Real Estate Litigation and Transactional Services

Real Estate Litigation and Transactional Services


Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP has been servicing the needs of the real estate industry since 1992. The firm's extensive trial experience and reputation for courtroom excellence create the advantage necessary to obtain cost effective results in courtrooms and conference rooms. By pairing senior litigators with skilled associates, the firm assists real estate clients in achieving their goals in many areas, including:
 
Litigation and Loan Workouts: Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP represents a variety of lenders in routine and complex foreclosure proceedings, loan workouts and other real estate disputes across the Midwest. In the wake of the credit crisis, the firm formed a “Tiger Team” of young aggressive lawyers that represent lenders and other creditors in all types of contested real estate related litigation. In addition, the firm is experienced in handling forbearance agreements, consent foreclosures, lease enforcement, eviction, deeds in lieu of foreclosure, bankruptcy proceedings, mechanics liens, and creditors’ rights matters. 

Real Estate Transactions and Closings:
Firm attorneys negotiate, facilitate, and execute all types of real estate transactions. From purchase and sale agreements, property management contracts, lease agreements, and loan purchase agreements to closings, Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP provides practical advice, identifies risks, develops strategies, and overcomes hurdles throughout the real estate transaction. Attorneys at the firm have vast experience in the acquisition and disposition of commercial, retail, industrial and residential property. Most importantly, they drive deals to the finish line. 

Landlord-Tenant Disputes:
 Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP represents commercial landlords and property managers in a wide array of tenant-related disputes. Forcible entry and detainer, CAM fights and easement disputes are routinely and efficiently resolved on behalf of clients. Whether working for the largest property management companies in Illinois or the owners of a single building, firm attorneys work closely with clients to identify client goals and maximize client recovery. They are active members in area industry groups such as the Institute of Real Estate Management and frequently lecture on landlord-tenant matters.

Zoning, Development and Land Use:
The firm represents land developers, lending institutions and units of local government in the frequently collaborative, but occasionally combative areas of land development and land use, including zoning, annexation, planned developments and condemnation matters. Firm attorneys have substantial experience in negotiating and drafting annexation and development agreements, which help to assure that clients can develop their property in a time and cost-efficient manner that is consistent with their goals. Through close consultation with clients, members of the Real Estate Litigation and Transactional Services Practice Group guide clients through the often challenging development process before zoning and legislative bodies and, when necessary, through the litigation that ensues from this process.

Condominium and Homeowners Associations:
The firm represents property managers, condominium and homeowners association boards in the myriad and diverse legal problems they may confront. From simple enforcement of dues to more complicated evictions due to criminal conduct, the firm’s litigation expertise is brought to bear to assist our clients. 


News

Chicago, Lisle, Libertyville, St. Louis, Madison County, August 17, 2023
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Named to 2024 Best Lawyers, Ones to Watch Lists
Fifty-five Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP attorneys were named to the 2024 Best Lawyers in America® and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America™ lists.

Chicago, December 9, 2021
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Welcomes Lateral Associate, New Law School Graduates
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP announces that one lateral attorney and four new law graduates have joined the firm's Chicago office as associates.

Chicago, February 2, 2021
Illinois Super Lawyers Recognizes 25 Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP announces that 12 attorneys have been named n to the 2021 Illinois Super Lawyers list and 13 have been named to the Illinois Rising Stars list.

Chicago, Lisle, Libertyville, Madison County, January 11, 2021
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Named Leading Lawyers, Emerging Lawyers for 2021
Those designated Leading Lawyers were recommended by their peers to be among the top lawyers in Illinois.

Chicago, December 11, 2020
Cooke, Keating Secure Reversal in Illinois Appellate Court of Contempt Order and Trial Court's Enforcement of Unsigned Settlement Agreement
Cooke and Keating obtained the reversal of a contempt order in connection with the enforcement of an unsigned settlement agreement.

Chicago, December 16, 2019
Lateral Partner Joins Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP's Commercial Litigation Practice
Harkness focuses his practice on commercial litigation, manufacturing disputes, partnership and membership disputes, class action defense, intellectual property litigation, and real estate litigation.

Chicago, April 16, 2018
Kincaid Speaks to Illinois Association of County Zoning Officials
Kincaid spoke at the Illinois Association of County Zoning Officials Spring Conference at Starved Rock State Park in Utica, Illinois.

Chicago, March 22, 2018
Kincaid Speaks at DePaul Business and Commercial Law Journal Symposium
This year's symposium focuses on "Lending & Litigating: A Look into Chicago's Commercial Real Estate Market."


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Chicago, October 2, 2017
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Celebrates 25th Anniversary, Continued Growth
In recognition of its 25th anniversary year, Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP has made a monthly donation to a non-profit with whom the firm has a strong relationship.

Chicago, April 20, 2016
Skiko, Keating, Kincaid Provide Update on Medical Marijuana in Property Management
As part of a panel moderated by partner Joseph P. Kincaid, Keating and Skiko discussed the implications of medical marijuana on real estate.

Chicago, January 12, 2016
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Names New Partners
Clyder and Haddox practice in Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP’s Chicago office, while Henne practices in the firm’s Libertyville office.

Chicago, September 22, 2015
Kincaid, Murray and Becker Speak at ISBA Commercial Banking CLE
They spoke on both "Fraudulent Transfers, Successor Liability, Alter Ego, and Veil Piercing" and Judgment Enforcement against a Member in an LLC."

Chicago, August 4, 2015
McCaskey Named to DRI Young Lawyers Steering Committee
He will serve in the role for 2015-2016.

Chicago, May 5, 2015
McCaskey Elected to State Bar of Wisconsin's Non-Resident Lawyer Division's Board of Directors for
The Nonresident Lawyers Division provides nonresident members opportunities for participation in the governance of the State Bar.

Libertyville, April 21, 2015
Goles Provides FOIA Overview to Lake County Government Officials
Goles is presenting at a Lake County Bar Association seminar on "Laws Every Local Government Official Needs to Know."

Chicago, April 2, 2015
Medical Marijuana in Property Management Discussed at Kincaid, Skiko, Keating Presentation
The three attorneys will discuss the implications of medical marijuana on real estate.

Chicago, January 13, 2014
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Names New Equity, Non-Equity Partners
Two were elected equity partners and two were elected non-equity partners.

Libertyville, April 24, 2013
Pardys, Goles Present at Seminar for Local Government Officials
Pardys and Goles will address FOIA and The Gift Ban during their presentation.


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