Kathleen C. Ropka

Kathleen C. Ropka

Kathleen C. Ropka is an experienced attorney recognized for her experience in commercial transactions, construction, public finance and property taxation and real estate law. Her journey into the legal profession was fueled by a longstanding fascination with problem-solving and advocacy.

As a valued member of Robbins Schwartz, Kathleen focuses on serving public and private clients, including school districts, community colleges, private owners, contractors, and subcontractors. Her practice involves comprehensive aspects of commercial transactions, construction, public finances and property taxation and real estate. This includes contract review and drafting, bidding, contract negotiations, lien and bond law, assisting clients with appeals before the Board of Review and Property Tax Appeal Board, real estate transactions, and related litigation.

Kathleen finds fulfillment in working with clients to devise creative solutions to their legal challenges. Her practice areas encompass contracts, construction, and real estate—areas deeply rooted in her family’s background and her own hands-on experience in the construction industry. 

Before joining Robbins Schwartz, Kathleen honed her legal skills at a construction law firm and a general litigation law firm in Chicago. These experiences broadened her expertise across various practice areas, providing a solid foundation for her current role.

Over the course of her career, Kathleen has achieved notable success representing clients in both jury and non-jury trials across state and federal courts. Her legal prowess extends to practicing before the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit and the Illinois Appellate Court, First District. Her educational background, combined with her real-world experiences, equips her with a well-rounded understanding of the law.

Education

• J.D., DePaul University College of Law
• B.A., DePaul University, cum laude

Admitted to Practice

• U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
• U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
• U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois

Organizations

• Illinois State Bar Association
• Chicago Bar Association

Awards

• Illinois Leading Lawyer, Government and Regulatory-Related
• Illinois Leading Lawyer, Employment and School Law
• Illinois Super Lawyers

Recent Publications

• Co-Author, “Appellate Court Decision Clarifies Notice Standards for Property Tax Assessments in Illinois,” Tax Trends, Illinois State Bar Association (July 2024)
• “Your Construction Job Has Been Shut Down, What Steps Should You Take?” Chicago Roofing Contractors Association (2020)