James Vasselli starts his mornings early with prayer, connecting with family, and planning out his day using a simple 1-3-5 method combined with time blocks. As the Principal Attorney at Vasselli Law, LLC, this structured approach helps him navigate the complex world of municipal law, real estate, construction, and tax law that has defined his career for over two decades.
"I lean on a structured daily routine and try to keep perspective," Vasselli says. "Even when things get hectic, whether it's three mayors calling at once or an urgent zoning problem, I remind myself that our work is about helping people solve problems."
This problem-solving mindset has shaped Vasselli's approach to serving individuals, businesses, and government entities across Illinois. His competence in zoning, land use, and regulatory compliance has made him a trusted advisor to communities throughout the Chicago area.
Currently serving as Village Attorney for the Village of Hampshire, Illinois, amongst other locales, Vasselli advises on governance, contracts, and municipal operations. His previous experience includes work focused on state and local government law, public policy, and complex litigation, sharpening his insight into municipal procedures and legal strategy.
James Vasselli has built his reputation on what he calls being "the most prepared person in the room." This philosophy, instilled by mentors including Anthony Onesto, Jim Meltreger, George Maurides, and Anthony Iatarola, has guided his practice since becoming a member of the Illinois Bar in 2000 after graduating from DePaul University College of Law.
The landscape of municipal law continues to evolve, presenting both opportunities and obstacles for the communities Vasselli serves. Municipalities face pressure to adapt land use to changing economic realities, whether redeveloping underutilized industrial areas or handling new data center regulations.
"I find these evolutions promising because they allow communities to rethink long-term value, attract new tax bases, and deliver tangible improvements for residents," Vasselli says. "Helping mayors navigate those opportunities responsibly is some of the most fulfilling work we do."
However, persistent challenges remain. Funding gaps, regulatory complexities, and community pushback can derail good projects. Many local governments are trying to do more with less, creating additional pressure on municipal attorneys to find creative solutions.
At Vasselli Law, the approach centers on preparation and client-focused service. "We reverse-engineer each matter from the client's goals, track every milestone, and measure success by one metric: did we get the right result efficiently and protect the client from liability?" Vasselli says. "That clarity helps cut through noise and keep momentum."
The milestone tracking system provides accountability and transparency throughout the legal process. Clients can monitor progress and understand how each step contributes to their ultimate goals. This systematic approach has proven particularly valuable in municipal law, where projects often involve multiple stakeholders and complex timelines.
Practicing in the Chicago area has shaped Vasselli's understanding of municipal law in unique ways. Chicago and its surrounding communities are incredibly diverse, with distinct needs, cultures, and economic challenges. This diversity requires adaptability and deep local knowledge.
"It's a region where local government truly shapes daily life," Vasselli says. "Practicing here keeps you humble and sharp. You have to learn quickly how to adjust your approach depending on whether you're advising a large city, a small village, or a specialized district, all while respecting the unique fabric of each community."
This regional competence has proven valuable as communities face increasingly complex regulatory environments. James Vasselli has found that success often comes from understanding not just the law, but the specific community context in which it operates.
The recognition of this skill and knowledge came early in his career when Vasselli was named a Super Lawyers Rising Star from 2012 to 2014, an honor awarded to top attorneys demonstrating exceptional professional achievement. This recognition reflected his commitment to client success and his growing reputation in municipal law circles.
The networking opportunities available in the Chicago area have also contributed to Vasselli's professional development. The concentration of municipal attorneys, government officials, and legal professionals in the region creates opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing that benefit all communities served.
The next decade promises significant changes in municipal law, driven by evolving governance needs and public expectations. Vasselli sees transparency and speed as key factors shaping the future of his practice area.
"I think the public expects more transparency and faster results," he says. "Municipal law will have to keep pace with evolving technologies and new ways of governing, including more hybrid and virtual models."
The move toward hybrid and virtual governance models represents a fundamental shift in how local government operates. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of these technologies, and many communities have continued using virtual meetings and digital communication tools.
Technology adoption in municipal law extends beyond meeting formats to encompass everything from permit applications to public records management. Attorneys must understand how these technological changes affect legal requirements and client operations. This technological literacy has become as important as traditional legal knowledge.
For his practice, James Vasselli envisions doubling down on core principles that have served him well: rigorous preparation, responsiveness, and helping clients creatively solve problems while navigating increasingly layered regulations. This reflects his belief that municipal law serves a higher purpose beyond legal technicalities.
The human element remains central to Vasselli's vision for the future. "This area of law isn't about flexing legal muscle; it's about helping communities thrive and navigating tough issues with empathy and skill," he advises young attorneys entering the field. "Never lose sight of that human element."
Behind the legal skill and municipal experience lies a deeper mission that drives Vasselli's work. This mission extends beyond professional success to encompass genuine service to communities and individuals whose lives are affected by municipal decisions. The moments that have most deeply affirmed his purpose as an attorney often involve individual impact rather than large-scale victories.
"It's never been about the biggest bond deal or zoning approval," Vasselli says. "It's the smaller moments; helping a single mother buy her first home or getting water restored for a town that was running dry. Seeing someone's life stabilize because of our work, that's what sticks with me."
These smaller victories demonstrate how legal work can create meaningful change in people's lives, even when the changes may not generate headlines or recognition.
Personal routines, mentorship, and core principles play crucial roles in his long-term professional growth. He maintains steady routines outside of law, including calling his mother daily, spending time with his family, and reading with his son.
The importance of mentorship in his development cannot be overstated. The wisdom from his mentors continues to guide his decision-making process and shapes his approach to serving clients. This mentorship legacy also influences how he interacts with younger attorneys and staff members.
"Work hard, listen more than you speak, do the right thing even when it's the hard thing, and be good to your parents," Vasselli says, describing a composite of wisdom that has never failed him. This philosophy encompasses both professional conduct and personal values that sustain long-term success.
The demands of municipal law and leadership responsibilities can feel overwhelming, but Vasselli has developed strategies for maintaining balance and perspective.
"Staying anchored in that mission and remembering that my family and my health matter just as much, keeps me balanced," he says. This balance extends to his professional approach, where he has learned the value of being deliberate about client selection and case management.
Looking back on his career, Vasselli reflects on the importance of thoughtful decision-making. "I would probably tell my younger self to slow down, think carefully, and not rush into every opportunity," he says. "I've learned that being deliberate about the clients you take, the cases you push forward, even the hires you make, often pays off more than chasing volume or speed."
James Vasselli continues to serve as a trusted legal advisor to clients across Illinois, building on more than two decades of experience in municipal law. His commitment to preparation, client service, and community impact has established Vasselli Law, LLC as a respected practice in the field. Through his work as Village Attorney for Hampshire and his broader municipal practice, he remains dedicated to helping communities navigate complex legal challenges while maintaining focus on the human element that drives meaningful change.
As municipal law continues to evolve, Vasselli's approach of combining rigorous preparation with empathetic service positions him to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Beyond his legal practice, Vasselli remains actively involved in the community, demonstrating the same commitment to service that characterizes his professional work. This integration of professional knowledge and community engagement exemplifies the kind of comprehensive approach that has defined his career and will continue to shape his future contributions to municipal law in Illinois.
