Resources

Earlier this year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a groundbreaking rule banning most noncompete agreements nationwide. However, since our initial coverage of this development in April, the legal landscape has shifted significantly. A federal court in Texas has found the rule unenforceable and has issued a nationwide injunction blocking its implementation. While this ruling currently prevents the FTC’s ban from taking effect, the decision is being appealed, and the final outcome remains uncertain.

In the Chicagoland area, home inspections have long been a standard part of the real estate transaction process. After a seller accepts a buyer's offer, the buyer typically has a one-week window before closing to bring in a professional home inspector. This inspector examines the property for issues ranging from minor maintenance concerns to major structural problems. This inspection period represents a crucial opportunity for buyers to truly understand what they're purchasing—before it's too late.

By Delbert Carillo | At CTM Legal Group, we understand that every client’s legal matter is unique and has its own story. Our commitment to client satisfaction goes beyond providing legal help. Ultimately it is about valuing each client as a shared commitment to achieving the best possible outcome. We understand that a tailored resolution and approach is the most effective way to address legal concerns, ensuring that every client feels heard, respected, and valued.

Recent headlines have been buzzing with a unique proposition from the federal government: offers for federal employees to "resign" while continuing to receive payment without active work. While this might sound attractive at first glance, our legal team urges potential recipients to proceed with extreme caution.

The legal landscape surrounding slip-and-fall accidents on snow and ice in Illinois is complex, with a mix of common law rules that can determine whether you have grounds for a lawsuit. Let's break down the key principles. 

Divorce is a significant life decision that often comes with emotional and logistical challenges. If you’re considering filing for divorce in Illinois, understanding the initial steps can make the process more manageable. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you get started.

At the start of a business deal, both parties often feel aligned in their goals, optimistic about the future, and eager to get the paperwork signed. In this setting, it might seem convenient—even collaborative—to use the same lawyer for both sides. After all, if everyone agrees, why complicate things with extra lawyers? But as practical as this might sound, relying on a single attorney can lead to serious complications down the road which cost far more than any legal fees saved. While technically permitted by Illinois Supreme Court Rule 1.7—provided that informed consent is obtained from both parties in writing—using one lawyer for both sides of a business deal is rarely wise.

Did you know the State of Illinois might be holding unclaimed property that belongs to you? It could be an old bank account, an uncashed paycheck, or even insurance refunds. Companies that owe money but can’t locate the rightful owners are legally required to turn those funds over to the state.

At CTM Legal Group, we are committed to providing exceptional legal services tailored to our clients’ unique needs. To elevate the client experience, we are excited to announce the launch of our new Client Care Team. This team is dedicated exclusively to client success. They will work with all our clients, offering individualized guidance, helping navigate the legal process, and providing unwavering support throughout every step of their journey.

By Attorney Amanda Mitchell | The CTM Team is closely monitoring ongoing developments in U.S. immigration policy and anticipates significant changes under the incoming Trump administration in January 2025. Based on the former president's previous focus on restrictive immigration measures, the team expects potential shifts in key areas such as visa issuance, border security, and enforcement policies. These changes are likely to impact employment-based, family-based, and humanitarian immigration pathways, and introduce new challenges and opportunities for businesses and individuals alike.

By Attorney Conor Grealish | Before the year's end, Illinois will likely pass a new law that would amend the Illinois Condominium Property Act and Illinois Common Interest Community Association Act, creating new obligations for those entities. The Illinois House has recently passed HB 220, which would require associations to acquire a reserve study to assess the condition of the common areas and create a plan to maintain and repair those common areas. Associations who have not conducted a reserve study or have not obtained one within the last 5 years will be required to complete one by January 1, 2026, and then every 5 years after.

CTM Legal Group secured a significant settlement for a Chicago tenant after a four-year legal battle over a wrongfully withheld security deposit, highlighting the importance of tenant rights protection under the Chicago Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance (RLTO).

It is very important that a defendant involved in a criminal proceeding from the smallest petty traffic charge to the most egregious felony sets aside time to review the discovered materials obtained from the prosecution, especially since these materials may be used as evidence against him or her in a potential trial. 

CTM Legal Group is proud to welcome our newest International Intern Andrew Grech from our Alliance of Business Lawyers (ABL) partner firm David Zahra & Associates. Andrew Grech is from Malta, a European island nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea. His homeland is one of the smallest coun...

By Attorney John Tasch | If you've secured an FHA 203(k) loan to renovate your home, the process can be exciting. But what happens when your contractor draws funds from your loan and then disappears? This nightmare scenario leaves you with an unfinished project and depleted loan funds. Here, I’ll discuss your rights and remedies if you find yourself in this unfortunate situation.

By Attorney Megan Dedoncker | Child support is a critical aspect of family law designed to ensure the well-being and financial stability of children after their parents separate or divorce. In Illinois, the law makes sure these payments are fair and consistent. Sometimes, a parent might need to reduce or stop these payments for a while. This is called abatement. Knowing how this works can help parents handle this tough situation. Having a lawyer from CTM Legal Group can make this process easier and more successful.

By Attorney Amanda Mitchell | On June 18, 2024, the Biden Administration unveiled two new immigration policies that promise to reshape the landscape for hundreds of thousands of undocumented individuals in the U.S. These policies aim to address long-standing issues in the immigration system, offering new pathways and stability for mixed-status families and creating opportunities for talented, U.S.-educated DREAMers to join the American workforce.

By Attorney Sarah Albert | Insurance policies are essential safeguards that individuals and businesses rely on to protect themselves from various risks and liabilities. Within the realm of insurance law, two fundamental duties often come into play: the duty to defend and the duty to indemnify. These duties are particularly significant in the state of Illinois, where specific legal principles govern their application.

By Attorney Amanda Mitchell | Being terminated from a job can be an incredibly stressful experience, and this stress can be magnified when one's home and life in a foreign country are tied to their employment and a temporary nonimmigrant status. The sudden loss of income and the uncertainty of finding a new job within a limited timeframe can lead to immense financial and emotional strain. Unfortunately, this is currently not uncommon in the tech sector, where significant layoffs have directly impacted many nonimmigrant workers. As companies downsize and restructure, employees find themselves not only jobless but also facing the daunting prospect of having to navigate complex immigration processes and potentially leaving their established lives in the United States within 60 days. 

When buying or selling property in Chicagoland, it's essential to choose a real estate law firm that can handle litigation if the need arises. While no one enters a real estate transaction expecting to end up in court, disputes can and do happen. By selecting a law firm that is equipped to represent you in both transactional and litigation matters, you can ensure that your rights and interests are protected every step of the way.

In a move that has sparked intense debate across the business and labor spheres, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) voted 3-2 to ban noncompete agreements nationwide. For employers and workers alike seeking legal guidance on navigating this changing landscape, firms l...

Join us on April 25, 2024, as our esteemed Partner Sabreena El-Amin will be participating in a panel discussion on Section 7 Rights for Non-Union Employees at the prestigious Hot Topics in Contemporary Labor Relations Law Conference, hosted by Chicago-Kent College of Law.

By Attorney Amanda Mitchell | The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) has recently published important changes impacting immigration processes, aimed at alleviating backlogs and streamlining procedures. Here's what you need to know.

Lease termination allows tenants to legally break a rental contract early under certain exceptions where the landlord is not fulfilling their obligations. Common grounds include the landlord failing to maintain the property, prevent disturbances, or the tenant needing to relocate for personal reasons like a job. However, landlords rarely agree a tenant has the right to terminate, so hiring an experienced landlord-tenant lawyer is crucial to properly break the lease without penalties.