University of Illinois College of Law, J.D., High Honors, 1991
—Frederick Green Moot Court, Outstanding Oral Advocate
—Rickert Award for Excellence
—American Jurisprudence Award
Illinois Wesleyan University, B.S., Natural Sciences, cum laude, 1988
Heather Brickman is the chair of the firm’s Corporate/Board Governance Practice Group, and concentrates her practice in governance issues, including policies and transparency compliance, as well as corporate matters from finance and transactions to employee benefit plans. Heather’s decades of experience in working with clients on matters both routine and unexpected make her a valued consultant and thought partner. Whether advising clients on planned technology contracting issues or brainstorming solutions for emergency procurement or temporary staffing arrangements, Heather facilitates a legally compliant, workable approach.
Heather believes the best partnerships with clients foster innovation and efficiency through frank advice and achievable legal options. Her long-standing commitment to education goes beyond her legal practice; for nearly 30 years, Heather has dedicated time to training school leaders, serving in leadership positions in school associations at state and national levels, and volunteering on various boards benefitting students and the wider education community.
In her spare time, Heather enjoys cooking from archival recipes, playing ensemble music, and spending time with her husband and college-age children.
Illinois Association of School Boards, Policy Advisory Committee, Member
Illinois Council of School Attorneys, Member, 1991– Present
Executive Committee, Member and Past Chair
Student Online Personal Protection Act (SOPPA) Working Group, Member, 2021 – Present
Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity Committee, Member, 2021-present
Ethics Committee, Member
Student Records Committee, Member
National Council of School Attorneys, Member, 1991– Present,
Membership Committee, Member, 2018 – Present
Elementary and High School PTSO Boards, 2008 – 2020
Education Foundation Board, 2011 – 2014
Arts in the Schools, Volunteer, 2001 – 2008
Villa Park Library Board, Trustee, 1997 – 2001
Leading Lawyers Network, 2017 – Present
Unpacking SOPPA, Understanding and Implementing the Student Online Personal Protection Act, Hodges Loizzi, Workshops, 2021
Guide to Illinois Statutes Affecting Schools, Financial Affairs, Illinois Council of School Attorneys, Contributor, 2020
Conflict of Interest and Incompatible Offices, Vacancies on the Board of Education, Referendum Activities Conducted by School Officials, Student Records, and SOPPA, Illinois Council of School Attorneys FAQs, Contributor, 2018
TRS Salary Caps, Illinois Association of School Personnel Administrators, Workshop, co-presenter, 2018
You GATA Get With the Program, the New Grant Accountability and Transparency Act, Illinois Council of School Attorneys, Seminar, 2018
FAQs: Referendum Activities Conducted by School Officials, Illinois Council of School Attorneys, Publication, 2017
