Mayor Johnson Appointed Renee Hatcher Corporation Counsel

The law professor was selected to succeed Mary Richardson-Lowry as the lead attorney for Chicago’s municipal government.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in People

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a geometric municipal building archway, symbolizing the authority of city government. — Mayor Brandon Johnson has appointed University of Illinois Chicago law professor Renee Hatcher to serve as the city's next corporation counsel. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Mayor Brandon Johnson has announced the appointment of Renee Hatcher as the new corporation counsel for the city of Chicago. Hatcher, a clinical professor at the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law, will take over the role from retiring counsel Mary Richardson-Lowry.

Why it matters

The corporation counsel is a critical role that oversees the Department of Law, providing essential legal representation for all city departments and the City Council. Hatcher’s appointment marks another significant leadership change within the administration following several high-profile departures earlier this year.

The appointment replaces Mary Richardson-Lowry, who has served as corporation counsel since 2023. The city has experienced significant administrative turnover this year, including the departures of CFO Jill Jaworski in January and Budget Director Annette Guzman in August.

The players

Brandon Johnson

Brandon Johnson is the mayor of Chicago who is responsible for filling high-level administrative vacancies.

Renee Hatcher

Renee Hatcher is a clinical professor and director at the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law.

Mary Richardson-Lowry

Mary Richardson-Lowry is the outgoing corporation counsel who has led the city's Department of Law since 2023.

The details

If confirmed by the Chicago City Council, Hatcher will transition from her current role as director of the Community Enterprise & Solidarity Economy Clinic at the University of Illinois Chicago. She previously served on Mayor Johnson’s Transition Subcommittee on Economic Vitality and Equity.

September 22, 2026: Mayor Johnson announced the appointment of Renee Hatcher.
August 2026: Budget Director Annette Guzman departed City Hall.
January 2026: CFO Jill Jaworski left the administration.
2023: Mary Richardson-Lowry began her service as corporation counsel.

Market Landscape

The appointment follows the historical legacy of Richard Gordon Hatcher, who served as mayor of Gary for 20 years after his 1967 election. This transition reflects the ongoing efforts of the Johnson administration to solidify its legal strategy and address recent leadership vacancies.

As the corporation counsel leads the city's Department of Law, this change directly impacts how the city handles legal matters for all residents and city departments. Citizens should monitor upcoming City Council sessions for confirmation hearings that will finalize the leadership of this office.

The takeaway

The appointment of a law professor to this high-level legal post highlights a focus on integrating academic legal expertise into the city's administrative framework. Residents should observe how this leadership shift affects the city's approach to municipal legal disputes and regulatory policy moving forward.