Experienced counsel for complex permitting needs, obtaining land use and zoning approvals

Kate Duncan advises on highly complex permitting projects, as well as land use and zoning issues. She leverages her deep experience to guide clients - especially those in the waste management and renewable energy sectors, who face particularly challenging permitting hurdles - through the approval process with local government entities. In particular, she helps clients obtain approvals for:

• Planned developments
• Zoning amendments
• Special uses
• Variations
• Subdivisions
• Vacations
• Dedications
• Various governmental permits and licenses

An established leader in the community, Kate serves as an elected trustee in the Village of Barrington, Ill. This public service experience gives her valuable perspective that benefits her clients because she knows what it's like to sit on the other side of the table during development conversations. She understands what matters to local governments, what concerns them and where they may be willing to be flexible. Using this insight, Kate is able to develop trusted working relationships with government officials and staff, pursuing a constructive approach designed to ensure her clients achieve their objectives.

Kate is the former chair of the Illinois State Bar Association's Alternative Dispute Resolution Section Council and previously served as commissioner of the Plan Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals for the Village of Barrington, Ill.

Bar Admissions

• Illinois

Education

• Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management, Certificate, Quarles & Brady Leadership Program (2025)

• John Marshall Law School (J.D., 2003)

• Butler University (B.A., 2000)

• Illinois Establishes Solar & Wind Siting Standards; Counties on Short Timeframe to Comply