Evanston City Attorney Grant Farrar Announces Resignation

EVANSTON, IL — The head of Evanston's law department is leaving the city in the Spring. City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz announced Friday that Corporation Counsel W. Grant Farrar has submitted his letter of resignation to the city. Farrar plans to take a job as the senior vice president of a human resources consultancy after more than eight years as the city's top lawyer. His last day with the city will be April 6, Bobkiewicz said.

Farrar will join GovHR USA, which provides "comprehensive executive recruitment, interim staffing, human resources and management consulting services for public sector and not-for-profit clients," according to its website. The Northbrook-based company was founded in 2011 by former Wilmette Village Manager Heidi Voorhees and former Evanston Human Resources Director Joellen Earl.

"Grant has done an outstanding job as Corporation Counsel reorganizing the Law Department, guiding the City through many challenging cases and was a leader in helping the community navigate the process to dissolve Evanston Township," Bobkiewicz said. Voters decided to dissolve Evanston Township in 2014.

Farrar took over in December 2009 for the late Jack Siegel, who had served as corporation counsel since 1963. Prior to joining the city he was a partner at Bollinger, Ruberry and Garvey, the city said. He represented local and state governments, as a Cook County prosecutor and as assistant counsel to Mike Madigan's office.

The city has begun its job search for a new top legal officer, while the city manager said interviews for Evanston's new chief financial officer are set to begin later this month.

Top photo: Grant Farrar | Patch file, Jonah Meadows