Sonnenschein Charter School Opens On Chicago's West Side

August 1, 2005

(CHICAGO, August 1, 2005)—Legacy Charter School, established by law firm Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP, today opened its doors in Chicago’s North Lawndale community.  The elementary school, which is located at 4217 W. 18th St., is part of the Chicago Public Schools’ Renaissance 2010 plan. 

Legacy’s eight teachers greeted students in pre-kindergarten through second grade on their first day at the new school.  At full enrollment, expected in 2013, the school will have approximately 450 students through eighth grade.  Lisa Kenner, the former principal of another charter school in Chicago, is the founding principal. 

“We wish Legacy students, parents and teachers all the best on this momentous day,”  said Duane Quaini, Sonnenschein chairman.  “We look forward to working with them and the broader community to provide not only the best education possible for its children, but also a brighter future for one of the most economically challenged neighborhoods in Chicago.”

Sonnenschein is making a cash contribution of at least $1 million for the planning and operation of Legacy Charter School as part of its Centennial celebration, which takes place next year.  The firm’s attorneys and staff  are playing a key role in its management in such areas as financial planning and oversight, information services and human resources.  Errol Stone, Sonnenschein’s former managing partner, is chairman of Legacy’s board and is closely involved in the management of the school.  Additionally, the firm is providing pro bono legal advice on an ongoing basis and regularly donating equipment, including computers, and furniture to the school.  

“Sonnenschein staff and lawyers have worked tirelessly for more than a year to found Legacy and are committed making it a success,” explained Stone.  “They are already thinking of fundraisers that will help finance the school long term and a large number have volunteered to work in the school in multiple ways, such as tutoring, holding book drives, and developing and teaching courses on issues of fairness and justice.”

The school is operated through a separate not-for-profit corporation.  In addition to Sonnenschein partners Quaini, Stone, Kevin Chavous, Leslie Davis and Robert Messerly, board members include: Licia Knight, education director, Lawndale Christian Development Corporation; Roderick Palmore, senior vice president, general counsel & secretary, Sara Lee Corporation; Judy Shelton, curriculum director, Ariel School; Robin Steans, trustee, Steans Family Foundation; Howard Sulkin, president, Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies; Debra Wesley-Freeman, president & CEO, Sinai Community Institute; and John Willis, managing director, Willis Stein & Partners, L.L.C.

Sonnenschein, with more than 700 attorneys and other professionals in nine U.S. cities and a global reach, serves the legal needs of many of the world’s largest and best-known businesses, nonprofits and individuals.  For more information, visit www.sonnenschein.com.

Media Contact:

Linda Butler
Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP
(312) 876-3453
LButler@sonnenschein.com