Locke Lord’s Kirk Dillard Named to 2023 Who’s Who in Chicago by Crain’s Chicago Business

Chicago Partner Kirk Dillard was recently named to 2023 Who’s Who in Chicago by Crain’s Chicago Business. The list recognizes Chicago movers and shakers, from Fortune 500 CEOs to civic leaders and philanthropists. Dillard, a former Illinois State Senator, is one of more than 300 names compiled to the authoritative list.

Dillard concentrates his practice in business and governmental relations, and in the representation of manufacturers in product liability prevention and litigation. He is currently the Chairman of the Regional Transit Authority in metropolitan Chicago — the nation’s second largest mass transit system with assets of nearly $150 billion and over one million daily riders. He also serves as the Independent Chair of the privately owned Chicago Skyway Toll Road. Dillard also serves as a member of the Illinois Supreme Court Historic Preservation Commission, which was created to assist and advise the Illinois Supreme Court in acquiring, collecting, preserving and cataloging documents, artifacts and information relating to the Illinois judiciary. The Commission seeks to accomplish much of its work in partnership with historical and cultural institutions; bar associations; universities; law schools; and federal, state and local agencies. Dillard has served as a Commissioner since 2012.

Dillard served in the Illinois Senate, representing Chicagoland’s western suburbs. He held a number of key leadership positions while in the General Assembly — including Chairman of the Judiciary Committee before stepping down in 2014 to assume the RTA chairmanship. Prior to his election to the Senate, Dillard served with distinction as former Governor Edgar’s Chief of Staff and Legislative Director to the late Governor James R. Thompson. Dillard also served as a Judge on the Illinois Court of Claims. Additionally, Sen. Dillard was recently appointed by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker to Western Illinois University’s Board of Trustees, and he serves as a member of the DePaul University College of Law Dean’s Advisory Council.

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