Overview

About Jeffrey Butcher

Jeffrey Butcher practices in land use, zoning, and municipal law, advising both public- and private-sector clients on regulatory, transactional, and litigation matters involving development and local government operations.

Jeffrey brings a risk-aware perspective to his practice, shaped by his prior experience in corporate restructuring and bankruptcy. Before joining Elrod Friedman, he practiced in a large international law firm, where he represented both creditors and debtors in complex Chapter 11 proceedings and out-of-court restructurings, gaining experience in federal litigation along the way. That background informs his ability to spot potential distress early, structure transactions defensively, and anticipate how disputes or financial challenges can affect projects if issues escalate.

At Elrod Friedman, Jeffrey works on a range of municipal and land use matters, including zoning and development issues, public-private development projects, and municipal litigation. His recent litigation experience includes state-court matters involving unsafe property and property maintenance issues. He is particularly adept at guiding clients through litigation arising from land use disputes and development projects, where regulatory, financial, and practical considerations intersect.

Jeffrey is known for his attention to detail, thoroughness, and consistency. He approaches each matter with a focus on precision and long-term outcomes, helping clients think proactively about compliance, dispute avoidance, and risk management.

Credentials

Education

• Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, J.D.
• College of Charleston, B.A. in Political Science and Environmental Science

Bar Admissions/Licenses

• Illinois

Leadership & Professional Organizations

• Chicago Bar Association
• Illinois Bar Association

Representative Matters

• Represented clients in state-court litigation involving unsafe property and property maintenance enforcement matters
• Advised on zoning and land use matters related to development and regulatory compliance
• Drafted and advised on municipal legislation and related regulatory initiatives
• Provided transactional and litigation support for public-sector and municipal clients
• Conducted risk assessment and early issue-spotting for development and municipal matters, informed by restructuring experience