Curtis J. Tarver II earned his law degree from the University of Iowa. His primary practice areas include civil litigation, real estate (including property tax challenges), construction and small business counseling. Curtis has experience representing municipalities and he maintains a government relations practice.

Curtis formerly worked for the Honorable Mayor Richard M. Daley in the Mayor’s Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. In his role in the Mayor’s Office, he was responsible for several City Council committees including Aviation, Budget, Education, Health, Licensing, Parks, Police and Fire and Zoning. He worked to promote the Administration’s agenda by reviewing departmental proposals, working with departments to develop legislative strategies and coordinating the timing of introducing legislation. He also worked with elected officials to promote the passage of City department initiatives.

Prior to working in government, Curtis was an associate at a law firm in Chicago where he handled general and commercial litigation matters. Curtis has also clerked for several judges of the Circuit Court of Cook County. Most of his time was spent in the Law Division where his judges were assigned complex litigation matters.

Select Representative Matters

• Represented client in breach of contract matter involving rights to a movie script. Obtained favorable monetary judgment after trial.

• Represented client in dispute regarding a failure to maintain the premises of real property. Obtained favorable settlement after trial of 12% of demand.

• Represented client with several alleged building code violations by the City of Chicago. Negotiated favorable settlement.

• Represented client in alleged civil rights discrimination matter (Illinois Human Rights Commission). Obtained dismissal of complaint without a hearing required.

• Represented several clients in real estate transactions as well as foreclosure defense, mediation and short sales.

• Member of litigation team in class action of Cook County Jail detainees suing Cook County Sheriff Michael Sheahan alleging civil rights violations. Kim Young, et al., v. Cook County Sheriff Michael Sheahan, 2006 C 0552 (N.D. Illinois).

• Member of litigation team in breach of fiduciary duty matter regarding investments made on behalf of a profit sharing plan. Complete Temperature, Inc. Profit Sharing Plan and Trust v. Complete Temperature Systems, 2005 C 0392 (N.D. Illinois).

• Member of litigation team defending several premises liability matters such including: Mangione v. U.S. Dismantlement, LLC, et al., 2004 L 6597 Dillon v. Public Building Commission, et al, 2004 L 9080; Sharp v. Crescent Carpet Cleaning Company, 2004 L 1253. (Ill. Cir. Ct. Cook County 2004). Kolodziej v. Medspeed, LLC et al., 2006 MI 30384 (Ill. Cir. Ct. Cook County 2006).

Community Involvement, Pro Bono and Leadership Experience

• Chicago Volunteer Legal Services, Volunteer Attorney (2011-present).

• Daniel Murphy Scholars Fund, Mentor (2010-present).

• Cabrini Green Legal Aid, Young Professionals Board Member (2008-2010) Co-Chair (2011-present).

• Chicago Association of Minority Recruiters, Board Member (2008-present).

• Cook County Bar Association, Job Fair Board Member (2007-present).

• University of Iowa College of Law, “Back to Iowa” Program Co-Chair (2009-present).

• Chicago Public Schools, Real Men Read MENtor (2007-present).

• Chicago Urban League, Metropolitan Board, Fundraising Chair (2008).

• Chicago Committee on Minorities in Large Law Firms, Associate Board Member (2007).

Honors

• Iowa STATEment Makers, Recognizing Iowa State alumni under the age of 32 for personal and professional accomplishments (2011)

• Ebony Magazine, Top 30 Young Leaders Under 30, Highlighting young leaders excelling in their careers while giving back to the community (2009)

Education

• Iowa State University, B.S.

• University of Iowa College of Law

License

• Admitted to practice law in Illinois, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

• Real Estate Broker (Illinois)