Jill Leka is a partner practicing in the area of labor and employment law, focusing on traditional labor matters as well as those involving employment litigation and the public sector. In that role, she has successfully represented both public and private sector clients in grievance and interest arbitrations, unfair labor practices and Union representation proceedings, constitutional and discrimination litigation, as well as negotiated over 250 collective bargaining agreements. Jill also advises Illinois municipalities in a variety of municipal law matters and college and universities on higher education issues.

From 1988 to 1993, Jill served as Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Springfield, Illinois. As Assistant Corporation Counsel, Jill represented and advised City of Springfield officials on all aspects of municipal, labor, employment, discrimination and benefit issues. She also represented the City in grievance arbitration, interest arbitration, labor board proceedings and state and federal court litigation. In addition, Jill negotiated multiple collective bargaining agreements, including agreements for police, fire, clerical, professional, maintenance, faculty and craft employees.

In 1987 and 1988, Jill functioned as Labor Relations Counsel for the State of Illinois Department of Central Management Services. In that capacity, she participated in collective bargaining negotiations for contracts covering 40,000 employees on behalf of the State of Illinois, represented state agencies in arbitration and labor board proceedings and advised state agencies on disciplinary matters, contract administration and other employment-related issues.

Jill currently serves as General Counsel for the National Public Employer Labor Relations Association, is on the ISBA Labor & Employment Law Section Council (previously serving as the Legislative Committee Co-Chair and Chair of the Council) and previously served on the ISBA Employee Benefits Council, the Professional Women’s Council, and as President of the Central Illinois Women’s Bar Association. Jill is an author of “Freedom of Speech in the Public Workplace” (CABA 1998), “Illinois Statutes Affecting Public Employee Relations” (IPELRA 1995), and “Survey of Employment Law” (1993 Southern Illinois University Law Journal). She also currently serves as the Chair of the City of Springfield Liquor Commission. Jill has conducted numerous training programs and is a frequent speaker on various labor and employment topics.