CHICAGO – Cozen O’Connor attorney Jim Argionis, a member of the firm’s Commercial Litigation practice in Chicago, has been appointed Chairman of the Park Ridge Planning and Zoning Commission, effective immediately, the firm announced in a press release on November 4. Argionis has served as one of nine commissioners since 2013.

Throughout his legal career, Argionis has distinguished himself in community service in his hometown of Park Ridge and beyond. Earlier this year, the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce recognized him with a Community Star award for his exceptional community involvement, which has included serving on the Park Ridge O’Hare Airport Commission, first as a commissioner in 2011-2012 and then as chair, from 2013-2019.

“Jim has proven himself to be a dedicated volunteer for the City of Park Ridge by his measured and meticulous approach to serving on our Planning and Zoning Commission,” said Park Ridge Mayor Marty Maloney, who appointed Argionis as Chair of the Commission. “I am personally grateful for the sacrifice Jim has made and continues to make for our community.”

“As a member of the Planning & Zoning Commission, Jim always did his homework and provided articulate and insightful comments on land use applications under review. His points and questions to both staff and applicants were always germane to the subject and advanced the discussion. I’m certain his knowledge of land use law, his amicable demeanor, and his genuine love and concern for the community will make him a great chairman,” said James A. Brown, Community Preservation and Development Director, City of Park Ridge.

Argionis has also served, by Governor’s Appointment and State Senate confirmation through four administrations, as Chairman of the Illinois Department of Employment Security Advisory Board.

In addition, he has volunteered his legal and mentoring skills to the Maine South High School Mock Trial Team both in their annual Illinois State competitions and in a national competition, in which the team participated for the first time last year. Argionis has also volunteered his time for local Park Ridge school districts 64 and 207, the Park Ridge Police Parent Patrol, the Chicago Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association and the National Immigrant Justice Center.

Argionis has extensive experience and an impressive record of success as a business trial lawyer. His practice encompasses a wide range of business and commercial litigation disputes, including those related to product defects, breach of contracts, business torts, fraud, defamation, libel, slander, trademark/copyright infringement, unfair competition, partnerships, corporate and limited liability company disputes, professional malpractice, including attorney, accountant, medical, dental, and insurer producer defense, civil rights and employment defense, corporate investigations, including criminal matters, and real estate related litigation, including eminent domain.

Argionis received his law degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law, (JD, 1995) and his undergraduate degree from Loyola University Chicago, (BA, summa cum laude, 1992).

He is a 1988 graduate of St. Patrick High School on the northwest side of Chicago and attended Chicago Public Schools for his elementary education.

Argionis, who is fluent in Greek, is a long-time resident of Park Ridge where he lives with his wife, Gwen, and their three children.

The Commission hears and reviews all Park Ridge applications for zoning amendments, planned developments special uses, pre-annexation agreements, subdivisions, site plans and changes in   B-4 Commercial Conservation Districts, and street alley vacations.

Established in 1970, Cozen O’Connor has more than 750 attorneys who help clients manage risk and make better business decisions. The firm counsels clients on their most sophisticated legal matters in all areas of the law, including litigation, corporate, and regulatory law. Representing a broad array of leading global corporations and middle market companies, Cozen O’Connor services its clients’ needs through 29 offices across two continents.