# Mayor Johnson's top lawyer steps down > UIC law professor Renee Hatcher to replace Chicago's corporation counsel. - Title: Mayor Johnson's top lawyer steps down · Chicago Sun-Times - Summary: UIC law professor Renee Hatcher to replace Chicago's corporation counsel. Mary Richardson-Lowry resigns as Chicago's corporation counsel after three years… - Keywords: mary richardson-lowry, renee hatcher, corporation counsel, chicago, mayor brandon johnson, uic law professor, city hall, law department, affirmative litigation, chicago corporation counsel, seattle, news - Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/city-hall/2026/09/22/mayor-brandon-johnson-corporation-counsel-mary-richardson-lowry-resigns-renee-hatcher - Published: 2026-09-22T20:00:00+00:00 - Read time: 2 min - Topics: mary richardson-lowry, renee hatcher, corporation counsel, chicago, mayor brandon johnson, uic law professor, city hall, law department, affirmative litigation, chicago corporation counsel, seattle, news ## 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. ## Key takeaway Mary Richardson-Lowry resigns as Chicago's corporation counsel after three years, to be replaced by UIC law professor Renee Hatcher.