Practice areas: Real Estate, State, Local & Municipal, Business Litigation; view more
Licensed in Illinois since: 1994
Education: University of Denver Sturm College of Law
Selected to Super Lawyers: 2026 Christian Gerard Spesia is a distinguished attorney with a robust legal practice at Spesia & Taylor, based in Joliet, Illinois. With a focus on municipal law, real estate law, land use and zoning, and estate planning, he brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to excellence in serving his clients.
Mr. Spesia began his academic journey at Colorado College in Colorado Springs, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1990. He then pursued his legal education at the University of Denver College of Law, obtaining his Juris Doctor in 1994. His academic background laid a solid foundation for his legal career, equipping him with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate complex legal landscapes.
Throughout his career, Mr. Spesia has garnered significant recognition for his professional accomplishments. He is AV Preeminent peer-review rated* through Martindale-Hubbell, the organization’s highest rating, and additionally, his perfect "10.0" score on Avvo underscores his commitment to client satisfaction and legal proficiency. His inclusion as a Leading Lawyer by the Leading Lawyers Network on numerous occasions further highlights his standing in the legal community.
Mr. Spesia is actively involved in the Illinois Local Government Lawyers Association, where he has contributed significantly, serving as both director and past president. His leadership within the association reflects his dedication to advancing the field of local government law. Furthermore, he is admitted to practice before the United States District Courts for the Northern and Central Districts of Illinois, showcasing his capability to handle federal legal matters with competence.
With a professional journey marked by a steadfast dedication to his clients and a commitment to upholding the highest standards of legal practice, Mr. Spesia’s legal acumen and leadership continue to make a positive impact within the legal community and beyond.
*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer-review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.
Practice areas
Real Estate: Business, State, Local & Municipal, Business Litigation, Eminent Domain, Estate Planning & Probate, Personal Injury - General: PlaintiffFocus areas
Estate Planning, Personal Injury - Plaintiff, State, Local & Municipal Litigation, Wrongful Death
- 40% Real Estate: Business
- 20% State, Local & Municipal
- 10% Business Litigation
- 10% Eminent Domain
- 10% Estate Planning & Probate
- 10% Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff
First Admitted: 1994, Illinois
Professional Webpage: https://spesia-taylor.com/attorneys/christian-g-spesia/
Bar / Professional Activity
- Member of the Board of Directors and former President for the Illinois Local Government Lawyers Association
- Federal District Courts for the Central Districts
- Federal District Courts for the Northern Districts
- President of the Will County Bar Association
- Illinois State Bar Association
Pro bono / Community Service
- Board Member and Secretary for the Community Foundation of Will County
Educational Background
- Colorado College, Colorado Springs, Colorado, Bachelor of Arts, Major: History, 1990
Scholarly Lectures / Writings
- Construction Before Just Compensation – Fourth District Changes Game In Condemnation Cases, (Illinois Local Government Lawyers Association Journal, November 2015)
- Can A Bank Foreclose On An Annexation Agreement?, (Illinois State Bar Association Local Government Law Newsletter, March 2000; Illinois Institute For Local Government Law Journal, January 2001)
- Second District Declares Right To Cross-Examination In Zoning Hearings, (Illinois State Bar Association Local Government Law Newsletter, March 2001)
- Special Service Areas And Special Assessment Areas – A Growing Trend In Financing Of Public Improvements For New Construction, (Illinois Institute For Local Government Law Journal, January 2006)
- Fact Specific vs. Ultimate Facts – Pleading Requirements In Court Controlled Annexations, (Illinois Institute For Local Government Law Journal, June 2006)
- When Does Estoppel Apply Against A Public Entity?, (Illinois Institute For Local Government Law Journal, October 2007)
- Regulating Campaign Contributions And Adopting More Restrictive Ethics Provisions, (Illinois Institute For Local Government Law Journal, May 2008)
- How Pochie v. Cook County Officers Electoral Bd. May Affect An Objector’s Petition To Candidates’ Nominating Papers, (Illinois Institute for Local Government Law Journal, April 2009)
- Local Public Entities And Estoppel As Defense, (Illinois Institute for Local Government Law Journal, April 2010)
- Video Gaming – A Good Gamble for Future Municipal Revenues?, (Illinois Institute for Local Government Law Journal, November 2012)
- Special Value Has No Value In Condemnation Cases, (Illinois Local Government Lawyers Association Journal, May 2015)
Honors
- AV Preeminent* rating through Martindale-Hubbell
- Perfect "10.0" score on Avvo
Selections
- Super Lawyers: 2026
