“Being a general practitioner allows me to work on varied projects. That variety stimulates creative analysis and helps me to find the best solutions for my clients. It keeps me sharp for all my clients.”
People don’t often associate “law” with “creativity.”
Client Stories
Keith successfully defended a couple in the Lake County, Illinois, foreclosure of their home for over two years –with no end in sight. Eventually, the lender replaced its foreclosure attorneys. The lender’s new attorneys made a “cash for keys” settlement offer, which Keith’s clients accepted. Benefits for Keith’s clients included: (1) avoiding a deficiency judgment, (2) being paid thousands of dollars by the lender to leave, and (3) a chance to start rebuilding their credit.*
An Illinois investor contracted to purchase a 40% vacant shopping center. The anchor tenant’s lease was expiring in two years. The purchase contract terms included a lengthy due diligence period. It also permitted the buyer to negotiate leases and extensions that would become effective when the purchase closed. Leases, effective at closing, raised occupancy to 95%. The anchor tenant signed a new 40-year lease. Upon closing, the Center’s value had increased by millions of dollars above the purchase price. Within 2 years, the buyer sold the center for a nearly 100% profit. *Note: Situations, facts, and results vary. Past success or performance may not be indicative of future results.*
A West Coast company acquired the international company’s U.S. food products division. The existing business operations were scattered over several separate locations.
The strategic plan included consolidating all operations at a single site. During due diligence before the acquisition closed, lease extensions were negotiated for all sites with simultaneous expiration dates. At the same time, he created a shared-use lease for a huge, under-utilized modern facility. That allowed the business to consolidate all operations into one modern building, with space for additional growth, boost efficiency, and reduce operating costs.*
An older man owned a small apartment building. He wanted his wife to be able to live in it for as long as she liked if he died first. However, 1) she would not be able to manage it, 2) the building was not large enough to support paying a management company, and 3) she might need the income it would generate.
After analyzing alternatives, Keith suggested the building be converted to condominiums. All units would be sold except the one occupied by the couple. They would be free from the expense and responsibility of leasing, maintaining, and managing the building but would still have their home. Condominium sales would generate capital gains income the couple could invest, leaving what they did not spend to their heirs.*
A mother wanted to use some of her wealth for her adult children’s immediate benefit without tax consequences. Keith structured home mortgages from the mother to her children. The principal is due at maturity, her children pay a low interest rate, the mother receives a nominal return, and there is no gift tax.*
*Note: Situations, facts, and results vary. Past success or performance may not be indicative of future results.