Oak Park Names New Village Attorney

The Village of Oak Park has named Paul Stephanides, 48, an attorney and partner with the Chicago-based law firm of Robbins, Schwartz, Nicholas, Lifton & Taylor, Ltd., to take over the role of Village Attorney on Sept. 4, the village announced Thursday.

Village Manager Cara Pavlicek said in a statement the village had more than 50 applicants for the post. 

"As the selection process unfolded, Paul clearly offered the best mix of skills, experience and temperament to manage the complexities inherent in the position of Village Attorney for our community.”

Stephanides steps into the role that was last held by Raymond Heise, who served as Oak Park’s Village Attorney for nearly 30 years before retiring in June 2011, according to a village news release. Assistant Village Attorney Simone Boutet served as interim Village Attorney while the village conducted a national search for Heise's permanent successor.

Stephanides said he has sought to serve as the village attorney for a major suburban community throughout his career, and has been waiting for the "right" opportunity. 

“Oak Park is that opportunity. I am excited by the challenges and opportunities to learn, grow and contribute to a great organization.”

Among Stephanides’ areas of practice are real estate, land use and zoning, litigation, construction law, election law, labor and employment law, prosecutions and counseling for local government boards and commissions – all areas Pavlicek said were of particular importance to the Village.

Stephanides was a senior assistant attorney for the City of Naperville from 1992 until he joined Robbins, Schwartz, Nicholas, Lifton & Taylor in 2005. He also has served as an assistant general attorney with the Chicago Park District, according to the release.

His current honors and achievements include: State chair to the International Municipal Lawyers Association, member of the Illinois Local Governmental Lawyers Association executive board and contributing member of the Illinois Municipal League Home Rule Attorneys Committee.

Stephanides has a law degree from DePaul University, where he also earned his undergraduate degree, studying political science and economics. He currently lives in Naperville with his wife Dorota and two daughters, Cleo and Nina. 

Information courtesy of a news release from the Village of Oak Park.

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