IN THIS ISSUE


How to Protect Assets from Long-Term Care Costs

By Anthony B. Ferraro


M&A Due Diligence: Red Flags That Can Kill a Deal

By Robert E. Harig


The Five Must Have Estate Planning Documents

By Julia Jensen Smolka

 
Articles
 

How to Protect Assets from Long-Term Care Costs

By Anthony B. Ferraro

T: 847.698.9600

E: aferraro@robbinsdimonte.com

Are you Worried About the Devastating Costs of Long-Term Care in a Nursing Home, Assisted Living, or Home Care?



There Are Steps You Should Take to Protect Your Home and Your Hard-Earned Life Savings.


Approximately 66% of the U.S. population will need some form of long-term care.


There are only four ways to pay for long-term care in the United States...

 
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M&A Due Diligence: Red Flags That Can Kill a Deal

By Robert E. Harig

T: 847.384.5938

E: rharig@robbinsdimonte.com

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) present exciting opportunities for growth, but they also come with risks. Before finalizing a deal, buyers conduct due diligence, a thorough review of the target company’s finances, contracts, operations, and legal obligations. The goal is to uncover any hidden risks that could impact the deal’s success...

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The Five Must Have Estate Planning Documents

By Julia Jensen Smolka

T: 847.698.9600

E: jsmolka@robbinsdimonte.com

Estate planning is the process of arranging one’s health and financial matters, planning for the disposition of assets upon incapacity and death, and communicating aspirational goals for those left behind—all in the most accessible, tax-efficient, and asset-protected manner possible. While each estate plan is unique, as individuals have different assets, family situations, health concerns, and personal goals, there are basic documents that everyone should have as part of a comprehensive estate plan, no matter the size of their estate..

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RD Welcomes New Attorneys!

Sarah D. Jeong

Associate

RD is excited to welcome Attorney Sarah D. Jeong to the firm! Sarah focuses her practice on commercial matters, assisting clients in navigating complex disputes and contested litigation. With a strong background in real estate and property tax matters, Sarah brings a strategic, client-focused approach to resolving legal challenges. We are thrilled to have Sarah on our team!



T: 847.384.5928

E: sjeong@robbinsdimonte.com

Learn more about Sarah

John J. Pembroke

Of Counsel

RD is pleased to welcome Attorney John J. Pembroke to the firm as Of Counsel. With over 45 years of experience as a taxation and transactional attorney and more than 48 years as a licensed CPA, John brings a wealth of knowledge in taxation, trusts and estates, business planning and transactional law. Prior to joining RD, he was the founder and managing attorney of John J. Pembroke & Associates LLC, where he built a strong reputation for resolving complex financial and legal matters with innovative solutions. John brings with him his deep expertise and longstanding commitment to client service, ensuring his clients continue to receive the trusted guidance they have come to expect. We are thrilled to have John on our team and know that his experience and insights will be an incredible asset to our firm and clients alike. 


T: 847.698.9600

E: jpembroke@robbinsdimonte.com

Learn more about John
 

Matthew E. Suhl

Associate

RD excited to welcome Attorney Matthew E. Suhl to the firm! With over 13 years of experience, Matt focuses his practice on labor and employment law and litigation. He works closely with businesses and individuals to identify risks, ensure compliance, and implement proactive strategies to avoid disputes. When litigation is necessary, Matt is a dedicated advocate, committed to protecting his clients’ interests and achieving the best possible outcome. We are proud to have Matt join our team!


T: 847.698.9600

E: msuhl@robbinsdimonte.com

Learn more about Matthew
 

Artur Zadrozny

Partner

RD is excited to welcome Attorney Artur Zadrozny to the firm! With over a decade of experience, Artur provides strategic legal counsel in real estate, business transactions, and trusts and estates. Known for his personalized approach and dedication to client success, he is a valuable addition to our team. Fluent in Polish, Artur also continues his commitment to serving the Polish-speaking community.


T:847.698.9600

E: azadrozny@robbinsdimonte.com

Learn more about Artur
 
 
Achievements of Note
 

Anthony B. Ferraro

T: 847.698.9600

E: aferraro@robbinsdimonte.com


Anthony B. Ferraro was a presenter on the topic of 2025 Legal Updates in Elder Law and Ancillary Matters hosted by the Northwest Suburban Estate Planning Council (NWSEPC) in February 2025 and by the Lake County Estate Planning Council (LCEPC) in March 2025.



Attorney Ferraro also presented on "New Laws That Impact the Delivery of Care Management" hosted by Silver Connections in March 2025.

 

Adam J. Poteracki

T: 847.698.9600

E: apoteracki@robbinsdimonte.com


Adam J. Poteracki was elected First Vice President of the Northwest Suburban Estate Planning Council (NWSEPC) in January 2025. NWSEPC is an organization of highly qualified attorneys, accountants, trust officers and other financial professionals dedicated to promoting excellence in estate planning.

 

Carolina Y. Sales

 T: 847.384.4972

E: csales@robbinsdimonte.com


Carolina Y. Sales was a moderator and panelist on the topic “Recent Trends in Subchapter V Bankruptcies” hosted by International Women's Insolvency & Restructuring Confederation Chicago (IWIRC) in February 2025. The panelists discussed an overview of Subchapter V, eligibility issues, the roles of professionals, unique challenges, and recent cases.

 

Julia Jensen Smolka

T: 847.698.9600

E: jsmolka@robbinsdimonte.com

Julia Jensen Smolka was elected Third Vice President of the Advocates Society in February 2025. The Advocate Society strives to promote the welfare of its members; establish and maintain proper relationships with the general public; promote the progress of the law and the administration of justice; maintain the honor and dignity of the legal profession; and to foster interest in Polish-American culture and heritage.


Attorney Smolka was also moderator for a three-part series of educational webinars for the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) on the "Collecting Judgments & Bankruptcy Issues Series". Part 1 discussed "Understanding the Issues That Can Arise During Judgment Enforcements" in December 2024. Part 2 discussed "What You Need to Know about Cryptocurrency" in January 2025. Part 3 discussed "Collecting Against LLC Interests and Using Equitable Remedies to Enforce Judgments in February 2025.

 

Artur Zadrozny

T: 847.698.9600

E: azadrozny@robbinsdimonte.com

Artur Zadrozny was appointed to the Planning & Zoning Board (PZB) for the City of Des Plaines in March 2025. The PZB conducts public hearings on petitions from the public for variations, conditional uses and development proposals requiring relief under the City of Des Plaines Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances.

Congratulations

2025 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Honorees!

Super Lawyers® has selected three RD attorneys to the 2025 Illinois Super Lawyers® list, and one firm attorney has been selected to the 2025 Illinois Rising Stars list. All attorney rankings are based on peer nominations, evaluations, and independent research. Due to a rigorous selection process, only 5% of all practicing lawyers are selected to the Super Lawyers® list for their state and practice area. Only 2.5% of all attorneys in each state who are under age 40 or have been in practice for less than ten years have been selected as Rising Stars.

 

Anthony B. Ferraro was selected as a 2025 Super Lawyer is the area of Elder Law. This is Attorney Ferraro's 9th consecutive year being nominated.

 
 

Julia Jensen Smolka was selected as a 2025 Super Lawyer is the area of Bankruptcy. This is Attorney Smolka's second year being nominated.

 
 

Carolina Y. Sales was selected as a 2025 Super Lawyer is the area of Bankruptcy. This is Attorney Sales' second year being nominated.

 
 

Dominic G. Erbacci was selected as a 2025 Rising Star is the area of Business Litigation. This is Attorney Erbacci's second year being nominated.

 
 

Stephen P. Patt Retires After 60 Years of Dedicated Practice

Robbins DiMonte extends our heartfelt congratulations to Attorney Stephen P. Patt on his retirement as of December 31, 2024, after an impressive 60 years of dedicated legal practice. Throughout his career, Steve has been a trusted advisor in real estate, business transactions, and trusts and estates, earning the respect of colleagues and clients alike.


We are grateful for Steve's many contributions to the firm and the lasting impact he has made. As he steps into retirement, we are pleased to share that his son, Attorney Eric G. Patt will be continuing his practice, ensuring clients receive the same trusted guidance and support.


Please join us in celebrating Steve's remarkable career and wishing him all the best in this next chapter!

RD Celebrates Women's History Month

This Women’s History Month, we recognize the strength, dedication, and excellence of our women attorneys—Julia Jensen Smolka, Carolina Y. Sales, and Sarah D. Jeong at Robbins DiMonte. Their talent and leadership inspire us every day. We also celebrate the achievements of women everywhere, whose contributions continue to shape the legal community and beyond.

RD Attends 2025 Diversity Scholarship Foundation Unity Gala

RD was honored to attend the 2025 Unity Gala and 22nd Annual Swearing-In of Bar Presidents presented by The Diversity Scholarship Foundation in January 2025. The Diversity Scholarship Foundation is dedicated to promoting diversity within the legal community through initiatives such as providing scholarships to law students, supporting educational programs, and partnering with bar associations to create more inclusive opportunities in law.


Robbins DiMonte attorneys in attendance included: Carolina Y. Sales, Anastas Shkurti, Dominic Erbacci, Riccardo DiMonte, and Jeiel Noh.


Congratulations to the awardees for their accomplishments!

Upcoming Events

Artur Zadrozny will be presenting on "Real Estate & Wealth: Taxes, Trusts, Probate & Estate Planning Essentials" hosted by the Women’s Council of REALTORS® Northwest. This event brings together industry experts to provide valuable insights on navigating real estate finances and securing your future. This event is a must for realtors, investors, and professionals looking to expand their financial and legal expertise in real estate.

Event Details

Date: Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Time: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM CST

Address: Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS®

3701 W Algonquin Rd

Rolling Meadows, IL 60008

Register Here

Telephone

847.698.9600

216 West Higgins Road

Park Ridge, Illinois 60068

Fax

847.698.9623

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Publication of this legal newsletter by Robbins DiMonte, Ltd. is not intended as a solicitation of legal representation, but rather educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law. It is written entirely by members of the firm. We welcome any comments or questions about topics covered in this or any issue. This newsletter is not intended as a replacement for individual legal advice. The contents of this publication may be quoted or reproduced if credit is properly given to the source.