Court battles hit taxpayer wallets

Chicago's legal strategy on fighting reversed-conviction suits — private attorneys waging drawn-out fights — is adding millions to the public costs, a Tribune investigation has found.

The costs of Chicago police misconduct have grown enormous as the city settles lawsuit after lawsuit using expensive private counsel to handle most of the work. Special Report Court battles hit taxpayer wallets Chicago's legal strategy on fighting reversed-conviction suits — private attorneys waging drawn-out fights — is adding millions to the public costs, a Tribune investigation has found. Read Story © Copyright 2026 Chicago Tribune. All rights reserved. 1000 Albion Avenue | Schaumburg, IL 60193-4549 Unsubscribe