James M. Kane
Counsel
James M. Kane has extensive experience in complex Chicago zoning matters.
He serves as zoning counsel to real estate developers, institutional clients and nonprofit entities involved in securing planned developments, zoning amendments, variations and special uses under the Chicago Zoning Ordinance for the renovation of landmark structures and the development of:
- High-rise office, condominium and mixed-use buildings
- Residential developments
- Shopping centers
- Institutional developments
- Parking garages
He has appeared before the Chicago Plan Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Commission on Chicago Landmarks, and the City Council Committees on Zoning and Landmarks.
He has served as counsel to various real estate developers and has extensive experience in the areas of:
- Annexation agreements
- Governmental redevelopment agreements
- Homeowners' declarations
- Real estate contracts
- Leases
- Title insurance
- Real estate taxation
- Easements
- Eminent domain
- Plats of subdivisions
- Surveys
Mr. Kane was appointed by former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar to the Board of Trustees of the Teachers' Retirement System (TRS) of the State of Illinois, the state's largest public pension fund, where he served from 1992 to 1996.
He also served as Chair of the Governor's Task Force on Horse Racing in Illinois in 1995, which was charged with addressing the serious problems confronting the Illinois racing industry. Comprised of state lawmakers and industry leaders, the task force drafted legislation adopted by the Illinois General Assembly providing for a comprehensive revision of the statutory framework regulating the Illinois racing industry.
He was subsequently appointed by Governor Edgar to the Illinois Racing Board in 1996 for a six-year term.
Previous Experience
Prior to entering private practice, Mr. Kane worked in the Chicago mayor's office administering federal funds, and he served as the city's Director of Real Estate from 1979 to 1982.
Awards and Honors
Fellow, Department of Housing and Urban Development
Leading Lawyer — Land Use, Zoning and Construction Law; Real Estate Law: Commercial, Illinois Leading Lawyers Network
AV peer Review, Martindale-Hubbell
Education
DePaul University College of Law
(J.D.,
1979)
Syracuse University
(M.P.A.,
1973)
DePaul University
(B.A., with highest distinction,
1972)
Professional Memberships
American Bar Association
Illinois State Bar Association
Chicago Bar Association
Civic and Charitable Memberships
Teachers Retirement System of Illinois
Past Member, Board of Trustees
Long Grove Plan Commission
Past Member
