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John E. Fester
Equity Partner
312.565.3100 ext. 239
708.601.3470 cell
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Mr. Fester has extensive experience representing school district clients in matters relating to collective bargaining, grievance arbitration, investigating employee misconduct, employee discipline, executive compensation, employee benefits, pension law, employment discrimination and student residency and discipline matters. A member of the Illinois Council of School Attorneys and the National Council of School Attorneys, Mr. Fester frequently presents to education groups and clients on current developments in labor and employment law. Mr. Fester graduated from DePaul University College of Law located in Chicago, Illinois in 1995. Prior to attending DePaul, Mr. Fester attended Loyola University Chicago, graduating magna cum laude, with a Bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1992. Prior to joining Himes, Petrarca & Fester in 1999, Mr. Fester worked as a UniServ Director for the Illinois Education Association (“IEA”), giving him a unique ability to appreciate varying perspectives on sensitive labor relations issues. During his three years with the IEA, Mr. Fester represented nearly 40 local bargaining units in both Peoria and the DuPage County suburbs.
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