Resources

If you've ever paid a city sticker violation, a fire hydrant ticket, or certain other parking fines in Chicago between 2012 and 2022, there's a good chance the city charged you more than the law allowed. A Cook County judge just said so — officially, in a written order — and the fallout could be enormous.

You work hard, you save up, you buy land — and then someone else ends up owning it. Sound impossible? In Illinois, it happens more often than you'd think. A recent Illinois appellate court decision is a vivid reminder that an old legal doctrine called adverse possession — what most people know as "squatter's rights" — is alive, well, and packing a punch.

A few months ago I wrote about the dangers of using AI as a substitute for an actual lawyer. That post featured an Illinois appellate case where unrepresented litigants submitted court briefs filled with AI-generated citations to cases that simply did not exist—so-called "hallucinations" from the AI—and paid a steep price for it. Cases involving AI-generated legal filings packed with fictitious citations keep coming. And with each new decision, it's becoming clear that courts are losing what little patience they had for this.

The Illinois Supreme Court's recent decision means that simply proving a technical violation of a consumer protection law might no longer be enough to bring a lawsuit in state courts. Now, plaintiffs must demonstrate a "concrete injury." But what exactly does that mean for you, the everyday consumer?

Chicago law provides that tenants earn interest on their security deposits. But for nearly a decade, Chicago renters have been earning essentially nothing on their security deposits. The interest rate on security deposits is set by a formula established by law, and calculated by the City of Chic...

The digital age has brought unprecedented financial freedom—but also unprecedented government reach into your digital wallet. If you own cryptocurrency, you may be wondering: Can federal agents actually seize my Bitcoin? What about my stablecoins? Is my cold storage wallet really safe? These aren't just hypothetical questions anymore. In 2025 alone, the U.S. government seized over $15 billion in cryptocurrency, and the legal landscape has fundamentally shifted.

In Illinois, the termination of parental rights is one of the most serious and permanent actions a court can take, severing the legal bond between a parent and child. If you are a parent facing this challenging situation, understanding the process and your rights is crucial.

Property Lines, Fences, and Neighbor Disputes: What Illinois Homeowners Need to Know If you're a homeowner in Illinois, you've probably wondered: Where exactly does my property end and my neighbor's begin? Maybe you're planning to install a fence, concerned about a neighbor's structure encroachi...

The U.S. State Department has announced a significant pause on immigrant visa processing affecting 75 countries worldwide. This policy change, set to take effect on January 21, 2026, will impact thousands of foreign nationals seeking to immigrate to the United States through consular processing abroad.

CTM Legal Group welcomes Tom Gallagher, whose background in legal ethics, professional responsibility, and appellate work supports the firm’s Corporate Litigation and Advisory practice.

CTM Legal Group welcomes Larsen Volk as an associate attorney in its Employment Law practice. Larsen brings experience in labor and employment matters, along with a background in public service and legal research.

CTM Legal Group welcomes Timothy J. O’Donoghue as a partner in its Criminal Defense practice. Tim brings extensive experience representing clients in serious criminal matters across Illinois and strengthens the firm’s depth in trial advocacy and case strategy.

We share this tribute with heavy hearts as we remember and honor the life of Bradley Alan Fuller. Bradley’s passing is a profound loss to his family, friends, colleagues, and the many people whose lives he touched through his work and kindness. At CTM Legal Group, he was more than a partner and leader—he was a trusted advocate, a mentor, and a steady presence whose integrity and compassion shaped our firm and our community. This post reflects on Bradley’s remarkable career, his unwavering commitment to justice, and the personal qualities that made him so deeply respected and loved.

You moved out in a hurry. Maybe you were evicted, maybe you left voluntarily, or maybe a family emergency pulled you away. Now you're back, and your belongings are gone. Your landlord claims they had the right to dispose of everything. But did they really? Or is this theft? This is one of the most common—and most heated—disputes between landlords and tenants. Let's break down what the law actually says about your property rights, and when your landlord crosses the line.

When Illinois legalized recreational cannabis in 2020, many people thought that meant marijuana was simply “legal” here. But the reality is far more complicated—and potentially dangerous if you don’t understand where the boundaries are.

If you've been in a car accident, you're probably wondering: Do I really need a lawyer? And if so, when should I hire one? These are critical questions, and the answers might surprise you.

The excitement of seeing "Out for Delivery" on your tracking app can quickly turn to frustration when you discover your package has vanished from your doorstep. Package theft—commonly known as "porch piracy"—has become an increasingly common problem, leaving consumers wondering: Can I sue the person who stole my package? And more importantly, should I?

On December 2, 2025, USCIS published a Policy Memorandum (“PM”) placing on hold all pending asylum applications regardless of the applicant’s nationality, as well as most USCIS benefit applications for individuals whether born in or holding citizenship from 19 countries considered “high risk.” The policy memorandum took effect on December 2, 2025, and, at this time, it has no specified expiration date.

For many entrepreneurs building innovative businesses in the United States, the dream of obtaining permanent residency can feel frustratingly out of reach. Unlike traditional employees who can rely on employer sponsorship, entrepreneurs face unique challenges in navigating the employment-based immigration system...

Receiving a denial notice for an EB-1A petition can be devastating. After months of preparing documentation, gathering expert letters, and articulating your achievements, a denial not only delays your path to permanent residency but can also create uncertainty about your immigration status and future in the United States.

For professionals seeking permanent residency without employer sponsorship through the EB-1A, understanding the ten regulatory criteria is essential. Misunderstanding what evidence satisfies each criterion can lead to wasted time, denied petitions, and missed opportunities. This guide breaks down each of the ten EB-1A criteria in clear, practical terms, with concrete examples and actionable guidance to help you assess eligibility and build a strong petition.

Both the EB-1A and EB-2 NIW offer significant advantages, including the ability to self-petition without employer sponsorship and no labor certification requirement. However, the eligibility criteria, evidentiary standards, and processing timelines differ substantially. This comprehensive guide will help you understand which option may be the best fit for your unique situation.

If you've recently purchased a home in a community governed by a Homeowners Association—or you're considering making such a purchase—you're probably wondering: When exactly do I become legally obligated to follow these rules? And perhaps more importantly: Which rules do I actually have to follow? These are questions we hear regularly from clients at CTM Legal Group, and the answers are more nuanced than most homeowners realize.

If you're going through a divorce or separation and can't agree with your co-parent about whether to vaccinate your child, you're not alone. This has become one of the most contentious issues in family court today, and many parents find themselves asking: Who actually has the legal right to make this decision?

With large-scale political demonstrations like the "No Kings" protests taking place across the country, many people are asking important questions about their legal rights and potential risks. Whether you're a first-time protester or an experienced activist, understanding the legal landscape can help you exercise your constitutional rights while minimizing your exposure to arrest or prosecution. At CTM Legal Group, we've been fielding numerous questions from clients concerned about participating in these high-stakes assemblies. Here are the most common legal questions we're hearing—and what you need to know.