Chicago City Wire

FOIA Request to City of Chicago Law Department regarding contingency fee contracts on June 18, 2025.

The City of Chicago Law Department has received a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request from Chicago City Wire. The request, sent on June 18, 2025, seeks information about contingency fee contracts involving the city and various law firms over the past year.

Specifically, the request asks for all contingency fee agreements between the City of Chicago and any external attorneys or law firms that have been in effect during the last 12 months. Additionally, it requests engagement agreements or contracts between the city and three specific law firms: Sher Edling LLP, Lewis Baach Kaufmann Middlemiss PLLC, and Rex Sharp and/or Sharp Law LLP. The request emphasizes a preference for receiving this information in electronic format.

Chicago City Wire has submitted this FOIA request as part of its commitment to providing comprehensive news coverage on local governmental affairs. As members of the media, they emphasize their role in holding public institutions accountable and ensuring transparency for the public. They also mention their affiliation with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization dedicated to investigating government actions through FOIA and Sunshine Laws.

We look forward to receiving this information in an electronic format as it will greatly aid in our reporting efforts. As always, we remain open for any questions or clarifications regarding this request.