Mayor Johnson's top lawyer steps down

Mary Richardson-Lowry is stepping down from her role as the city’s corporation counsel after more than three years.

UIC law professor poised to step in

Renee Hatcher, a career academic and UIC assistant clinical law professor, will replace Richardson-Lowry as corporation counsel.

Johnson taps Hatcher for role

Mayor Brandon Johnson named Renee Hatcher as Chicago’s new corporation counsel, requiring City Council approval.

Johnson defends transition timing

Johnson said the change is appropriate as he prepares for a second term and sends a clear message to working people in Chicago.

Richardson-Lowry’s reason for leaving

Richardson-Lowry said she’s not leaving because she’s afraid Johnson will lose the election but wants to go home.

“I de-camped back to Chicago to serve from Arizona. I left my husband and dogs behind to meet my service requirements. And it has come to a close.”

Hatcher’s background

Hatcher is the daughter of civil rights advocate Richard Hatcher, who was Gary’s first Black mayor, and has directed UIC’s Community Enterprise & Solidarity Economy Clinic for nearly a decade.

Hatcher’s legal experience

Hatcher received her law degree from New York University and worked as a staff attorney for the Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights for three years.

Hatcher’s readiness for role

Hatcher said she is more than prepared to lead Chicago’s $47.9 million Law Department and its roughly 330 employees.

Johnson’s legal priorities

Johnson wants the Law Department to focus on affirmative litigation to protect consumers and residents from abuse, especially amid rising right-wing extremism.

Richardson-Lowry’s key achievements

Richardson-Lowry led a $90 million global settlement resolving 176 lawsuits tied to former Chicago Police Sgt. Ronald Watts.

Hatcher’s appointment timeline

Richardson-Lowry’s last day is Oct. 1, the day Hatcher starts as interim corporation counsel.

Richardson-Lowry’s regret

Richardson-Lowry said the Bears’ stadium quest was the one she wished she could have accomplished but couldn’t.

“For me, it is a real regret, I want it for the city. I think it’s in the best interest of all parties concerned. And I think it remains an extraordinary opportunity if folks are willing. But that is not a decision for the lawyer to make.”

Johnson’s appointees leaving

Johnson has lost several appointees in 2026, including Chief Financial Officer Jill Jaworski and Chicago Police Supt. Larry Snelling.

Law department’s current challenges

The city is defending revenue streams, suing the Trump administration over Operation Midway Blitz, and hashing out a global settlement for police torture survivors.

Hatcher’s public interest focus

Hatcher has dedicated her career to public interest law, improving communities and neighborhoods through legal representation.

What happens next

Hatcher will lead Chicago’s Law Department as interim corporation counsel starting Oct. 1, 2026.