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Erin M. Monforti

Associate

Chicago Office
140 S. Dearborn Street, 6th Floor
Chicago, IL 60603

Map

Direct Phone:  312.604.9162
Fax:  312.782.0943

Email: emonforti@ancelglink.com

Practice Areas
 
Education
J.D., Chicago-Kent College of Law, magna cum laude (2022)
B.S., Illinois Institute of Technology, summa cum laude (2019)
 
Bar Admissions
Illinois
Northern District of Illinois
 

Detail-oriented and passionate, Erin advises local governments on a wide range of legal and practical issues.

Erin has dedicated her career to serving local governments in Illinois, with experience in economic development, zoning, land use, and a variety of other legal topics. She assists municipalities, park districts, and libraries in achieving their goals with a thoughtful, future-oriented perspective and a keen awareness of legal hurdles to be overcome.

Erin provides guidance to local governments on a wide range of matters, including compliance with FOIA, the Open Meetings Act, and Americans with Disabilities Act; local business licensing; municipal code enforcement; and contract negotiation. Through her work with the zoning and land use practice group, Erin has drafted local laws and agreements related to new development, rental properties, signs, safe conditions for animals, and property annexation. Since joining the firm, Erin has also advised clients on challenging constitutional issues involving the First Amendment and due process, and has drafted policies and provided timely advice on these complex matters. In addition to her corporate practice, Erin frequently employs her strategic skills in litigation, defending local governments in zoning and land use disputes. She has also presented training sessions for clients on best practices for responding to First Amendment audits and the use of social media by governments.

A proud alumna of Chicago-Kent College of Law, Erin continues to contribute to her law school community by teaching legal writing as an adjunct professor.

Awards/Professional Recognitions/Memberships

  • American Bar Association (State & Local Government Section)
  • Member: Order of the Coif, Chicago-Kent College of Law (2022)
  • Dean’s Distinguished Public Service Award, Chicago-Kent College of Law (2022)
  • Sandra P. Zemm Prize in Labor & Employment Law, Chicago-Kent College of Law
    (2022)
  • CALI Award for Highest Grade:
    • Legal Writing III: Transactional Drafting
    • Labor Law
    • Conflict of Laws

Publications and Presentations

Publications

  • Municipal Law: Organization, Operation, and Governance (Illinois Institute for
    Continuing Legal Education, 2023)
  • Social Media and Local Governments: Navigating the New Public Square, 2nd Edition (American Bar Association, Forthcoming)
  • Municipal Minute Blog
    • Supreme Court Rules for Student Regarding Proper Standard for ADA and Rehabilitation Act Claims (2025)
    • In the Zone: Seventh Circuit Rejects Challenge to Local Sign Regulations (2024)
    • Supreme Court Upholds Ordinance Prohibiting Camping & Sleeping on Public Property (2024)
    • DOJ Issues New Rules on the Accessibility of Web Content (2024)
    • Supreme Court’s Analysis: Use of Social Media by Government Officials (2024)
    • Appellate Court Rejects Challenge to Chicago’s Short-Term Rental Ordinance (2023)
    • Illinois Supreme Court Finds City and Alderman Immune from Liability for Rezoning (2022)
    • Appellate Court Confirms Standard of Review for Zoning Challenges (2021)

Presentations

  • Small But Mighty: ADUs, Tiny Homes & Cottage Communities (American Planning Association of Illinois Annual Conference 2025)
  • Intellectual Freedom: Training for Library Trustees (Illinois Library Association Conference 2025)
  • Ready for Anything: First Amendment Audits (Illinois Library Association Conference 2025)
  • Open Meetings Act Training for New Officials (Illinois Association of Park Districts 2025)
  • Recent Supreme Court Decisions Impacting Community Development (American Planning Association, Illinois State Section Conference 2025)
  • Findings of Fact Training Session for Plan Commissions and Zoning Board of Appeals (American Planning Association, 2025)
  • Board Policy Manuals: Why They are Essential for Your Agency (IAPD/IPRA Soaring to New Heights Conference 2025)
  • First Amendment Audit Training (Illinois Law Enforcement Administrative Professionals Conference 2025)
  • Cameras and Comments: Navigating the First Amendment Online and at Your Agency (Park District Risk Management Agency Risk Management Institute 2024)
  • Social Media: Legal Concepts and Best Practices (Metropolitan Township Association Symposium 2023)

Hobbies

Erin is an avid fan of the Chicago Bulls, and brings the same competitive spirit while playing board games with her husband, family, and friends. She enjoys cooking and baking, volunteering with community organizations, and listening to podcasts and public radio.

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