M. Neal Smith

M. Neal Smith

Neal’s legal practice encompasses a broad spectrum. He represents municipalities, school districts, community colleges, and other local governmental entities, as well as individuals and companies. His experience spans tort and commercial litigation, land use and zoning, and election law and campaign finance matters. Neal has successfully represented clients in state and federal courts and before administrative agencies, including the Illinois State Board of Elections the Illinois Commerce Commission and the Illinois Liquor Control Commission.  

His role extends beyond litigation, as Neal provides valuable counsel in real estate transactions and contract drafting and review. For local governmental clients, he plays a crucial role in preparing and reviewing ordinances, resolutions, and intergovernmental agreements. Neal regularly attends board and committee meetings, offering guidance to elected and appointed officials, and addressing a myriad of legal issues affecting local governmental entities.

Neal is also a trusted advisor to municipal and township electoral boards, and his counsel extends to candidates running for public office.  

In addition to his legal work, Neal is actively involved in community service as a member of Downers Grove First United Methodist Church, contributing to the staff/parish relations committee.

Awards

• Illinois Leading Lawyer, Election, Political & Campaign Law; Governmental, Municipal, Lobbying & Administrative Law; Land Use, Zoning & Condemnation Law; and School Law

Education

• J.D., cum laude, Northern Illinois University College of Law
• B.A., Hampden-Sydney College

Admitted to Practice

• U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois
• U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
• Supreme Court of Illinois

Organizations

• Chicago Bar Association
• DuPage County Bar Association
• Illinois State Bar Association
• Illinois Local Government Lawyers Association
• Illinois Municipal League
• Will County Bar Association

Recent Publications

• Co-Author, “Public Water Districts” Special Districts, IICLE (2023)
• Author, “Court affirms candidate’s ballot removal, resolves lower court split,” Chicago Daily Law Bulletin (2021)
• Co-Author, “Variations, Special Uses, and Appeals from Administrative Decisions” Land Use Law: Practice and Procedure, IICLE (2021)
• Author, “Police Officers’ and Firefighters’ Pension Boards” Municipal Law: Financing, Tax and Municipal Property, IICLE (2021)
• Author, “Residency” Election Law, IICLE (2020)
• Author, “Vacancies in Office and Vacancies in Nomination” Election Law, IICLE (2020)
• Author, “Federal Courts Weigh in on State’s Nov. 3 Ballot Access Requirements” Chicago Daily Law Bulletin (2020)
• Co-author, “High Court Gives Detailed Account on Torts, Discretionary Immunity,” Chicago Daily Law Bulletin (2020)
• Author, “Campaign Finance and Disclosure Requirements in Illinois” DCBA Brief (2020)
• Co-author, “Alarm Contractors’ Argument Gets Green Light to Challenge Ordinance,” Chicago Daily Law Bulletin (2019)
• Co-author, “1st District Refuses to Sanction ‘Side Letter’ Pension Spike,” Chicago Daily Law Bulletin (2018)
• “Settlement Crumbles; Appeals Court Declines to Put Pieces Back Together,” Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, (2015)
• Co-author, “Annual Town Meetings” Township Clerks Handbook, Township Clerks of Illinois (2013)
• Co-author, “Town Budget and Levy Process,” Township Clerks Handbook, Township Clerks of Illinois (2013)

Recent Presentations

• Navigating Administrative Hearings, DuPage County Bar Association (April 2024)
• Notary Public Legal Update, Municipal Clerks of DuPage County (October 2023)