About Atwell & Atwell — Administrative Law Aurora Illinois

Atwell & Atwell is an administrative law Aurora practice at the Old Second National Bank Building, Suite 310, 111 W. Downer Place. Charles A. Atwell Jr. began the firm with his father after graduating from John Marshall Law School in Chicago in 1973, and the firm’s work today concentrates on Illinois public pension law — representation of Police and Firefighters’ Pension Boards across the state. Charles A. Atwell Jr. has been counsel in pension litigation in Illinois state and federal courts involving multiple matters of first impression on the interpretation of Illinois pension statutes, along with employment, labor, and workers’ compensation work. Additional options are available in Aurora, Illinois.

Illinois administrative law in the pension context touches the Illinois Pension Code (40 ILCS 5), the Administrative Review Law, and a growing body of appellate and Supreme Court authority on disability pension eligibility, line-of-duty determinations, and contribution refunds. Atwell’s practice sits inside that framework, representing pension boards before administrative hearings, on Administrative Review Law petitions in the Circuit Court of Kane and surrounding counties, and on appeal to the Illinois Appellate Court when needed.

What Clients Say

Client feedback describes Atwell & Atwell as deeply experienced in a niche area — Illinois police and firefighter pension boards operate inside a complex statutory scheme that few general-practice attorneys handle well. Reviewers emphasize the firm’s familiarity with the Illinois Pension Code, its track record in Administrative Review Law proceedings, and its steady guidance for pension board trustees handling disability and survivor benefit determinations.

Administrative Law Aurora — Practice Areas & Services

• Public Pension Representation: Represents Police and Firefighters’ Pension Boards across Illinois on disability, retirement, and survivor benefit determinations.
• Administrative Review Law: Handles petitions and appeals under 735 ILCS 5/3-101 et seq. in the Kane County Circuit Court and beyond.
• Employment and Labor Law: Represents public employers on labor, discipline, and collective bargaining matters.
• Workers’ Compensation: Handles Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission claims related to public-safety employment.
• Estate Planning: Assists clients with estate planning when administrative and retirement-benefit issues intersect.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an administrative law attorney handle for a pension board?

An administrative law Aurora attorney representing a pension board typically handles disability hearings, benefit eligibility determinations, Administrative Review Law petitions filed by applicants challenging a board decision, and appeals to the Illinois Appellate Court. Board counsel also advises on governance, investment policy, and compliance with the Illinois Pension Code.

How long do pension administrative matters take?

A contested disability pension hearing before an Illinois Police or Firefighters’ Pension Board typically runs three to six months from petition to decision, with medical examinations and independent evaluations in between. Administrative Review Law petitions in Circuit Court usually resolve within 9–18 months; appeals add another year or more.

Where are Kane County administrative matters filed?

Administrative Review Law petitions involving Aurora-area pension boards are filed in the Circuit Court of the 16th Judicial Circuit for Kane County in Geneva, with appeals to the Illinois Appellate Court, Second District in Elgin.