Typical real estate services include advice, counseling, document review, drafting and negotiation in the following areas:

• Purchase, sale and exchange of commercial and residential property of all types;

• Real estate financing, including security instruments, residential and construction mortgages;

• Preparation and plotting of legal descriptions, deeds and mortgages;

• Land use and development, including subdivision, zoning, restrictive covenants, environmental concerns and eminent domain, including appearances before governmental bodies or commissions;

• Mortgage foreclosures, mechanics’ lien matters and general workout considerations;

• Office, retail and residential leases for both landlords and tenants;

• Commercial and residential evictions;

• Title examinations, closings and title insurance;

• Real estate tax and assessment issues and protests;

• Partnership and joint venture agreements;

• Multiple-unit projects, common interest communities including condominiums and planned unit developments.

Real estate law is so complex, and the areas affect are so diverse and broad, that each of the above could require an entire firm just to represent a single case!  Your best bet is to ask your own attorney first if they have substantial experience in real estate law.  If they do not, ask them if they can refer you to one of their colleagues who does.  You can also ask friends and colleages if they have had a recent positive experience using a real estate attorney.  Always ask for and check references.

Above all, be sure to interview several – 3 or 4 at a minimum – Chicago | Cook county real estate attorneys before making a decision to hire one to represent you.