Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres Secures Appellate Victory in Estate of John Podmajersky, Jr.
Chicago, IL, September 26, 2025– Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres (CFDB) announced that the Illinois Appellate Court, First District, today affirmed in full the trial court’s judgment in favor of CFDB’s client, Lisa Podmajersky, reinforcing the validity her father, John Podmajersky, Jr.'s estate plans, concluding a multi-year, complex litigation.
The dispute began in 2015 when John Podmajersky III challenged his father’s will and trust documents related to a substantial property portfolio in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood. Over nearly a decade, the parties litigated claims including capacity, undue influence, breaches of fiduciary duty, financial exploitation, and fraud. After a lengthy trial led by CFDB partners Richard Prendergast and Deirdre Close on behalf of Lisa Podmajersky, along with Eric Brandfonbrener of Perkins Coie on behalf of the Estate of John Podmajersky, Jr., the trial court entered judgment for the Estate and for Ms. Podmajersky. Petitioner appealed on multiple grounds. Deirdre Close argued the appeal on behalf of Ms. Podmajersky in her personal capacity. The Appellate Court affirmed on all issues raised.
“This decision brings important finality for our client and validates the trial court’s thoughtful and measured rulings,” said Deirdre Close, partner at CFDB. “This outcome reflects years of hard work and a strong trial record. We appreciate the Appellate Court’s thorough review.”
Today’s ruling is expected to have a ripple effect on separate but related matters pending between the same parties in the Law Division.
About Croke Fairchild
A full-service law firm, Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres LLC is home to a diverse team of trusted advisors and counselors valued for their legal skill, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to forging pragmatic solutions. The firm’s clients include entrepreneurs, investors, growth-stage companies, family offices, family businesses and Fortune 500 companies. Croke Fairchild is also a certified Women’s Business Enterprise and a member of the National Association of Minority and Women-Owned Law Firms (NAMWOLF). For more information, visit www.crokefairchild.com.
Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres LLC’s lobbying and government affairs partner is Point of Difference Strategies. Point of Difference is a lobbying firm in Illinois, with offices in Chicago and Springfield. Specializing in strategic advice, advocacy, and relationship management, Point of Difference offers top-tier government affairs and lobbying services at federal, state, and local levels. Point of Difference proudly serves a diverse client base, including local governments, trade organizations, Fortune 100 companies, and non-profits. Point of Difference is the largest wholly Latina-owned lobbying firm in Illinois. For more information, visit www.podstrategies.com.