Legal

Bruce A. Alford
Corporation Counsel
balford@quincyil.com 

Judith L. Abbott
Assistant Corporation Counsel
jabbott@quincyil.gov

Ryan C. Schnack
City Attorney
rschnack@quincyil.gov

3837 East Lake Centre, Ste. 100
Quincy, IL 62305
Tel: 217-214-4040
Fax: 217-655-4498

Office of Corporation Counsel

The Office of Corporation Counsel was established under Section 6.001 of the Municipal Code of the City of Quincy. The Corporation Counsel serves as the chief legal advisor to the City and is appointed by the Mayor with the advice and consent of the City Council.

The Corporation Counsel is responsible for prosecuting and defending all lawsuits and legal actions involving the City or in which the City has a legal interest. This includes representing City officials in actions brought by or against them in their official capacities.

Additional responsibilities include:

• Enforcing judgments and decrees rendered in favor of the City

• Providing legal advice to the City Council, its committees, commissions, boards, and officials

• Drafting and reviewing contracts, leases, and other legal documents on behalf of the City

The Office of Corporation Counsel plays a vital role in protecting the legal interests of the City of Quincy and ensuring that its operations comply with all applicable laws.

Office of Assistant Corporation Counsel

The Office of Assistant Corporation Counsel was established under Title III, Chapter 36 of the Municipal Code of the City of Quincy. The Assistant Corporation Counsel is appointed by the Mayor, with the advice and consent of the City Council.

This position is responsible for assisting the Corporation Counsel in carrying out all legal duties and functions of the office, helping to ensure effective legal representation and support across all City departments and operations.

The City of Quincy is a home-rule unit of local government under the Illinois Constitution. The City has adopted its own Code, the Municipal Code of the City of Quincy (2015), which provides the rules and regulations deemed necessary by the City Council to preserve the public health, safety and welfare of the people of the City of Quincy.

Some State laws which have a direct affect upon the operation of the City of Quincy municipal government are:

• The Open Meetings Act (5 ILCS 120/1 et seq.)
• The Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.)
• Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/1-101 et seq.)
• Disclosure of Economic Interests (5 ILCS 420/4A-101 et seq.)
• The Election Code (10 ILCS 5/1-1)
• The Illinois Municipal Code (65 ILCS 5/1-1-1 et seq.)

Please visit the State of Illinois website for a complete listing of State laws which may impact the operation of municipal government.