Get the committed defense you need from a lawyer who understands.
Your legal problems deserve an aggressive defense. As a former police officer, Richard Blass understands the many challenges you're encountering. You don't have to face this alone. Call him now at 630-782-2000.
“I never thought I would find a more satisfying profession than being a police officer, until I became a lawyer and started representing them [officers].”
Sometimes only another officer can understand the challenges you're facing.
Richard F. Blass has been representing public safety employees for over 10 years. During his 20 year tenure with the Bellwood Police Department, Blass was assigned as a K9 Officer, member of the High Risk Entry Team, School Resource Officer, Administrative Division Commander and Deputy Chief of Police, where he conducted the Department’s Internal Affairs investigations. He is a certified Administrative Hearing Officer and a former Special Prosecutor for the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Blass received his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Lewis University, his MBA from Dominican University and a Juris Doctorate from the John Marshall Law School. He is licensed to practice in the State of Illinois, Federal District and the United States Supreme Court.
He is also a graduate of Northwestern University’s School of Staff and Command and a past member of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police and International Association of Chiefs of Police. He has attended several IAD seminars and has been a guest lecturer at Lewis University’s Graduate School of Criminal Justice. Blass believes his education, and, more importantly, his street experience, gives him a unique perspective on law enforcement matters to level the playing field and really understand an officer’s needs.
Blass retired from the police department in 2012 to pursue the practice of law full time, devoting a significant portion of his practice to public safety labor law. He has received Super Lawyer’s Rising Stars and Excellence in Practice recognition. Blass is the General Counsel of the Illinois Council of Police Union, representing over 60 police departments throughout the State of Illinois in discipline, collective bargaining, grievances, arbitration, officer-involved shootings and criminal matters for police officers, firefighters and related personnel on and off duty.
In addition to his work with the Illinois Council of Police, Mr. Blass has represented the Chicago Police Sergeants, Lieutenants and Captains in IAD investigations and police-involved shootings. He has also represented officers from Waukegan, Rockford, Cook and Kane County Sheriff’s Offices.