Real Estate Law

Estate Planning Basics

ISBA Members: Use your 15 hours of Free CLE credits to order this program –
just use the green button next to the “Add to Cart” button below!
Presented by the ISBA Trusts & Estates Section
Co-sponsored by the ISBA Elder Law Section


1.50 hours MCLE credit


Original Program Date: Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­March 24, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Are you new to the trusts and estates practice? Want to learn more about how to help families manage their assets? Then don’t miss this seminar that offers you a basic understanding of what it means to “plan an estate.” Topics include:
  • The most common documents used in estate planning;
  • How to help your clients draft wills and power of attorneys;
  • The tax issues that you should consider when helping your clients plan their estates;
  • How to anticipate and prevent ethical pitfalls in estate planning; and
  • Much more.

Program Coordinator:
Colleen L. Sahlas, Law Offices of Hoy & Sahlas, LLC, Oak Brook

Program Chat Moderator:
Kerry R. Peck, Peck Ritchey, LLC, Chicago

Program Speakers:
Karen R. Mills, Aronberg Goldgehn, Wheaton
Sara E. Riechert, Chamberlin Riechert Law Group, P.C., Oak Brook



Program Information

  • Please Note: You must attend the entire program in order to earn MCLE credit for this seminar.
  • ISBA sponsoring section members get a $10 registration discount (which is automatically calculated in your cart when you log in to register).
  • Fees:
    • ISBA Member Price of $52.50 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit.
    • Non-Member Price $105
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students – Free

Poundstone v. Cook

Poundstone v. Cook
Illinois Appellate Court
Civil Court
Residential Property Disclosure Act
Citation
Case Number: 
2025 IL App (3d) 240322
Decision Date: 
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
District: 
3d Dist.
Division/County: 
LaSalle Co.
Holding: 
Affirmed.
Justice: 
ANDERSON

Plaintiff filed a complaint alleging violation of the Residential Real Property Disclosure Act and common-law fraud. The circuit court held a bench trial and awarded damages in favor of the plaintiff, plus post-judgment interest and attorney fees. Defendant appealed, arguing that the trial court erred when it denied his motion for a directed finding, that the trial court applied the incorrect standard in entering judgment on the merits for the plaintiff, that the damage award was not established to a reasonable degree of certainty, and that the trial court erred in denying defendant’s motion to reconsider. The appellate court found no error and affirmed. (BRENNAN and HOLDRIDGE, concurring)

Thomas v. U.S. Bank Trust, N.A.

Thomas v. U.S. Bank Trust, N.A.
Illinois Appellate Court
Civil Court
Mortgage Foreclosure
Citation
Case Number: 
2025 IL App (1st) 230439
Decision Date: 
Thursday, February 27, 2025
District: 
1st Dist.
Division/County: 
4th Div./Cook Co.
Holding: 
Reversed.
Justice: 
LYLE

In a consolidated complaint for quiet title and mortgage foreclosure action, plaintiff appealed from a trial court order granting summary judgment in favor of the defendant mortgage company and the trial court’s finding that a refinanced loan entered into by the plaintiff’s former spouse served as an encumbrance on the entire home. The appellate court reversed, finding that the refinanced loan created a lien that could only attach to a half-interest in the property. (HOFFMAN and OCASIO, concurring)

31st Annual Agricultural Law Seminar - Part 2

ISBA Members: Use your 15 hours of Free CLE credits to order this program –
just use the green button next to the “Add to Cart” button below!
Presented by the ISBA Agricultural Law Section


2.0 hours MCLE credit, including 1.0 hour Professional Responsibility MCLE credit in the following category: Professionalism, Civility, Legal Ethics, or Sexual Harassment Prevention credit


Original Program Date: Friday, February 7, 2025
Accreditation Expiration Date: March 31, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Don’t miss this opportunity to update your knowledge on family law and how it may impact your family farm clients, as well as how to create a law firm succession! Topics include:
  • The necessary components of a nuptial agreement for farm couples;
  • The financial management of farm families – both with and without a nuptial agreement;
  • Things to consider for farm families facing a divorce or separation;
  • The income, assets, and liability issues during the dissolution of a marriage;
  • Why you should create a succession plan;
  • The elements of a succession plan that should be included;
  • The importance of having a file destruction policy; and
  • Much more.


Program Coordinator/Moderator:
Andrew G. White, Bellatti, Barton, Cochran & White, LLC, Springfield

Family Law for Farm Families
Paul A. Osborn, Ward, Murray, Pace & Johnson Law Office, P.C., Sterling
Cari Rincker, Rincker Law, PLLC, Shelbyville

Law Firm Succession Planning*
Rachel Miller, Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission, Springfield
*Originally presented as part of the ISBA’s 31st Annual Agricultural Law Seminar. Find more sessions in this series in the ISBA On-Demand CLE catalog.


Program Information

  • Please Note: You must attend the entire program in order to earn MCLE credit for this seminar.
  • ISBA sponsoring section members get a $10 registration discount (which is automatically calculated in your cart when you log in to register).
  • Fees:
    • ISBA Member Price of $70 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit.
    • Non-Member Price $140
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students – Free

31st Annual Agricultural Law Seminar - Part 1

ISBA Members: Use your 15 hours of Free CLE credits to order this program –
just use the green button next to the “Add to Cart” button below!
Presented by the ISBA Agricultural Law Section


3.0 hours MCLE credit


Original Program Date: Friday, February 7, 2025
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­April 7, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Get the updates you need on a variety of hot topic issues, including the agricultural real estate issues to be aware of and how to help your clients plan for the Illinois estate tax with this online seminar. Agricultural law attorneys, real estate lawyers, trusts and estates counsel, and general practitioners with intermediate levels of practice experience who attend this seminar will better understand:
  • The insurance considerations to be aware of in agricultural real estate;
  • How to handle cases where real estate is held by an LLC, corporation, or trust;
  • How to calculate the Illinois estate tax for your client;
  • The tax implications for residents with out-of-state property vs. non-residents with Illinois property;
  • The impact of lifetime gifts;
  • The advantages and disadvantages of Qtip trusts;
  • The Corporate Transparency Act updates you need to be aware of;
  • How states around the country are handling foreign ownership of agricultural land; and
  • Much more.

Program Coordinator/Moderator:
Andrew G. White, Bellatti, Barton, Cochran & White, LLC, Springfield

Agricultural Real Estate Issues: The Basics and Beyond
James F. Kane, Johnson, Bruce & Noble, P.C., Peoria
Alan E. Stumpf, Stumpf & Gutknecht P.C., Columbia

Planning for the Illinois Estate Tax
Aaron D. Evans, Sorling Northrup, Springfield

Hot Topics in Agricultural Law
Garrett Thalgot, Illinois Farm Bureau, Bloomington


*Originally presented as part of the ISBA’s 31st Annual Agricultural Law Seminar. Find more sessions in this series in the ISBA On-Demand CLE catalog.


Program Information

  • Please Note: You must attend the entire program in order to earn MCLE credit for this seminar.
  • ISBA sponsoring section members get a $10 registration discount (which is automatically calculated in your cart when you log in to register).
  • Fees:
    • ISBA Member Price of $105 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit.
    • Non-Member Price $210
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students – Free

Real Estate Law Update - Fall 2024 - Part 2

ISBA Members: Use your 15 hours of Free CLE credits to order this program –
just use the green button next to the “Add to Cart” button below!
Presented by the ISBA Real Estate Law Section


3.25 hours MCLE credit, including 1.0 hour Professional Responsibility MCLE credit in the following category: Professionalism, Civility, Legal Ethics, and Sexual Harassment Prevention credit


Original Program Date: Thursday, November 7, 2024
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­February 25, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Get the updates you need on real estate law – from the legislative changes and recent case law that may impact your client or law practice, to the importance of having a succession plan in place in the event of your death, disability, or retirement. Lawyers with all levels of practice experience who attend this program, will better understand:
  • The basics of landlord and tenant law;
  • How to use the Partitions Act to help your client divide a parcel of land;
  • How to remove a mechanic’s lien from a title (and how to avoid them from attaching to a title in the first place);
  • What to do if your client’s post-closing agreement results in litigation;
  • And much more.

Program Coordinator/Moderator:
Laura L. Lundsgaard, Attorney & Counselor at Law, LLC, Inverness

Jungle Vines on Your Title: Mechanic’s Lien
This presentation shows you how to remove a mechanic’s lien from a title, while explaining what a mechanic’s lien is, how it takes priority, and how to avoid them from attaching to title.
Mark B. Grzymala, Grzymala Law Offices, Skokie
Samuel H. Levine, Downey and Lenkov LLC, Chicago

Partitions Act
Join us for an in-depth look at the Partitions Act, including what it is and how you can use this legislation to help your client when it’s time to split a parcel of land.
Gary R. Gehlbach, Ehrmann Gehlbach Badger & Considine, LLC, Dixon

Disagreements at the Closing Table: Post-Closing Agreements & Post-Closing Litigation
Learn how to represent your client in a post-closing agreement and how to handle if these agreements result in litigation.
Erica C. Minchella, Minchella & Associates, Ltd., Skokie

Succession Upon Death, Disability, or Retirement*
Colleagues, clients, and family are often left wondering how to deal with an attorney’s caseload upon the attorney’s death or disability. Do you have a succussion plan in place? This segment discusses the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct that guide the succession of your client files and practice upon your death, disability, or retirement.
Anisa L. Jordan, Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission, Chicago

Program Information

  • Please Note: You must attend the entire program in order to earn MCLE credit for this seminar.
  • ISBA sponsoring section members get a $10 registration discount (which is automatically calculated in your cart when you log in to register).
  • Fees:
    • ISBA Member Price of $113.75 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit.
    • Non-Member Price $227.50
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students – Free

Real Estate Law Update - Fall 2024 - Part 1

ISBA Members: Use your 15 hours of Free CLE credits to order this program –
just use the green button next to the “Add to Cart” button below!
Presented by the ISBA Real Estate Law Section


2.50 hours MCLE credit


Original Program Date: Thursday, November 7, 2024
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­February 24, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Get the updates you need on real estate law – from the legislative changes and recent case law that may impact your client or law practice, to the importance of having a succession plan in place in the event of your death, disability, or retirement. Lawyers with all levels of practice experience who attend this program, will better understand:
  • The basics of landlord and tenant law;
  • How to use the Partitions Act to help your client divide a parcel of land;
  • How to remove a mechanic’s lien from a title (and how to avoid them from attaching to a title in the first place);
  • What to do if your client’s post-closing agreement results in litigation;
  • And much more.

Program Coordinator/Moderator:
Laura L. Lundsgaard, Attorney & Counselor at Law, LLC, Inverness

Legislation Update
Don’t miss this comprehensive overview of the recent legislative developments that may impact your real estate clients or practice.
Bruno W. Tabis, Huck Bouma Attorneys at Law, Wheaton

Case Law Update
Keep abreast of the latest case law updates involving real estate matters with this informative presentation.
Joseph R. Fortunato, Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS®, Downers Grove

Perspectives from Landlords vs. Tenants
If you have never represented a landlord or tenant, then you won’t want to miss this segment as our speaker walks you through the basics of landlord and tenant law.
Hannah R. Lamore, Mahoney, Silverman, and Cross, LLC, Joliet


Program Information

  • Please Note: You must attend the entire program in order to earn MCLE credit for this seminar.
  • ISBA sponsoring section members get a $10 registration discount (which is automatically calculated in your cart when you log in to register).
  • Fees:
    • ISBA Member Price of $87.50 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit.
    • Non-Member Price $175
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students – Free

Collecting Judgments & Bankruptcy Issues Series: Collecting Against LLC Interests and Using Equitable Remedies to Enforce Judgments

ISBA Members: Use your 15 hours of Free CLE credits to order this program –
just use the green button next to the “Add to Cart” button below!
Presented by the ISBA Commercial Banking, Collections, and Bankruptcy Section


1.50 hours MCLE credit


Original Program Date: Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­February 10, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Don’t miss Part 3 of this three-part series as we discuss important issues to consider when collecting against LLC interests and using equitable remedies to enforce judgments. Topics include: strategies to enforce judgments against a judgment debtor’s ownership or interest in an LLC; the equitable remedy options available in judgment enforcements; actions for fraudulent conveyances; constructive trusts; piercing the corporate veil; and much more.


Program Coordinators:
Samuel H. Levine, Downey & Lenkov LLC, Chicago
Nathan Lollis, Law Offices of Nathan Lollis, LLC, Chicago

Program Chat Moderator:
 Samuel H. Levine, Downey & Lenkov LLC, Chicago

Program Speakers:
Keith Barnstein, Markoff Law LLC, Chicago
Laura E. Schrick, Mathis, Marifian & Ritcher, Ltd., Belleville


Pricing Information

  • Please Note: You must attend the entire program in order to earn MCLE credit for this seminar.
  • ISBA sponsoring section members get a $10 registration discount (which is automatically calculated in your cart when you log in to register).
  • Fees:
    • ISBA Member Price of $52.50 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit.
    • Non-Member Price $105
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students – Free

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about SALT (State and Local Taxation) but Were Afraid to Ask

ISBA Members: Use your 15 hours of Free CLE credits to order this program –
just use the green button next to the “Add to Cart” button below!
Presented by the ISBA State and Local Taxation Section


4.0 hours MCLE credit


Original Program Date: Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­February 10, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Don’t miss this nuts-and-bolts discussion regarding the state and local taxation practice. Topics include: the current state of the tax law practice; a review of Illinois taxes; how to represent your client in a tax forum; an overview of the Illinois Department of Revenue; how to contest a property tax dispute before the Cook County Assessor’s Office or the Cook County Board of Review; and how virtual hearings can help the tax appeal process.


Program Coordinators/Moderators:
David Kupiec, Kupiec & Martin, LLC, Chicago
Gary H. Smith, Law Offices of Gary H. Smith, a division of KSN, Chicago

Understanding Today’s State and Local Tax Practice
Join us for an in-depth look at the impact that state income, sales and franchise tax have on the day-to-day operations of your clients’ businesses. Topics include: understanding what is required to do business in Illinois, such as registering with the State, remitting taxes, and filing tax returns; the importance of monitoring state tax legislation and changes to policy; income and sales tax nexus and sourcing; and how to plan for state tax audits and litigation.
David Kupiec, Kupiec & Martin, LLC, Chicago
Natalie Martin, Kupiec & Martin, LLC, Chicago

Local Taxes That Are Not Property Taxes
Gain a better understanding of amusement taxes, lease taxes, and more with this informative segment. A discussion on how to represent clients challenged with these unique issues is also included.
Samantha K. Breslow, Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP, Chicago

An Introduction to the Illinois Department of Revenue
This segment offers a comprehensive overview of the various procedures available for contesting a liability or claim denial, as well as a discussion on how to participate in the voluntary disclosure program, obtain relief through payment plans or offers in compromise, and more.
Brian Fliflet, Illinois Department of Revenue, Chicago

Property Tax Practice in Cook County
Don’t miss this presentation that gives you the information you need to represent clients who want to review and protest property tax on all types of properties. Topics include: how to represent your client when contesting a property tax assessment at the Cook County Assessor’s Office and the Cook County Board of Review; how to locate property tax assessment information; how to use the online filing system of the Cook County Assessor and Cook County Board of Review; and the circumstances and situation for seeking relief.
Lauren C. Elliott, Elliott & Associates, Chicago

Property Tax Practice Outside of Cook County
This session outlines and compares Illinois ad valorem assessments and appeals outside of Cook County, explores the rules, procedures, and local considerations regarding appeals in the collar counties and beyond, and discusses how the Property Tax Code is applied at a local level. A look at the various approaches for assessing and taxing real property outside of Cook County is also included.
Daniel Pappano, Zwelling Law, PLLC, Chicago

Virtual Hearings and the Tax Appeal Process
As traditional in-person tribunals struggle with accessibility and efficiency, digital platforms offer solutions to reduce travel barriers and geographic bias. This presentation explains how virtual hearings can transform legal services by addressing unmet needs and streamlining the tax appeal process, while offering best practice tips for implementation and compliance.
Mark D. Armstrong, Kane County Supervisor of Assessments, Geneva


Program Information

  • Please Note: You must attend the entire program in order to earn MCLE credit for this seminar.
  • ISBA sponsoring section members get a $10 registration discount (which is automatically calculated in your cart when you log in to register).
  • Fees:
    • ISBA Member Price of $140 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit.
    • Non-Member Price $280
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students – Free

Seeing Red: Transforming Anger into Healthy Skills for Healthy Living

ISBA Members: Use your 15 hours of Free CLE credits to order this program –
just use the green button next to the “Add to Cart” button below!
Presented by the ISBA Trusts & Estates Section


1.0 hour MCLE credit, including 1.0 hour Professional Responsibility MCLE credit in the following category: Mental Health and Substance Abuse credit


Original Program Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­January 27, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Anger comes in many forms – from quiet disappointment to all-consuming rage – and springs from many sources, including perceived provocations, differences of opinion, fragile egos, and more. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from our speaker, Lynette Hoy, as she explores the best methods for managing anger and coping with angry clients. Attorneys with basic practice experience who attend this online seminar will better understand:
  • The nature and physiology of anger;
  • How to express anger with respect, empathy, and assertiveness using research-based skills;
  • The strategies for coping with anger in personal and professional situations; and
  • Much more.

Program Coordinators:
Kerry R. Peck, Peck Ritchey LLC, Chicago
Colleen L. Sahlas, Law Offices of Hoy & Sahlas, LLC, Oak Brook

Program Chat Moderator:
Colleen L. Sahlas, Law Offices of Hoy & Sahlas, LLC, Oak Brook

Program Speaker:
Lynette J. Hoy, President, Anger Management Institute, Oak Brook
About the Speaker: Lynette Hoy is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois and a National Certified Counselor. She is a Diplomate, Supervisor, Consultant, and Anger Management Specialist-V with the National Anger Management Association, as well as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional by Evergreen Certifications. Mrs. Hoy has authored all the What’s Good About Anger? books and expanded workbooks and is a regular pre-conference workshop presenter and track leader for the AACC international conferences. Lynette oversees, authors, and publishes all courses and training curriculum for both the Anger Management Institute and CounselCare Connection, P.C. She is a crisis counselor with the R-3 Continuum, a crisis care network providing counseling and debriefing to various individuals and companies.


Program Information

  • Please Note: You must attend the entire program in order to earn MCLE credit for this seminar.
  • ISBA sponsoring section members get a $10 registration discount (which is automatically calculated in your cart when you log in to register).
  • Fees:
    • ISBA Member Price of $35 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit.
    • Non-Member Price $70
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students – Free