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IN THIS ISSUE
Navigating the 2025 Real Estate Market
By Artur Zadrozny
Seven Reasons You Might Need a Bankruptcy Attorney When You’re Not the Debtor
By Carolina Y. Sales
A Dispute is Unraveling: The Demand Letter
By Sarah D. Jeong
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| Navigating the 2025 Real Estate Market | | The housing market is often regarded as a barometer of the overall economic health. In 2025, the housing market finds itself at a complex crossroads, shaped by the aftermath of the global pandemic, persistent inflation, fluctuating mortgage rates, and changing consumer preferences. It has been a taxing year for real estate attorneys, as well as buyers and sellers alike, where it seems that every deal is met with challenges... | | | Seven Reasons You Might Need a Bankruptcy Attorney When You’re Not the Debtor | | When you, or your successful business, deal with another party facing financial distress (such as a client, vendor, customer, or tenant that files bankruptcy), the complexities of bankruptcy law can be overwhelming. Consulting a skilled bankruptcy attorney is essential to navigating these challenges and protecting your interests. Enclosed are seven reasons you might need a bankruptcy attorney, even though you’re not the bankrupt debtor... | |
| A Dispute is Unraveling: The Demand Letter | | |
In the realm of business and personal interactions, disputes are an inevitable occurrence. Understanding the early stages of a legal conflict is crucial for navigating these situations effectively. One commonly used approach in the early stages of a dispute is the demand letter.
While not necessarily a guaranteed way to avoid litigation, a demand letter can be an important tool. It allows the parties to clarify their position and provides one final opportunity for resolution before formal proceedings are considered...
| | | RD Welcomes New Attorney! | |
Samantha J. Martin
Associate
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RD is excited to welcome Attorney Samantha J. Martin to the firm! Samantha focuses her practice on trusts and estates, elder law, and asset protection. She brings extensive experience assisting clients with guardianship matters, estate and trust administration, estate planning and Medicaid planning. As an emerging leader in her field, Samantha is known for her ability to connect with clients of all ages, offering thoughtful guidance that addresses the needs and concerns of each generation. We are proud to have her join our team and look forward to the care and insight she brings to her practice.
T: 847.698.9600
E: smartin@robbinsdimonte.com
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Carolina Y. Sales was a panelist for the online seminar, “Hon. Robert E. Ginsberg Annual Program: Commercial Bankruptcy,” hosted by the Chicago Bar Association ("CBA") in April 2025. This annual event provided critical insights for professionals navigating today’s evolving bankruptcy landscape. Ms. Sales discussed the last twelve months of commercial bankruptcy caselaw, highlighting decisions from the Supreme Court, Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, as well as District Courts and Bankruptcy Courts.
Attorney Sales also participated in Resurrection College Prep High School’s 2025 Career Fair, Ignite Your Ambition. Ms. Sales shared her journey in the legal field and offered insight into the day-to-day responsibilities of an attorney in effort to inspire the next generation of future leaders.
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Julia Jensen Smolka was named "Advocate of the Year" by the Advocates Society, a legal association that 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. She was selected for this honor in recognition of her contributions to the association, including presenting continuing legal education programs and supporting its fundraising efforts. Attorney Smolka will be formally recognized for this award at the Advocate Society’s Summer Reception in July 2025.
Attorney Smolka was also a moderator on the topic, “Nuts & Bolts of Subchapter V Chapter 11s” hosted by the Illinois State Bar Association (“ISBA”) in May 2025. This informative seminar covered important topics such as critical deadlines, creditor representation in Subchapter V cases, and common pitfalls practitioners should avoid.
| | Artur Zadrozny was a presenter on the continuing legal education topic "The Current State of Residential Real Estate Closings: Legal Trends, Pitfalls, and Practical Strategies" hosted by the Advocates Society in June 2025. Attorney Zadrozny discussed the evolving landscape of residential real estate closings, common transactional pitfalls and how to avoid them, and practical strategies to protect your clients and investments. | | Robert E. Harig represented a Chicago based real estate owner on its $55 million secured re-financing and construction loan transaction for a 400+ unit apartment complex located in suburban Chicago. The transaction included the negotiation of complex loan documents, the resolution of various outstanding title matters, and the amendment of multiple ownership and governing documents on behalf of our client. In connection with the same transaction, Riccardo A. DiMonte filed a quiet title action to clear up legal title to the property and promptly obtained a judgement in favor of our client | | Julia Jensen Smolka and Dominic G. Erbacci adeptly defended a landlord, securing a favorable judgment against the tenant plaintiff, who sought approximately $100,000 in combined damages and fees due to an alleged breach of contract and violations under the Chicago Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance. The defendant landlord effectively presented testimony and evidence at trial that countered many of the plaintiff tenant’s assertions. Following a bench trial, the court entered judgment in favor of the defendant landlord on all counts, absolving the landlord of any obligation to compensate the tenant. | | |
Robbins DiMonte Welcomes Five Distinguished Attorneys
ISBA Press Release
| | Anthony B. Ferraro will be presenting a free four-part virtual series on Estate Planning and Elder Law, hosted by the Niles Senior Center. This series will include topics such as 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. | |
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 CST
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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 CST
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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 CST
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Surprise! You Have Been Named Executor and/or Trustee! What Now?
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, December 8, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CST
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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.
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