Changes in Chicago’s Leadership: City Hall Legal and Administrative Shifts

Chicago’s City Hall is experiencing a significant transition as Mayor Brandon Johnson’s corporation counsel retires. Mary Richardson-Lowry, who held the top legal role for over three years and has been with the city since the days of Mayor Richard M. Daley, is stepping down. To succeed her, Johnson has nominated Renee Hatcher, a law professor and director at the University of Illinois Chicago’s Community Enterprise & Solidarity Economy Clinic. The City Council will need to approve Hatcher’s appointment.

Mayor Johnson praised Richardson-Lowry as a trusted partner who has guided the administration through critical legal challenges. Her tenure was marked by what Johnson described as a deep commitment to public service and protection of Chicago’s residents.

Mary has been a trusted partner and a key voice at my side throughout my tenure as Mayor, said Johnson.

Renee Hatcher brings experience in building economic power and advancing justice for working people. She has served on Chicago’s Community Wealth Building Advisory Committee and Johnson’s transition subcommittee for economic equity. Hatcher expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve the city she calls home.

Throughout my career, I have partnered with communities to use the law to build economic power, strengthen neighborhoods, and advance justice with working people, said Hatcher.

Richardson-Lowry was instrumental from the start of the Johnson administration. One of her notable achievements was negotiating the city’s first “global settlement” to resolve police misconduct-related lawsuits, potentially saving the city over $400 million.

During her time, Richardson-Lowry played a key role in legal battles resisting policies from President Donald Trump’s administration. She carried out efforts to challenge Trump’s initiatives like the “Operation Midway Blitz” federal immigration surge and attempts to cut federal funding to the city.

Richardson-Lowry also led legal action against gun manufacturer Glock, claiming the ease of modifying their handguns as automatic weapons. The legal pressure contributed to Glock discontinuing certain pistol models, a move Richardson-Lowry hailed as vital in curbing illegal guns on the streets.

Her career spanned decades, starting in the city’s Law Department and serving as Buildings Commissioner under Daley before a stint in private practice. Her return to City Hall with Johnson marked a period focused on strengthening the Law Department for future challenges.

From the beginning, my goal was not simply to manage the challenge in front of us, but to leave the Department stronger and better equipped for the challenges that would come next, Richardson-Lowry stated.

The departure of Richardson-Lowry follows other recent changes in the Johnson administration. Tiheta L. Hinton was appointed to lead the Department of Human Resources. JuanPablo Prieto became Commissioner of the Department of Fleet and Facility Management. Other exits include communications director Erin Connelly, budget director Annette Guzman, acting CFO Steven Mahr, Public Health Commissioner Dr. Olusimbo “Simbo” Ige, and business affairs chief Ivan Capifali. These transitions have brought new leadership to various city departments, signaling an era of change at City Hall.