Your Investments. Her Priority.
Personalized legal services across residential, commercial, and multifamily real estate.
A Leader in Real Estate Law.
When you initiate a real estate transaction, you participate in a legal process. That’s why it’s incredibly important to partner with an attorney who can walk you through the steps, address issues before they arise, and reduce potential risks, all while prioritizing your goals and protecting your interests and investments.
Rachel offers real estate legal services across residential, commercial, and multifamily real estate, as well as real estate related litigation, leasing, evictions, and more.
About Rachel
Rachel is an Illinois licensed attorney with ten+ years’ experience. Prior to law school, Rachel clerked for several Chicagoland law firms. Rachel continued to expand her legal knowledge and experience during law school. After passing the bar, Rachel was general counsel for homeowner and condominium associations. After gaining as much knowledge and experience from her mentors and colleagues, Rachel started her journey as a solo practitioner. Rachel is licensed with the Supreme Court of Illinois and the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association, DuPage County Bar Association, and IRELA.
Navigating the world of real estate can be stressful and time-consuming, but even more troubling is finding a communicative and knowledgeable lawyer who addresses your transaction’s uniqueness.
From advice on leasing and evictions to assisting on your real estate transactions from contract to close, Rachel is here to help you with your real estate needs. As a solo practitioner, Rachel emphasizes the importance of working directly with her clients to ensure no question goes unanswered and no discrepancy unaddressed. Your transaction is never delegated to a paralegal or legal assistant.
Rachel regularly communicates with her clients to keep them and their transactions at her forefront. Rachel is present on every client call and email, prepares all transactional correspondence, and attends your closings personally.
Attentive, organized, and insightful, Rachel partners with brokers and clients throughout the Chicagoland area to deliver smooth closings, streamlined transactions, and successful outcomes. With extensive legal experience and a dignifying personalized approach, she’s the attorney you can trust.
Specialties and Services
Real Estate Transactions
From first-time home buyers to serious investors, clients trust Rachel with every aspect of their real estate transactions. She uses her vast experience to assist them through the sale or purchase of their residential and commercial properties, such as single-family homes, condominium units, business venues, multi-family buildings, vacant lots, and more. Her services include contract drafting, review and negotiations, closing document preparation, and other ancillary closing matters.
Business Formation
Clients looking to purchase real estate under a corporate structure rely on Rachel to lead them to success. Creating a business entity requires a comprehensive understanding of the client’s personal tax liabilities, risks, expectations, and goals. Rachel discusses these topics with her clients to protect their interests and accomplish their goals. Her services include preparation and filing of business formation documents, and drafting corporate governing documents.
Landlord-Tenant Litigation
Rachel successfully represents owners of investment properties in their landlord-tenant disputes throughout the Chicagoland area. Managing an investment property may have some challenges, and Rachel makes it her responsibility to see her clients’ tenant-related disputes are navigated in compliance with all applicable laws and local ordinances, without losing sight of her clients’ interests and as quickly as jurisdictionally possible. Her services include advice on leasing matters and agreements, preparation and filing of eviction court matters, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the process for buying a home in Illinois?
The process involves several steps, including but not limited to, getting financing pre-approval, having an offer accepted, conducting inspections, securing financing, and closing the deal. Consult with Rachel for inquiries specific to your transaction.
What should I expect during the closing process?
Closing is the final step in your transaction. You'll review and sign closing and loan documents, pay closing costs, and the deed will be recorded with the county. The closing typically happens at a title company. Rachel attends these closings with you to discuss and answer any questions you may have regarding your purchase and closing and loan documents. Consult with Rachel for closing instructions specific to your transaction.
When do I pay for Rachel’s services related to my purchase or sale?
Depending on whether you are a buyer or a seller, Rachel’s fee is paid through closing as part of a buyer’s closing costs or reduced from seller’s proceeds. Consult with Rachel for pricing.
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What type of entity works best for my transaction?
The answer depends on a variety of factors, including your comfort level with personal liability and personal financial standing. Consult with Rachel for your individual needs and desires.
How quickly can my entity be prepared?
In Illinois, entities can be prepared and accepted within 24 hours of your application with payment of an expediated fee. Without an expediated fee, entities are prepared and accepted within 10 business days of your application. Consult with Rachel for timelines and pricing.
What is included in Rachel’s business formation services?
Rachel will discuss your entity options, file your entity application with the State, and prepare entity governing documents such as operating agreements and bylaws. Consult with Rachel for your business formation needs.
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Where do I begin if I need to remove a tenant from my property?
It depends on your tenant’s type of occupancy, the type of property, and the lease agreement. The majority of Rachel’s clients have annual or month to month residential tenancies which require a 5 day notice to vacate. Consult with Rachel for your specific eviction needs.
What is the timeline between sending the initial notice to vacate and regaining possession of my property?
The average timeline for an eviction ranges between 2-6 months. The length of time depends on the county where the property resides, the agreeableness of tenant, and time of year. Consult with Rachel to discuss your specific eviction matter.
Am I able to change the locks without initiating the eviction process in court?
While the common advice is “no”, it truly depends on what your lease agreement says and the specific circumstances surrounding the tenant. Consult with Rachel for your questions regarding lock changes without a court order.