tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77261686332498712922011-11-27T15:29:52.161-08:00Chicago Law Source is a blog dedicated to helping individuals and businesses connect on important legal issues affecting you, including commercial law, litigation, real estate, condominium law, landlord-tenant and collections law. From managing fees, to important tips on legal issues, I aim to offer insightful information and ideas you can use.Alisa M. Levin, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15411448252963373043noreply@blogger.comBlogger181100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726168633249871292.post-67733640630948142412011-09-07T11:41:00.000-07:002011-09-07T11:41:44.325-07:00

It's the commencement of Fall and nicer weather is upon us.  It's time for the reverse of spring cleaning, where we examine our to-do lists and determine if anything, what can we do to make our lives easier, and stress-free. I've decided to explore an oft-ignored concept in law, which is how to best be a client, so that your attorney can actually help you. I've got some doozies from the trenches,

Alisa M. Levin, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15411448252963373043noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726168633249871292.post-34009055985000922732011-02-17T08:52:00.000-08:002011-02-17T08:52:26.677-08:00

So, you've just closed on that fantastic new loft or condo - and you can't contain your excitement about your new granite countertops and stainless steel appliances.  The summer is just around the corner and the BBQ is going to be ablaze, just ripe for your new friendly neighbors to join in.  As time goes on, you begin to realize a pecking order, and that board membership may have some benefits

Alisa M. Levin, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15411448252963373043noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726168633249871292.post-3038562157207176622011-01-11T15:22:00.000-08:002011-01-11T15:22:32.332-08:00

Announcing!  Chicago Attorney Alisa Levin (yep, that's me!) was just listed in Chicago Lawyer's Magazine - Super Lawyer's Edition, as a 2011 Rising Star in Illinois.  Less than 2.5% of all attorneys under 40 years of age in Illinois are nominated for this honor.  Thanks to all who support the continued existence of the Law Office of Alisa Levin.  I am thankful for your trust. SO, on to my post..

Alisa M. Levin, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15411448252963373043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726168633249871292.post-20502950122783466452010-08-19T16:15:00.001-07:002010-08-19T16:36:05.268-07:00

What me? Hire a lawyer? Yes, folks... From time to time, I too need advice and guidance from my fellow club members. After having a very recent and very terrible experience with an attorney - and one who actually was a guest at my wedding - I would like to offer a few good tips for hiring professional legal counsel (other than the obvious, that if you came to my wedding and I later hire you to

Alisa M. Levin, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15411448252963373043noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726168633249871292.post-45003175770302519032010-07-14T10:29:00.001-07:002010-07-14T10:37:18.482-07:00

As you have seen from my prior posts, I do enjoy a good mechanic's lien case. In my blogging searches, I recently found out about the case of Universal Structures v. Buchman, which may serve to turn some prior law on its head. The gist of the opinion cited below, is that if a lien claimant files a claim under the Mechanic's lien act, even if there is a violation of some other Illinois law or

Alisa M. Levin, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15411448252963373043noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726168633249871292.post-44927946042541031812010-06-22T11:30:00.000-07:002010-06-22T11:34:55.639-07:00

So you say you just found out your landlord is not paying his mortgage? Not good, I say. But do you have to move? Maybe. There are some questions on the street about the Obama law relating to tenants and foreclosures, known as the Protecting Tenants from Foreclosure Act. While it may be viewed as a welcome relief for many people living in apartments, houses and townhomes, just because there

Alisa M. Levin, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15411448252963373043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726168633249871292.post-81867926468723333802010-04-27T12:33:00.000-07:002010-04-27T12:35:33.387-07:00

Attention! Attention! Alisa Levin Law is moving offices from Bucktown back to Ukrainian Village! For all your litigation, construction and real estate needs, look no further! Our new office address (effective May 1, 2010) is:Law Office of Alisa M. Levin2319 W. Chicago AvenueChicago, Illinois 60622T: 312-720-0082F: 773-830-1708Email: alisalevin@yahoo.comWeb: alisalevin@yahoo.comFor a full case

Alisa M. Levin, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15411448252963373043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726168633249871292.post-59324879671478679102010-04-21T20:43:00.001-07:002010-04-21T20:54:00.476-07:00

Looking for that next great tenant for your investment property or home while you are away? Bought that house so someone else can pay your mortgage? Great idea! Now, in order to make the most of your investment, you need to be sure that whomever lives in your place, is really who they say they are. My most interesting case in point just made CBS and WGN News because my client's tenant was

Alisa M. Levin, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15411448252963373043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726168633249871292.post-28689682016322584992010-01-13T20:47:00.000-08:002010-01-13T21:22:30.628-08:00

Welcome to condominium life. Aren't those hardwood floors nice looking? Think stainless steel appliances are all the rage? Well, you too can get fancy-schmancy looking refrigerators, all for the convenient price of a large single family house in the burbs. However, before you ask for the fine print, remember that living amongst the living involves a bit of patience, when being so close - to

Alisa M. Levin, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15411448252963373043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726168633249871292.post-66688436160033383272009-11-24T14:09:00.001-08:002009-11-24T14:16:56.135-08:00

Have you heard about Craig or his list? I, like many of you, am always searching for new online tools to use for finding things I need, finding people to connect with, and for advertising purposes. A few years ago, this mysterious Craig guy was a mere unknown, seamlessly training the Internet without detection. Now, he's in every city and country on the map! Lucky for us, this Internet

Alisa M. Levin, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15411448252963373043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726168633249871292.post-32724862810247273642009-06-25T09:10:00.001-07:002009-07-08T16:02:07.250-07:00

Have you ever hired a contractor to perform work upon your property, only to find out later that one of their suppliers or another contractor put a lien on your house? Or have you hired a general contractor to do work and learned that although you paid the contractor he didn't pay his downstream contractors or suppliers? You should know that in Illinois (and similarly in other states) that

Alisa M. Levin, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15411448252963373043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726168633249871292.post-32094835369534778502009-05-05T14:04:00.000-07:002009-05-05T14:19:55.107-07:00

Have you ever found your own justice, filing an action against someone on your own, or with the help of an attorney, and received a judgment?  Have you ever had a judgment taken against you or your business?  If so, then you should know about collecting on judgments.  If you owe someone money and you are worried about how you will pay or be forced to deal with it, then this article will help!  As

Alisa M. Levin, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15411448252963373043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726168633249871292.post-50831286390354514692009-04-29T19:43:00.000-07:002009-04-29T20:12:38.088-07:00

Whether you are apartment hunting or office searching, leasing has plenty of advantages over ownership regardless of whether it's professional digs, or that hot new loft you've been eyeing for yourself. In this article, I offer some insight into the power-play of leasing and crucial items to both scrutinize and negotiate, and methods for getting the most out of your almighty dollar. First things

Alisa M. Levin, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15411448252963373043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726168633249871292.post-45814668386204759992009-03-13T16:29:00.000-07:002009-03-13T17:38:30.361-07:00

Just bought that new condo? Taking advantage of the bubble being burst in the big city in order to snag a low price on a townhouse? While your price might be right, beware of your rights and responsibilities when you purchase a condo and accept (or try to get) a position on the association board. When a condominium association is formed (through the recordation of the Declaration of

Alisa M. Levin, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15411448252963373043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726168633249871292.post-54916344684402885002009-01-20T10:41:00.000-08:002009-01-20T10:57:28.834-08:00

Welcome to apartment living.  We all know that landlords are supposed to take care of things when we rent apartments, right?  Well.. yes.  But did you know that landlords aren't responsible for everything?  Did you know that in Chicago, you may have rights that can be enforced in court?  Yes you do!Under Chicago's Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance, depending on the size and type of building,

Alisa M. Levin, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15411448252963373043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726168633249871292.post-36959712454582755622008-12-31T13:26:00.000-08:002008-12-31T13:34:52.774-08:00

Do you ever wish that you knew all the information about a person or company before you did business with them? Lately, you can find a ton of valuable information about those with whom you do business, if you take a few minutes online, and check 'em out. For instance, if you are working with a realtor or developer for real estate needs, I highly recommend that you search them through Google.com

Alisa M. Levin, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15411448252963373043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726168633249871292.post-82200099848686301002008-12-18T12:44:00.000-08:002008-12-18T12:55:16.587-08:00

Thinking of buying a house or new condo in this market? You can snag for yourself some excellent "deals" if you are looking in Chicago or other metropolitan markets. What you may end with however, is a bad investment if you are not careful. I offer some tips and tricks to maximize your investment by doing some homework on the front end. I have seen countless examples of problems, when

Alisa M. Levin, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15411448252963373043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726168633249871292.post-57262542556095792852008-12-17T20:57:00.000-08:002008-12-17T21:24:40.212-08:00

Litigation and Court Fees got you down? Keeping Costs Manageable is a "Can Do" if you know some tried and true tricks of communication with your lawyer or prospective attorney. Have you ever gotten yourself or your company embroiled in litigation, whether it's defending against an old employee, or filing suit to

Alisa M. Levin, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15411448252963373043noreply@blogger.com0