Darcy L. Proctor

Darcy L. Proctor is a partner in Tressler’s Local Government Practice Group. Darcy concentrates her practice in the defense of local governments in all aspects of tort, civil rights liability and employment litigation. She also defends private sector employers across a variety of employment law issues.

A seasoned litigator, Darcy has taken dozens of cases to trial in both state and federal court. Clients trust Darcy to provide them with the best defense possible in court based upon her proven record of successful results. She also counsels her clients with training seminars, educating on best practices and loss prevention strategies to mitigate liability.

Darcy has devoted her legal career almost exclusively to litigation in both state and federal courts throughout the State of Illinois. Darcy has successfully defended local governments including cities, towns, villages, school districts, park districts and other public entities in civil rights, tort, wrongful death and employment litigation matters.

Prior to joining Tressler, Darcy served as lead counsel for the largest self-insured school cooperative pool in Illinois. She also acted as outside litigation counsel for the City of Chicago and PACE. In these roles, Darcy managed all aspects of complex, high-profile and high-exposure tort, civil rights and employment litigation, including extensive discovery and motion practice, jury trials and appeals, as well as risk management analysis and counseling for clients.

Most recently, Darcy was successful at trial in securing a jury verdict for the defense in a First Amendment retaliation federal case. Plaintiffs requested $13 million in damages. The jury awarded the plaintiffs zero damages.

Darcy is a frequent presenter on tort immunity, civil rights defense and employment law issues at professional associations including Defense Research Institute, Claims Litigation Management Alliance and National Council of School Attorneys.

In 2019, Darcy was admitted by invitation to the Litigation Counsel of America, the trial lawyer honorary society, composed of less than one-half of one percent of American lawyers. Membership in this society is based upon effectiveness and accomplishments in litigation, both at the trial and appellate levels and superior ethical reputation. Darcy is also recognized as a “Super Lawyer” by Chicago Magazine.