Reverend Steven Spencer Elrod, 23, of Soddy-Daisy, passed away Thursday

Steven Spencer Elrod, 23, of Soddy-Daisy passed away Thursday from cancer at Straightway Holiness Church. He leaves behind his parents and sister as his survivors.

Elrod Friedman LLP represents both private and public sector clients on land use, zoning and real estate matters. They serve as corporation counsel for Highland Park and village attorneys for Deerfield, Glencoe, Lincolnwood and Northbrook.

Early Life and Education

Steve Elrod grew up in Wisconsin where his family struggled financially. His father worked at a steel mill by day and at their family restaurant by night; while his mother volunteered at church and ran summer camp.

Elrod Friedman LLP currently employs Elrod as its Managing Partner, where he provides representation for private and public sector clients regarding land use issues in municipal law matters. Elrod is also an inaugural founding member of North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic where he litigated matters ranging from eminent domain, regulatory takings and inversions condemnation to RLUIPA compliance issues, First Amendment protection and Second Amendment issues.

As a third-year student at Touro College of Pharmacy, Elrod traveled to India’s slums to educate residents on medications while speaking to children in Harlem about healthy eating as part of a national campaign. During this time he also organized intramural basketball programs at his school.

Professional Career

Steven Elrod established a municipal government practice at Holland & Knight Chicago upon its opening, and now represents a range of public-sector clients as a partner at Elrod Friedman LLP.

Professor Hecht is also an adjunct professor of Law at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law where he teaches Land Use and Local Government Law. Additionally, his litigation experience encompasses issues of eminent domain, regulatory takings/inverse condemnationss/zoning laws/RLUIPA as well as other constitutional disputes.

Furr and Elrod boasted an enviable resume. Their combined success culminated in them being honored as IHRA Sportsman Drivers of the Year at Summit Racing Equipment World Finals recently held in California. Furr and Elrod showed true class off-track as well.

Achievement and Honors

Spc. Steven Elrod of Mountain Home was honored posthumously on Dec 17 with the Bronze Star Medal for Valor for his heroic actions during Operation Iraqi Freedom. His swift reactions, bravery under fire and remarkable marksmanship enabled his unit to avoid an ambush by enemy troops that could have brought them down quickly.

He was assigned to Fort Bragg, NC’s 1st Squadron of the 73rd Cavalry Regiment’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team’s 82nd Airborne Division for his assignment. Having joined in February 2006 and completed Infantryman One Station Unit Training as well as Basic Airborne Course at Fort Benning Georgia he completed Infantryman One Station Unit Training with distinction and Basic Airborne Course as an Infantryman One.

As corporation counsel for Highland Park, Illinois, he has handled many high-profile matters and appeared alongside Mayor Peter Murphy before the United States Senate Judiciary Committee regarding Second Amendment issues. Additionally, he holds memberships at both Chicago and American Bar Associations.

Personal Life

Kathleen Skipper Elrod leaves behind her husband, Reverend Mallie Albert Elrod of Grand Prairie; son and daughter-in-law Reverend Steven Marcus Skipper and Elizabeth Martinez also of Grand Prairie; grandaughter Bethanie Lynn Skipper from Grand Prairie; sister Janie Elrod Copeland from Griffin; brother Harold Elrod from Locust Grove and various nieces and nephews. Kathleen was predeceased by both of her parents Lamar and Floy Elrod of McDonough.

Steve is a past President of the Chicago Bar Association and an adjunct Professor at Northwestern University’s Pritzker School of Law where he specializes in Land Use and Local Government Law. Additionally, Steve founded North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic as well as Elrod Friedman LLP where he represents both private and public sector clients on land use issues and zoning matters. Furthermore, Steve currently acts as Corp Counsel for Highland Park City Hall while acting Village Attorney for Deerfield Glencoe Lincolnwood villages.

Net Worth

Elrod Friedman LLP represents private and public sector clients on land use and zoning matters, including land-use litigation related to issues like eminent domain, regulatory takings/inverse condemnationss/RLUIPA/First Amendment violations. Mr. Friedman also serves as an adjunct professor of Land Use & Local Government Law at Northwestern University’s Pritzker School of Law as an adjunct professor, teaching Land Use & Local Government Law courses while founding member of North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic.

Born and raised in Parker, Colorado he attended Northeast Elementary School and Ponderosa High School before enrolling at Metro State College where he earned his pilot’s license. While attending Metro State he joined the United States Army where he served both Bitburg Germany and Colorado Springs military bases.