Irene F. Bahr

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Partner

In 1987, after ten successful years as Chief Counsel to the Illinois Liquor Control Commission, Irene F. Bahr established the Bahr Law Firm, which in 2019 became the Bahr Anderson Law Group, LLC. Our firm is one of the few firms in Illinois that concentrates its practice in advising and defending members of the Beverage Alcohol Industry, from the smallest mom and pop business, to large national and international companies who wish to sell, manufacture, or distribute alcohol anywhere throughout the State of Illinois.

Irene has a national reputation for handling these matters in Illinois. Whether you are buying an existing business or starting your own, licensing in the alcohol beverage industry can be a daunting task. She will be part of your team, leading you through the steps of local, state, and federal licensing to a successful conclusion and helping you avoid the pitfalls that can stop you from having a successful business.

If you need advice on trade practices, happy hours regulations, securing licenses, representation at violation hearings, manufacturing, distributing, or retailing in any location throughout Illinois, including the City of Chicago, Irene's extensive experience and working relationships aim to navigate you through these complex waters with ease. Her philosophy is simple: help clients avoid problems by doing it the right way.

Practice Areas

• Liquor Licensing
• Regulation and Related Litigation

Bar Admissions

• Illinois Supreme Court, 1977
• Northern District of Illinois, 1978
• Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, 1980
• Supreme Court of the United States 1983

Education

• DePaul University School of Law, Chicago, IL J.D. 1977, Cum Laude
• University of Illinois at Chicago, B.A. 1971, Honors in Liberal Arts and Sciences
• University of Illinois at Chicago, Graduate Studies, Sociology – Non-Degreed, 1971-1973

Past Employment

• Private practice in 1987 to Present
• Chief Counsel, Illinois Liquor Control Commission, 1977-1987

Affiliations

• President, Illinois State Bar Association, 2006-2007
• Illinois State Bar Association Mutual Insurance Company, Board of Directors, 2003-Current
• Illinois State Bar Association Mutual Insurance Company, Chair Board of Directors, 2010-2011
• President, DuPage Association of Women Lawyers, 1990-1992
• President, Child Friendly Courts Foundation - Current
• DuPage Association of Women Lawyers, Past President 1990-1992, Current Member
• National Association of Licensing and Compliance Professionals, Member
• National Conference of State Liquor Administrators, Member

Honors and Awards

• Outstanding Woman Leader of DuPage County YWCA Business and Professional - 1998
• Influential Women in Business Award, 2004 - Business Leader
• DePaul University School of Law Alumnus of the Year
• DePaul University School of Law, Dean's Council, 2008-2010
• DuPage County Bar Association Gabric Professional Excellence Award
• DuPage Association of Women Lawyers 2006 Influential Woman Award and 1999 Glass Ceiling Buster Award
• 2012 Beacon of the Profession Award from the Fellows of the Illinois Bar Foundation
• 2013 DuPage Association of Women Lawyers Inspirational Woman Leader