We are thrilled to announce that Tressler attorneys Megan M. Olson and James (Jim) J. Hess will be presenting at the Illinois Association of County Board Members Annual Meeting on October 17th at Northfield Inn and Conference Center in Springfield, Illinois. The session is titled “What Local Government Leadership Must Know About Ethics Requirements.”

About the Session

Megan and James will be equipping attendees with critical information and best practices for complying with various ethics statutes and avoiding common pitfalls. Specifically, James and Megan will cover the Gift Ban Act, restrictions on political activity, statutory and common law conflicts of interest, whistleblower protections, and executive session confidentiality. The presentation will cover recent court decisions and utilize real world examples of ethical issues facing local government leaders and employees across the State of Illinois.

When:

October 17, 2025
1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. CT

Where:

Northfield Inn and Conference Center
3280 Northfield Drive
Springfield, Illinois 62702

To register for the event, click here.

About Megan M. Olson

Megan focuses her practice on serving cities, villages, townships, library districts, road districts, park districts and other local government entities. In addition to providing general counsel, she provides guidance on establishing and drafting new ordinances and policies, contract negotiations, building and code enforcement, administrative proceedings, Freedom of Information Act compliance and intergovernmental agreements. Megan also has experience in eminent domain, land use, development and public water supply matters.

Additionally, Megan has years of litigation experience which she utilizes to help her clients assess and limit potential risks and liabilities. She has previously served as a Special Assistant Attorney General for the State of Illinois and a Special Assistant State’s Attorney for Will County, negotiating and securing land acquisitions through eminent domain litigation. Along with representing government entities, Megan has represented numerous individuals, non-profit organizations and corporate clients in a diverse range of civil, commercial and administrative litigation. Click here to read Megan’s full attorney biography.

About James (Jim) J. Hess

Jim represents various local government entities, primarily focusing on day-to-day operations for cities, villages, fire protection districts, park districts and library districts. Jim’s practice includes handling intergovernmental agreements, ordinances, contract negotiations, administrative proceedings, demolition issues, employment, Open Meetings Act issues, Freedom of Information Act matters, tort liability defense, and ethics. Jim also handles a variety of land use matters, including Tax Increment Financing districts, redevelopment agreements, annexations, and comprehensive planning.

Jim has also served as corporate counsel for a number of businesses where he regularly assisted clients with corporate matters, contract negotiation, landlord-tenant issues, real estate transactions, breach of contract and criminal matters. He has litigated professional liability and personal injury matters as well as commercial and employment disputes. Click here to read Jim’s full attorney biography.

About IACBM

The Illinois Association of County Board Members and Commissioners (IACBM) is a not-for-profit organization that assist the state’s 102 counties in providing effective county governance to the people of Illinois. With its office conveniently located near the State Capitol in Springfield, IACBM provides county officials a means to congregate, educate, and advocate their interests before the state government.

About Tressler 

Tressler has one of the most experienced and multi-faceted government law practices in Illinois. As local governments are faced with increasingly complex regulatory matters and ever-growing exposure to litigation, we offer a diverse array of talent to serve our clients’ needs. From our Chicago and Bolingbrook offices, our seasoned team is uniquely positioned to represent municipalities, cities, villages, park districts, school districts, and other public entities throughout Illinois.