Real Estate Forum – John Cullerton – Panelist -

John Cullerton’s storied career in public office spans more than four decades. He served in the Illinois General Assembly from 1979 to 2020, representing the 6th District first as a member of the House and then the Senate, where he was elected by his peers to preside as president for 11 years until retiring from the legislature.

Over the course of his tenure in office, John accomplished hundreds of improvements for Illinois, with notable pieces of legislation during his period of service including the Smoke-Free Illinois Act and the Child Passenger Protection Act. Known for his calm leadership and pragmatic consensus building, his bipartisan approach paved the way for significant accomplishments in the Senate around economic recovery, resolution of budget stalemates, marriage equality, public education funding and investment in state infrastructure.

Today, John is a partner with law firm Thompson Coburn, drawing on his vast insight into how government functions as he advocates for an array of clients. In recent years, he has also provided lobbying services for clients before governmental bodies in both Illinois and Washington, D.C.

A native of Chicagoland, John earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Loyola University in Chicago, as well as a J.D. from its School of Law. He began his legal career working in the Law Office of the Cook County Public Defender. Still politically active, John is a member of the Democratic National Committee.