Current Open Positions
Land Use and Zoning Attorney
Full-Time · Northbrook, IL
We are seeking an experienced Land Use and Zoning Attorney to join our growing law firm serving clients in Chicagoland. This role is designed for a practitioner who can independently manage complex zoning and entitlement matters, provide strategic counsel to sophisticated clients, and confidently represent clients before legislative and administrative bodies.
The ideal candidate brings strong judgment, deep familiarity with land use regulations, and the ability to move matters forward efficiently while maintaining excellent client relationships.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as lead counsel on land use, zoning, and municipal law matters from intake through resolution, including rezonings, variances, special uses, administrative appeals, and development approvals.
- Advise property owners, developers, businesses, and investors on zoning codes, municipal ordinances, subdivisions, and development strategies.
- Represent clients before municipal boards, zoning boards of appeals, planning commissions, city councils, and administrative adjudication bodies.
- Handle land use–related litigation and enforcement matters, including code violations and administrative appeals, as appropriate.
- Conduct zoning and land use due diligence to identify risks, constraints, and viable paths to approval.
- Negotiate and draft development agreements, ordinances, and other legal documents.
- Collaborate with planners, architects, engineers, and internal support staff to ensure zoning applications are complete, accurate, and strategically positioned.
- Maintain proactive communication with clients and municipal staff to keep matters moving efficiently and avoid delays.
- Stay current on changes in zoning, land use, and municipal law and apply that knowledge to client strategy.
Qualifications
- Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.
- Active Illinois bar license with good standing.
- Minimum of 5+ years of concentrated experience in land use, zoning, municipal law, real estate, or related litigation.
- Demonstrated experience representing clients before municipal and county boards and administrative bodies.
- Strong legal writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills.
- Proven ability to manage matters independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
- Client‑focused mindset with the ability to explain complex regulatory issues clearly and practically.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary, commensurable with experience.
- Meaningful responsibility and autonomy on cases.
- A collaborative land use and zoning niche practice.
- Flexible work arrangements with support for remote work.
- Opportunities for professional growth and leadership within the firm.
Interested candidates are encouraged to send their resume, writing sample, and three references to Caren at info@birchwood.law