Mr. Neal is a principal and owner of Neal & Leroy, LLC. He joined the family-owned firm in 1981, becoming the third generation of lawyers practicing in Chicago. Mr. Neal's practice concentrates in real estate, zoning, land use, and public and private finance. Mr. Neal is rated "AV" by Martindale-Hubbell and has been recommended by Leading Lawyers.
More than 25 years of experience as General Counsel for the Public Building Commission of Chicago; drafted and established procurement and construction strategies and corresponding documents and agreements for construction of over $1 billion dollars' worth of public facilities. Advised various municipal entities, boards, and commissions on governance, ethics, MBE/WBE compliance, and other organizational matters. Litigation and trial attorney for governmental entities and property owners in numerous condemnation matters. Represents numerous property owners, major developers and governmental entities in land use, zoning matters, and project finance. Obtained a favorable verdict in the amount of $18 million on behalf of a client in an eminent domain trial. Commercial, Retail, Residential, and Industrial Real Estate Transaction Services including purchase and sale contracts for major financial institutions. Represented numerous Real Estate companies on developing plans and municipal finance including Tax Increment Financing (TIF). Managed re-zoning of planned development for reuse of property to be developed for a basketball arena and commercial/retail uses as part of McCormick Place expansion. Represented Wal-Mart in site development and all entitlement work for the development of properties in Northern Illinois and Indiana. Led the legal team in acquiring 600 parcels in connection with the expansion of Chicago O'Hare International Airport and CTA Orange, Brown, and Green line expansion and redevelopment. Defended Abbot Laboratory in connection with an eminent domain proceeding involving approximately 10 acres of property and many other public and private projects. Represented Rush University Medical Center in closing of $100 million Public Finance Entitlement for construction of a new hospital. Serves as general counsel to Board of Trustees of a major University.
