IN THIS ISSUE

What's Different About Buying Commercial Real Estate?

By Lee T. Poteracki


The Adult Guardianship Process:

The Who, What, Where, Why & How

By Samantha J. Martin

Articles

What's Different About Buying Commercial Real Estate?

By Lee T. Poteracki

T: 847.698.9600

E: lpoteracki@robbinsdimonte.com

Robbins DiMonte regularly represents clients buying office, industrial, or apartment buildings for their business or investment purposes. Sometimes the target real estate is being sold together with the current owner’s business operating at that location, but more often the property is unoccupied. In either event, the legal principles applicable to the commercial real estate transaction are very different from those that apply to a residential real estate transaction...

The Adult Guardianship Process:

The Who, What, Where, Why & How

By Samantha J. Martin

T: 847.698.9600

E: smartin@robbinsdimonte.com

Who needs a guardian and who can serve as one?


Very commonly, the person under guardianship is an older adult with cognitive impairment, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s. In this scenario, typically a family member, such as a son or daughter, petition the court to be appointed as guardian of their loved one so that they can manage his or her affairs. At the other end of the spectrum, it is also common for parents of a disabled child to petition for guardianship once their child turns 18...

Achievements of Note

Artur Zadrozny

T: 847.698.9600

E: azadrozny@robbinsdimonte.com

Artur Zadrozny hosted a networking lunch at Robbins DiMonte this August 2025, welcoming local real estate professionals for an afternoon of shared transactional insights on today's real estate market. The event offered valuable opportunity to exchange perspectives, highlighting real-world challenges and practical solutions.

Case Achievements

Riccardo A. DiMonte and Dominic G. Erbacci successfully defended their subcontractor client in binding arbitration. The general contractor sought approximately $1.5 million in damages and fees, claiming the subcontractor was responsible for construction defects in a new luxury home. The subcontractor argued their work was not defective and adhered to plans and specifications provided. After several years of arbitration and dozens of hearings, the panel found no liability for the subcontractor, ruling in their favor on all claims.

Dominic G. Erbacci Recognized in the 2026 Edition of

Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America

Dominic G. Erbacci was recognized by peers in the 2026 Edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America for his high caliber work in Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, and Real Estate Law.


Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America is tailored to attorneys with fewer than 10 years in practice. It spotlights rising legal talent demonstrating excellence in private practice. Only about 2% of early-career attorneys in the United States receive this honor, with each honoree exemplifying strong discipline, reputation, and professional respect, marking a key milestone early in their careers. Learn more about the 2026 Best Lawyers Awards.


Congratulations to Dominic on this well-deserved honor!

RD Attorneys Appear Before Fifth District Appellate Court

Riccardo A. DiMonte and Dominic G. Erbacci appeared before the Illinois Appellate Court Fifth District, Mount Vernon Illinois, in August 2025 to present oral arguments in a case involving a complex shareholder agreement dispute. The matter is currently under advisement, and a decision has not yet been issued.


Historical Note: In 1859, Abraham Lincoln tried his last case before the Illinois Supreme Court at this very courthouse.

Partner Julia Jensen Smolka Celebrates 25th Work Anniversary and 50th Birthday!

Julia Jensen Smolka celebrated two incredible milestones—her 25th work anniversary with Robbins DiMonte and her 50th birthday! Julia’s loyalty, dedication, and leadership have left an enduring mark on our firm and clients alike. We wish Julia many more years filled with happiness and success!

Taco 'Bout a Perfect Summer Day!

Robbins DiMonte celebrated summer and the hard work of our team with a Taco Truck this July 2025! Thank you to Americanos located in Edison Park for helping us take a well-earned break and enjoy great company!

Upcoming Events

Anthony B. Ferraro will be presenting a free four-part virtual series on Estate Planning and Elder Law, hosted by the Niles Senior Center. With the first session completed, don't miss the next three webinars this fall. Topics include wills vs. trusts, long-term care planning, protecting assets from nursing home costs, and understanding the role of an executor or trustee. This series is a must for all aging seniors, caregivers, medical professionals, and families planning for the future.

Closed - Wills vs. Trusts

Learn about the differences between wills and trusts, various types of asset and real property ownership, advance directives such as powers of attorney for healthcare and property, and preliminary income and estate tax planning strategies.

Date: Monday, September 8, 2025

Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CT

Elder Law: How to Avoid Trapdoors

Learn about the differences between “traditional” and “senior” estate planning, the various types of advance directives and their benefits, qualification and eligibility requirements needed when pursuing governmental benefits related to aging, and an overview to Medicare, Medicaid, Medicaid Asset Protection Planning, and VA benefits planning.

Date: Monday, October 20, 2025

Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CT

Boomers & Seniors: Don't Go Broke in a Nursing Home

Learn about the differences between healthcare pre-planning and crisis planning, Medicaid Asset Protection Planning and the requirements for eligibility, how to legally and ethically protect your assets, and how to avoid complete spenddown of assets due to the cost of long-term care.

Date: Monday, November 10, 2025

Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CT

Surprise! You Have Been Named Executor and/or Trustee! What Now?

Learn about the overview to probate and trust estate administrations, procedures common to all estates, estate and income taxation, and about the responsibilities that you owe to other beneficiaries and creditors when you are the fiduciary of an estate.

Date: Monday, December 8, 2025

Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CT

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 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.