Skokie hires Elrod Friedman LLP as corporation counsel; trustees discuss hybrid model, retainer and conflicts checks

Mayor recommended the appointment of Elrod Friedman LLP with Steven Elrod to serve as Skokie's corporation counsel effective Jan. 1, 2026. The mayor said a committee had reviewed 37 individual applicants and seven firms and forwarded finalists for consideration.

The motion to retain Elrod Friedman LLP was moved by Trustee Schechter and seconded by Trustee Lisa Levy. Trustees discussed the practical structure of a hybrid model that pairs in-house attorneys with the outside firm and clarified that initial billing would be hourly while a monthly retainer agreement would be negotiated and returned to the board for approval. "In the engagement letter, in the third paragraph, it's very clear. It's currently contemplated that all work will be performed on an hourly basis," a trustee said; the manager and mayor said the retainer agreement would follow once the firm was onboarded.

Trustees also asked about potential conflicts of interest because the firm represents multiple suburban clients. Trustee Schechter said the firm reported it had completed conflicts checks and would alert the village if any issues arose. Board members sought reassurance about budget impact; the manager and mayor said the corporation-counsel line item will remain flat for the coming fiscal year and the office is projected to end the current fiscal year under budget.

After discussion, trustees voted by roll call to approve retention of Elrod Friedman LLP; firm representatives in attendance introduced Stuart Weiss, Marcus Martinez and Kelsey Nolot and thanked the board for the appointment.