in Land Use/Zoning Category
• Named Leading Lawyer in Land Use, Zoning and Condemnation Law and Real Estate Law (Commercial) by Leading Lawyers Network Magazine, 2006 – present
• Recipient, Recognition of Excellence Award from State Board of Education, 1975
• Recipient, Distinguished Service Award from Bolingbrook Jaycees, 1984
• Recipient, Citizen of the Year, Village of Bolingbrook, 1997

Professional Associations and Memberships

• Illinois State Bar Association and Will County Bar Association
• Will County Republican Party, Chairman, 2008 – 2012
• Will County Republican Party, Secretary, 1976 – 1988
• Will County Republican Party, Vice Chairman, 1992 – 1998
• Will County Republican Party, Member, Executive Committee, 1974 – 2022
• Planning Commission, Village of New Lenox, Chairman, 2003 – 2007
• Valley View School District 365-U, Member, Board of Education, 1974 – 1983
• Valley View School District 365-U, Member, Board of Education, 1985 – 1997
• Valley View School District 365-U, Board President, 1981 – 1983
• Valley View School District 365-U, Board President, 1987 – 1997
• Will County Board of School Trustees, 1983 – 1985
• Will County, Public Administrator, Guardian and Conservator, 1979 – 2006
• Republican National Convention, Alternate Delegate, 1988
• Republican National Convention, Alternate Delegate, 2004
• Will County Public Building Commission, Chairman, 1985 – 1991
• Will County Private Industry Council, Member, Community Development Block Grant Board, 1985 – 1988
• Region IX Health Systems, Member, Agency Board, 1982 – 1986
• Bolingbrook American Little League Board, Member, 1974 – 1976
• Will County Easter Seal Rehabilitation Board, Member, 1974 – 1977
• U.S. Army, First Lieutenant, 1968 – 1970