Longest Serving Evanston City Attorney Picked To Lead Law Department

EVANSTON, IL — For the first time in a year, the city of Evanston has a permanent city attorney following the promotion of interim Corporation Counsel Alex Ruggie.

Ruggie, the longest-serving member of the Evanston Law Department, has worked for the city for over eight years.

“It is with great pleasure that I acknowledge the valuable contributions that Alex has made to our City as Interim Corporation Counsel," City Manager Luke Stowe said in a statement announcing Ruggie's appointment. "Her vast experience and knowledge have been instrumental in providing guidance and ensuring that the City operates transparently and in compliance with the law."

Ruggie succeeds Nick Cummings, who joined the law department as a deputy city attorney in January 2020 and became corporation counsel in April 2021 after Kelley Gandurski was promoted to interim city manager following the resignation of Erika Storlie.

Cummings announced his resignation in July 2023 shortly after he was named as a defendant in a federal civil rights lawsuit over allegations of pervasive racial and gender discrimination. He had been set to take a job making a base salary of about $200,000 from the Chicago Park District but it fell through after news reports of the lawsuit.

After focusing on trial advocacy during her studies at University of Illinois Chicago Law School, Ruggie has focused on representing the city in civil litigation, particularly land use matters during her tenure as an assistant city attorney.

A former resident of Evanston's 8th Ward, Ruggie is also an avid reader who enjoys travel, according to city staff.

“Alex's unwavering commitment to carrying out legal processes and procedures with care is highly appreciated," Stowe said.

"I look forward to continuing our work together as we strive to provide our government with effective and prudent guidance on behalf of Alex."