What I handle.
Five focused practice areas. All rooted in Illinois property law and Winnebago County's local ordinances.
Real Estate Transactions
Buying or selling property in Illinois involves a web of contracts, title requirements, disclosure obligations, and deadlines. A single overlooked clause can cost you the deal — or cost you money after it closes.
Whether you're purchasing your first home or closing a commercial deal, you deserve an attorney who reads every page — not just the summary.
What I do
- Review and negotiate purchase and sale agreements
- Identify title defects, liens, and encumbrances before closing
- Advise on disclosure obligations under Illinois law
- Coordinate with lenders, title companies, and real estate agents
- Handle commercial and residential transactions
- Represent buyers, sellers, and investors
Zoning & Land Use
Zoning law determines what you can do with your property. When the rules don't fit your plans, there are legal paths forward — variances, special use permits, rezoning petitions, and appeals. Navigating them requires knowing the process and the people involved.
Local zoning boards respond to attorneys who know the process. I've appeared before Winnebago County's boards and understand what it takes to make a persuasive case — including nearly a decade of experience working for the City of Rockford.
What I do
- Advise on permitted uses and zoning classifications
- Prepare and present variance and special use permit applications
- Represent clients before the Winnebago County Zoning Board of Appeals
- Handle rezoning petitions and annexation matters
- Review and interpret municipal zoning ordinances
- Appeal adverse zoning decisions
Building Codes
Building codes exist to protect public safety — but they can also create real obstacles for property owners and contractors. Understanding what's required, and what to do when requirements conflict with your project, is where legal counsel adds value.
Code issues caught early are far less expensive than those discovered at inspection — or after a stop-work order.
What I do
- Advise on Illinois building code requirements for new construction and renovation
- Review permit applications and respond to plan review comments
- Assist with requests for code interpretations and equivalencies
- Represent clients in disputes with building departments
- Advise contractors and property owners on code compliance strategies
Code Enforcement Defense
A code enforcement citation or municipal notice can feel like a one-sided process. The city has inspectors, attorneys, and institutional knowledge. You deserve representation that levels the playing field and ensures your rights are protected throughout.
Code enforcement actions move quickly. If you've received a citation or notice, the sooner you have counsel, the more options you have.
What I do
- Review citations and notices for legal sufficiency
- Represent property owners at code enforcement hearings
- Negotiate compliance timelines and abatement agreements
- Appeal adverse code enforcement decisions
- Advise on rights during municipal inspections
- Handle nuisance abatement and demolition order matters
Neighbor Disputes
Disputes between neighbors over property boundaries, fences, trees, and easements are common — and surprisingly complex. What seems like a simple disagreement can involve survey questions, recorded easements, municipal ordinances, and decades of informal use. Having an attorney involved early often prevents a manageable dispute from becoming expensive litigation.
Most neighbor disputes can be resolved without going to court — but only if you understand your legal position. I help clients get clarity on their rights and, when possible, reach a resolution that doesn't require litigation.
What I handle
- Property line and boundary disputes
- Fence placement, height, and maintenance disagreements
- Tree damage, encroachment, and trimming rights
- Easement interpretation, access rights, and encroachments
- Adverse possession and prescriptive easement claims
- Nuisance and trespass matters affecting property use
Have a matter that fits one of these areas?
Reach out and describe your situation. I'll tell you honestly whether I can help and what your options look like.