Real Estate Law

Mystery Leaks

June
2025
Article
, Page 12
Property sellers aware of leaks and other defects are obligated to find the cause.

All About Real Estate Transactions: New 8.0 Contract, Post-Closing Agreements, Surveys, and Associations

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 Estates Law Section


3.0 hours MCLE credit


Original Program Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Accreditation Expiration Date: June 9, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Enhance your understanding of several key issues in residential real estate law, including the newly approved Multi-Board 8.0 Contract, with this half-day seminar! New attorneys, experienced attorneys, and non-real estate practitioners who attend this online program will be better prepared to handle all aspects of residential transactions, including:
  • The best practice tips you need to help protect your client during the post-closing agreement;
  • How to read surveys and the common issues that might arise on them; and
  • How HOA’s work, the documents you need to be familiar with, and the red flags to avoid.


Program Coordinator/Moderator:
Cheryl A. Morrison, Law Office of Cheryl A. Morrison, Mokena

Welcome & Introduction
Cheryl A Morrison, Law Office of Cheryl A. Morrison, Mokena

Post-Closing Possession Agreements
Post-closing possession agreements have become more common in recent years. This segment discusses best practices to protect both your buyer and seller clients.
Erica Crohn Minchella, Minchella & Associates, Ltd., Skokie

New Multi-Board 8.0 Contract
Get the information you need on both the substantive and organizational changes to the new Multi-Board 8.0 Contract that went into effect on February 1, 2025.
Ralph J. Schumann, Law Offices of Ralph J. Schumann, Schaumburg

Surveys
Surveys are an important but easily overlooked subject. Learn how to read surveys, what issues might arise, and how to resolve them with this informative presentation.
William J. Anaya, UB Greensfelder LLP, Chicago

Associations
Are you looking to understand homeowners’ associations and association documents better? Join us for a discussion regarding 22.1/1-35 Disclosures, paid assessment letters, and other required association documents, as well as red flags that can affect your clients.
Ellis Levin, Attorney at Law, Chicago


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 $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

2025 Professionalism Bundle

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 Illinois State Bar Association


6.0 hours MCLE credit, including 6.0 hours Professional Responsibility MCLE credit in the following categories:
  • 4.0 hours Professionalism, Civility, Legal Ethics, or Sexual Harassment Prevention credit
  • 1.0 hour Diversity and Inclusion credit
  • 1.0 hour Mental Health and Substance Abuse credit
This bundle satisfies the 6 hour Professional Responsibility Requirement for a two-year reporting period under Supreme Court Rule 794(d).
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­May 28, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Satisfy all six hours of your Professional Responsibility requirement with this on-demand program that explores:
  • How to manage a positive work-life balance and practice mindful stress management;
  • How to work with witnesses, jurors, and experts who may differ from ourselves;
  • How artificial intelligence is being used in the legal practice, as well as the ethical issues to be aware of when using this technology;
  • How to identify problems that artificial intelligence can solve;
  • The best practice tips you need to build and maintain successful client management;
  • What you need to know about professional liability and cyber insurance; and
  • Much more!


Mental Health 101: Strategies for Thriving, Not Just Surviving
Originally presented by the ISBA Young Lawyers Division
(1.0 hour Mental Health or Substance Abuse MCLE/PMCLE credit)
As attorneys, we work long hours, juggle multiple cases simultaneously, spend a large amount of time researching case law and preparing legal documents, and have strict deadlines that must be remembered (and met!) – all while staying up to date on the ever-changing laws and regulations that will impact our clients and practice. These mental demands can take its toll and leave us feeling deflated, burnt out, and running on fumes. Join us for this online seminar that teaches you how to create a better work-life balance, while still meeting your professional and personal goals. Topics include: positive strategies to enhance your self-care; how to practice mindful stress management; tactics for building your resilience and mental fitness; and how to find your perfect mental health space.
Program Moderator: Courtney A. Berlin, Clifford Law Offices, Chicago
Erin Clifford, Clifford Law Offices, Chicago


Pronouns on Trial
Originally presented by the ISBA Standing Committee on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
(1.0 hours Diversity and Inclusion MCLE/PMCLE credit)
Transgender and non-binary individuals need the same respect and attentive representation as our other clients, but discomfort and implicit bias oftentimes get in our way. Join us online for this comprehensive discussion on how to work with witnesses, jurors, and experts who may differ from ourselves. Topics include: strategies for discovering honorifics and pronouns; how to address objections (both principled and vituperative); possible form changes (appearance/jury questionnaire); and the proposed changes to Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct 8.4 (Misconduct).
Program Coordinator/Moderator: John W. Moore, John W. Moore, P.C., Chicago
Hon. Mary Cay Marubio, Circuit Court of Cook County, Chicago
John W. Moore, John W. Moore, P.C., Chicago
Joanie Rae Wimmer, Law Offices of Joanie Rae Wimmer, Oak Park


The Dawning of the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Promise or Threat to the Practice of Law?
Originally presented by the ISBA Standing Committee on Artificial Intelligence & The Practice of Law
  • Artificial Intelligence and the Law: Promise or Peril?
(1.0 hour Professionalism, Civility, Legal Ethics, or Sexual Harassment Prevention credit)
Don’t miss this in-depth look at how artificial intelligence is being used in the legal practice, as well as the ethical issues to be aware of when using this technology. Topics include: recent developments in AI, type of AI, the application of artificial intelligence in the practice of law; how artificial intelligence is being used in the courts; and how to recognize (and address) Deep Fakes.
Program Moderator: George (“Geo”) Bellas, Bellas & Wachowski, Park Ridge
Jonathan Nessler, Nessler & Associates Ltd., Springfield
Nelson Rosario, Rosario Tech Law, LLC, Chicago
  • Practical Demonstration of Artificial Intelligence in the Practice
(1.0 hour Professionalism, Civility, Legal Ethics, or Sexual Harassment Prevention credit)
Learn how to identify problems that artificial intelligence can solve (and which AI tools to use in solving that problem) with this informative presentation. Examples of how artificial intelligence can assist with office tasks and market your law practice are also included.
Drew G. Vaughn, Deviant Marketing LLC, Chicago


Best Practices for Successful Client Management
Originally presented as part of the ISBA’s Solo & Small Firm Conference 2024
(1.0 hour Professionalism, Civility, Legal Ethics, or Sexual Harassment Prevention credit)
This segment offers the best practice tips you need to build and maintain successful client management. Topics include: intake, termination, and communication.
Program Moderator: Genevieve E. Miller, Singewald Law Firm, Chicago
Melissa Smart, Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission, Chicago


Safeguarding Your Practice: Navigating Insurance Coverage for Law Firms and Attorneys
Originally presented by the ISBA Standing Committee on Law Office Management and Economics
(1.0 hour Professionalism, Civility, Legal Ethics, or Sexual Harassment Prevention credit)
Join us for an in-depth look at how the right insurance coverage can safeguard you and your law practice, as well as the underwriting basics you need to know and the misconceptions regarding losses vs types of coverage. Solo and small firm attorneys, general practitioners, new lawyers, and insurance law attorneys with basic to intermediate practice experience who attend this seminar will better understand: What you need to know about professional liability and cyber insurance; the various types of insurance available to your practice; the importance of transparency in applying for coverage; the most common required underwriting information; business interruption coverage; commercial general liability and other coverage commonly required by landlords; key-person coverage and individual disability income coverage; and business overhead expenses.
Program Coordinator/Moderator: Jennifer Danish, Bryant Legal Group P.C. Chicago
Daniel Cotter, Dickinson Wright, Chicago
Adam Czerwinski, Sidebar Insurance Solutions, Orland Park
Jennifer Danish, Bryant Legal Group P.C. Chicago
Scott Dutton, ISBA Mutual Insurance Company, Chicago



Pricing Information
  • Please Note: You must attend the entire program in order to earn MCLE credit for this seminar. Your certificate will be available after all segments have been completed and the Bundle evaluation completed.
  • Fees:
    • ISBA Member Price of $159 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit
    • Non-Member Price $375
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $50
    • Law Students - Free

Probate Pitfalls

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 Law Section


1.0 hour MCLE credit


Original Program Date: Tuesday, March 25, 2025
Accreditation Expiration Date: April 10, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Probate “pitfalls” are inevitable, and no two cases are alike. Learn how to manage or avoid common pitfalls in Illinois probate proceedings for decedents’ estates with this informative online seminar. Estate administration practitioners, Civil practice attorneys, and elder law attorneys with basic to intermediate practice experience who attend this online program will also learn:
  • Practical problem-solving solutions when unavoidable probate pitfalls arise;
  • Filing requirements and procedures, and Cook County nuances;
  • How to handle:
    • When a named Executor Declines to Serve - Who can Serve Thereafter?
    • Failure to Send Timely Notice
    • Preservation of Assets
    • Insolvent Estates and Abatement of Claims
    • Distributing Unclaimed Property to the Illinois Treasurer
    • Unknown Heirs and/or Legatees
    • Post-deceased Estate Representative or Post-deceased Heirs/Legatees
    • Nonresident Representatives
    • When a Trust is a Legatee
    • Family Dynamics and Conflicts
    • Ademption
    • Recalcitrant Heirs/Legatees
    • The Caregiver Statute
    • When to use a Notice of Probate and Release of Estate’s Interest in Real Estate
    • When Beneficiaries want to Rearrange Who Inherits What
    • When you Opened Probate by Mistake – Now What?

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

Program Chat Moderator:
Melissa Johnson, Generation Law, Elmhust

Program Speakers:
Sarah M. LeRose, Leonard J. LeRose, Jr., Ltd., Chicago
Colleen L. Sahlas, Law Offices of Hoy & Sahlas, LLC, 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 $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

Business Divorce Series: Resolving Issues and Dividing Assets - Intellectual Property

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 Corporate Law Departments
Co-sponsored by the ISBA Intellectual Property Law Section


1.0 hour MCLE credit


Original Program Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­April 7, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Do your clients need help resolving issues and dividing assets due to their business “divorce”? Then don’t miss this online program that explores the intellectual property issues that can arise during the dissolution of a professional relationship between business partners. Corporate law attorneys, business and securities counsel, intellectual property lawyers, and general practitioners with basic to intermediate practice experience who attend this seminar will better understand:
  • The issues to be aware of, including ownership of the company’s intellectual property;
  • How to develop a new name and marks for one or both companies;
  • How to handle licensing and customer contracts; and
  • Much more.

Program Coordinators:
Chris Darby, DLA Piper LLP, Chicago
Margo Lynn Hablutzel, Gainwell Technologies LLC, North Carolina

Program Chat Moderator:
Margo Lynn Hablutzel, Gainwell Technologies LLC, North Carolina

Program Speakers:
Jennifer L Gordon, Practice Leader – Intellectual Property, Lorium Law, Chicago
David C. Brezina, Ladas & Parry LLP, 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 $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

Business Divorce Series: Resolving Issues and Dividing Assets - An Introduction

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 Corporate Law Departments


1.0 hour MCLE credit


Original Program Date: Thursday, March 13, 2025
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­April 7, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


ISBA’s Business Divorce Series kicks off with an introduction to the issues you or your client may face while dividing assets among business partners seeking to dissolve their professional relationship. Business advice attorneys, corporate law counsel, real estate lawyers, and employment law practitioners with basic to intermediate practice experience who attend this online program will learn:
  • How to prepare for the separation of a company;
  • Whether one or both companies can remain viable;
  • The valuation process for dividing assets;
  • When (and what) to report to regulators;
  • The real estate issues that may arise during the process;
  • How to handle the continuation of insurance policies (including errors and omissions insurance); and
  • Much more!

Program Coordinators:
Chris Darby, DLA Piper LLP, Chicago
Margo Lynn Hablutzel, Gainwell Technologies LLC, North Carolina

Program Chat Moderator:
Margo Lynn Hablutzel, Gainwell Technologies LLC, North Carolina

Program Speaker:
John C. Sciaccotta, Aronberg Goldgehn, Chicago


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 $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

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