Introducing Our Newest Partners

Katie N. DiPiero

Katie N. DiPiero focuses her practice on public finance and taxation, commercial transactions, construction law, and real estate. She regularly represents school districts, community colleges, and municipalities in public finance and commercial matters, as well as tax rate objections, real property taxation, and assessment appeals. Katie advises clients on commercial transactions, drafts and negotiates contracts, assists nonprofits and foundations, and handles litigation and alternative dispute resolution.

Katie is known for her strong writing and research skills and her ability to navigate complex financial and legal issues with clarity and precision. Prior to joining Robbins Schwartz, she advised clients on tax planning and corporate reorganizations and gained experience working with government entities and nonprofit organizations. Her diverse professional background and commitment to helping clients navigate complex legal systems inform her thoughtful, solutions-oriented approach to her practice.

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Aaron J. Kacel

Aaron J. Kacel focuses his practice on labor and employment law, including counseling employers on internal investigations, employee discipline, labor relations, workplace policies, and compliance with state and federal employment laws. He represents employers in litigation in state and federal courts and before administrative agencies, including the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Illinois and U.S. Departments of Labor. Aaron’s practice also includes traditional labor matters such as labor arbitrations, grievance proceedings, and the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements.

Aaron is an active leader within Robbins Schwartz, serving as Co-Chair of the firm’s Civil Rights Practice Team, Co-Chair of the Diversity & Awareness Planning Subcommittee, and on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leadership Committee.

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Patrick R. Miner

Patrick R. Miner focuses his practice on local government law, with an emphasis on representing municipalities and park districts. He advises clients on a wide range of day-to-day legal matters, represents them in litigation, and serves as a municipal prosecutor. Patrick works closely with public entities to navigate complex legal issues, manage risk, and provide practical, solutions-oriented guidance that supports effective governance.

Prior to joining Robbins Schwartz, Patrick served as an Assistant State’s Attorney in DuPage County, where he supervised the prosecution of hundreds of misdemeanor and felony cases and tried numerous matters to verdict in both bench and jury trials. He currently serves as the firm’s Local Government Practice Group Leader and is actively involved in professional organizations dedicated to municipal and local government law.

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Matthew M. Swift

Matthew M. Swift focuses his practice on labor and employment law, regularly assisting clients with employment-related legal matters such as employee discipline, employment contracts, wage and hour compliance, and employment discrimination matters under federal and state law. He also advises clients on labor relations issues, including grievance proceedings and both traditional and interest-based collective bargaining.

In addition, Matthew frequently collaborates with clients on legal issues unique to public-sector and education clients, including compliance with the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, the Open Meetings Act, the First Amendment, and Title IX. He works closely with boards and administrators on complex FOIA requests and governance matters and helps lead the firm’s FOIA Team.