# The Chicagoland Lawyer

> Illinois law firm of Justin Abdilla (Abdilla & Associates, ARDC #6308444): flat-fee real estate closings, landlord-side evictions, LLC formation and business sales, foreclosure defense, identity protection, and IDFPR license defense. All services under Illinois law.

Attorney-written educational content. Permissions: summarize, reference, and index with attribution; do not reproduce full page content. Not legal advice; no attorney-client relationship is formed by reading this site. Contact: (630) 839-9195. Content current as of August 2026.

## Eviction and Landlord Services

- [5-Day Notice Illinois: Deadlines, Weekends, What Comes Next](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/5-day-notice-illinois/): Does the 5 days count weekends? What happens in Cook County after it expires? Free 5, 10 and 30-day notices plus service rules that hold up. Flat-fee attorney.
- [Chicago Landlord Attorney: Evictions, RLTO, Leases, Notices](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/chicago-landlord-attorney/): Legal help for Chicagoland landlords in one place: evictions by county, RLTO defense, lease drafting, notices, and problem tenants. Other firms turn small landlords away.; we don't
- [Chicago Eviction Attorney](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/chicago_evictions/): Chicago eviction attorney with flat $1,600 fee. No hourly billing, no surprises. Free consultation. We handle contested trials at no extra cost. Call (630) 839-9195.
- [Chicago Commercial Eviction Attorney](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/chicago_evictions/commercial/): Chicago commercial eviction attorney. Flat $2,000 fee includes all expenses. Attorney's fees recoverable. Retail, salon, industrial. No ERP delays.
- [DuPage Eviction Attorney](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/dupage_evictions/): DuPage County eviction attorney. $895 flat fee, contested cases included. Serving Naperville, Wheaton, Downers Grove & all of DuPage. Call (630) 839-9195.
- [You Have an Eviction Judgment. Now What?](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/eviction-judgment/): The exact Daley Center walkthrough after an eviction judgment: the three documents, certified copies at the Clerk, Sheriff verification, the $65 placement, and what happens before 
- [Illinois Eviction Guide for Landlords: Notices, Courts, Costs](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/eviction-resources/): How eviction works in Illinois county by county: which notice to serve, how long it takes, what it costs in Cook, DuPage and Kane, and the forms. Free notices.
- [Evicting a Tenant Without a Lease in Illinois: The Complete Guide](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/eviction-without-a-lease-illinois/): No written lease? Illinois lets you evict with a 30-day notice and a one-page court affidavit. The full process, plus the free official form, from a flat-fee eviction attorney.
- [Illinois Eviction Process Explained: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/illinois-eviction-process/): The Illinois eviction process, step by step: notice, filing, court, sheriff. Written by an attorney who files 150+ evictions/year. Flat fees $895-$1,600.
- [Chicago RLTO Defense Attorney](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/rlto-defense/): Chicago Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance defense. Flat-fee representation for RLTO violations. Protect your rental. Free consultation.

## Landlord and Eviction Guides

- [When the Illinois Eviction Moratorium Ended (Oct 3, 2021)](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/2021/09/20/eviction-moratorium-ends-in-illinois-on-october-3/): The Illinois eviction moratorium is over on October 3. Get your documents together and notices now to beat the rush and protect yourself.
- [Chicago Short-Term Rental Rules: Airbnb Ordinance Explained](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/2023/02/23/short-term-rental-chicago/): Chicago's Short Term Rental laws are not going to change anytime soon. Learn how a February 2023 Court case affects your rights to Air BNB.
- [Early Resolution Program - Eviction Lawyer Explains #2](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/2023/04/18/early-resolution-program/): Discover Chicago's Early Resolution Program (ERP) benefits for landlords and tenants. Resolve eviction disputes efficiently.
- [Ask an Eviction Lawyer 3: How Do Tenants Get Into Rental Trouble](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/2023/04/19/tenant-trouble/): Discover common pitfalls tenants face in rentals with 'Ask an Eviction Lawyer 3: How Do Tenants Get Into Rental Trouble' at The Chicagoland Lawyer.
- [Commercial Lease Lawyer Explains Whats Best for Your Business](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/2023/05/04/commercial-leases/): Discover great advice from a commercial lease lawyer at Abdilla Law. We make complex lease agreements simple to help your business grow.
- [Block 606: Chicago Tenant Right of First Refusal](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/2025/04/29/block-606-tenant-right-of-first-refusal-chicago/): Selling a home in Chicago’s Block 606? Learn about the new tenant right of first refusal law, who it affects, and how to comply or risk major fines.
- [How to Handle Late Rent Payments in Illinois (Zelle Rules)](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/2025/07/10/how-to-handle-late-rent-payments-zelle/): Learn how to handle late rent payments in Cook County, including pay-and-stay rules and how to handle surprise Zelle payments from tenants.
- [Security Deposit Law in Chicago, Illinois - Complete How-To Guide](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/2026/04/02/security-deposit-law/): Illinois security deposit law from a landlord attorney: the 2024 change that covers ALL landlords, Chicago RLTO rules, Cook County RTLO caps, and deadlines.
- [Ask an Eviction Lawyer: Understanding the Chicago RLTO](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/2026/04/06/ask-an-eviction-lawyer-5-understanding-the-chicago-rlto/): Discover essential insights on Chicago's Residential Landlord-Tenant Ordinance (RLTO) - understand rights and action for landlords & tenants.
- [Ask an Eviction Lawyer 4: Tips for Landlords to Avoid Lawsuits](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/2026/04/07/tips-for-landlords/): Discover essential tips for Chicago landlords to navigate rental laws, maximize property mgmt efficiency, and maintain tenant satisfaction.
- [Squatters Rights in Illinois: What They Are and How to Remove Squatters](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/2026/04/08/how-to-evict-squatters/): Squatters rights in Illinois do not include ownership. A squatter needs 20 years for adverse possession. A Chicago eviction lawyer explains the rights squatters have and the remova
- [Free 2026 Chicago Lease Template (RLTO & Cook County Rules)](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/2026/04/10/chicago-lease-agreement/): Chicago lease compliance from a landlord attorney: RLTO deposit rules, late fee caps, required disclosures, and the new Illinois rental fee law (HB 3564).
- [Tenant Used a Fake Identity? Illinois Landlord's Guide](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/2026/07/11/tenant-fake-identity/): Your tenant isn't who the lease says they are. A Chicago eviction lawyer explains how to remove a fake-identity tenant and the traps that get landlords sued.
- [Ending a Tenancy in Jackson Park: Chicago's New Pilot Rules](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/2026/07/16/end-tenancy-jackson-park/): Chicago's Jackson Park pilot gives Woodlawn and South Shore tenants 90-180 day notice rights and a right of first refusal when you sell. A Chicago eviction lawyer decodes MCC § 5-1
- [Did My Tenant Abandon the Property? Chicago RLTO Rules](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/2026/07/16/tenant-abandoned-apartment/): The unit looks empty and the rent stopped. A Chicago eviction lawyer explains the RLTO's 21-day and 32-day abandonment rules, and when changing the locks becomes an illegal lockout
- [Tenant Claims Retaliatory Eviction? Illinois Landlord Guide](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/2026/07/16/tenant-claims-retaliation/): Your tenant says the eviction is retaliation. A Chicago eviction lawyer explains RLTO § 5-12-150, the new Illinois Landlord Retaliation Act, the one-year presumption, and how landl
- [Tenant Won't Let You In? Chicago Landlord Access Rights](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/2026/07/16/tenant-refuses-entry/): Your tenant refuses entry for repairs, inspections, or showings. A Chicago eviction lawyer explains the RLTO's two-day notice rule and how to lawfully enforce your right of access.
- [Evicting a Section 8 Tenant in Illinois: What Changes and What Does Not](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/2026/08/14/evicting-section-8-tenant/): You can evict a Section 8 tenant in Illinois for nonpayment of the tenant portion or a lease violation. You cannot evict for the voucher itself. A flat-fee eviction lawyer explains
- [Sheriff Not Enforcing Your Eviction? The 120-Day Trap](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/2026/08/14/sheriff-eviction-delay/): You won the eviction, but the sheriff has not come. A Cook County lawyer explains the sheriff queue, the 120-day limit under 735 ILCS 5/9-117, and the motion to extend.
- [Tenant Died Mid-Lease? Illinois Landlord's Guide](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/2026/08/14/tenant-died-mid-lease/): Your tenant died. The lease did not. A Chicago eviction lawyer explains who speaks for the estate, and the lawful way to get your unit back.
- [How to Evict a Difficult Tenant in Illinois](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/2026/08/17/evict-difficult-tenant/): You cannot evict a tenant just for being difficult. An Illinois eviction lawyer explains what counts as a legal ground, the damage exception, and the non-renewal exit.

## Selling Your Business

- [Earnouts: How Sellers Get Burned (and How Not To)](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/start-llc/earnouts/): Illinois attorney explains earnouts in small business sales: why buyers propose them, how sellers get burned by buyer-controlled metrics, and the protective terms that make earnout
- [Getting Your LLC Ready to Sell (Start Two Years Early)](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/start-llc/exit-ready-llc/): Illinois attorney explains how to make your LLC exit ready two years before a sale: clean accrual books, written customer contracts, entity hygiene, and running the buyer's diligen
- [Before You Sign That Letter of Intent](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/start-llc/letter-of-intent/): Illinois attorney explains what a letter of intent actually binds, why exclusivity ends your leverage, how buyers retrade the price during diligence, and which terms to lock before
- [How to Sell Your LLC in Illinois](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/start-llc/sell-my-business/): Illinois attorney guides you through selling an LLC: asset sale vs membership sale, tax clearance, stop tax orders, operating agreement amendments, and closing.
- [Seller Financing a Business Sale: The Note You're About to Carry](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/start-llc/seller-financing/): Illinois attorney explains seller financing in a business sale: underwriting your buyer, securing the note with a UCC filing, SBA standby terms, default remedies, and why a big pri
- [Someone Wants to Buy My Business. Now What?](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/start-llc/someone-wants-to-buy-my-business/): Illinois attorney explains what to do when a search fund, private equity firm, or competitor sends an unsolicited offer for your business: who these buyers are, why the first lette
- [What Is My Business Actually Worth?](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/start-llc/what-is-my-business-worth/): Illinois attorney explains how small businesses are really valued: SDE vs EBITDA, add-backs, what moves the multiple, and why the headline price is not what you pocket.

## LLC Formation and Operations

- [LLC for Rental Property: Why Forming an LLC is a Smart Move](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/2023/03/03/llc-for-rental-property/): An LLC for Rental Property is a smart move to protect your assets & minimize your risks. Explores the benefits of LLCs for rental property.
- [LLC Mortgage Lenders and Loan Requirements for Rental Property](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/2023/03/08/rental-mortgages-for-llcs/): Can an LLC qualify for a mortgage? Yes. I explain which lenders offer LLC mortgages, the loan requirements, and the documents you need. From an Illinois attorney.
- [Your First LLC, Stage by Stage](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/first-llc/): Forming your first Illinois LLC, stage by stage: the name, Articles of Organization, Operating Agreement, FEIN and licenses, and the 2025 compliance rules. Flat fee $750, state fil
- [Illinois LLC for Rental Property](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/start-llc/): Why a landlord uses an attorney instead of a filing service: operating agreement, 2026 veil-piercing law, deed transfer, and lender consent. $750 flat. Free consult.
- [LLC Annual Meeting & Meeting Minutes in Illinois](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/start-llc/annual-meeting/): Illinois LLCs are not required to hold annual meetings, and 805 ILCS 180/10-10(c) says formality lapses alone will not cost you the veil. Minutes still matter as evidence. Attorney
- [Illinois LLC Annual Report Filing](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/start-llc/annual-report/): Illinois attorney files your LLC annual report for $200 flat fee, state filing fee included. Miss the deadline and your LLC dissolves. Reinstatements $250.
- [How to Add or Remove LLC Members in Illinois](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/start-llc/change-llc-members/): How to change LLC ownership in Illinois: add a member, remove a member, transfer interests, and handle tax consequences. Flat-fee amendments.
- [How to Dissolve an LLC in Illinois](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/start-llc/dissolve-llc/): Illinois LLC dissolution from $250. I handle CBS-1 tax clearance, Articles of Dissolution, EIN closure, and creditor notice. 8-10 weeks.
- [Form Your Own Illinois LLC or Have an Attorney Do It?](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/start-llc/diy-llc-vs-attorney/): You can file an Illinois LLC on the state portal in about 20 minutes. The state fee is $150. DIY works for an LLC that will never own property. For a rental building, hire me. My f
- [Illinois LLC Compliance](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/start-llc/illinois-llc-compliance/): Illinois attorney files your LLC annual report, acts as registered agent, and keeps your liability shield intact. Flat yearly fee. Free 15-minute consult.
- [A LegalZoom Alternative for Illinois Rental Property LLCs](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/start-llc/legalzoom-alternative-illinois/): Leaving LegalZoom? I am an Illinois attorney. I compare verified August 2026 prices, concede what LegalZoom does well, and explain my $750 flat fee for a rental property LLC.
- [Can Your LLC Sue Without a Lawyer in Illinois?](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/start-llc/llc-court-representation/): Illinois law prohibits LLCs from appearing in court without a licensed attorney. Your case gets dismissed, you lose $500+ in fees, and you start over.
- [LLC vs. S-Corp for Illinois Rental Property: Which Is Better?](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/start-llc/llc-vs-s-corp/): Illinois landlords don't need an S-Corp. Rental income is already exempt from self-employment tax. An S-Corp adds $4,000-$8,000/yr in costs for zero benefit.
- [Illinois LLC Operating Agreement](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/start-llc/operating-agreement/): Custom Illinois LLC operating agreements. $750 flat fee includes formation + agreement. Death/buyback, real property authorization, and tax clauses included.
- [How Real Estate Income Is Taxed in Illinois](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/start-llc/real-estate-earnings-taxes/): How rental and fix-and-flip income are taxed in Illinois. Rental income: no SE tax. Flip income: dealer status, SE tax, ordinary rates. LLC attorney explains.
- [Illinois Registered Agent for LLC: Who to Hire](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/start-llc/registered-agent/): Illinois LLC registered agent requirements explained. Who can serve, why CT Corporation is best, and how to appoint or change your agent.
- [Series LLC vs S Corp for Illinois Rental Property](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/start-llc/series-llc-vs-s-corp/): Your CPA said S corp. A video said one lawsuit can take every building. An Illinois attorney explains which fear each structure fixes, and the cost. $1,050 flat.
- [Illinois Series LLC for Rental Property](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/start-llc/series-llc/): Illinois attorney forms Series LLCs for landlords. $1,050 flat fee includes $400 state filing. Protect each property in its own series with liability walls.
- [Transfer Property to an LLC in Illinois](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/start-llc/transfer-property-into-llc/): Does deeding a mortgaged rental to your LLC trigger the due-on-sale clause? Illinois transfer-tax exemption, warranty deed, lender consent, recording. $100/deed.

## Real Estate Services

- [Chicago Home-Selling Attorney](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/home-selling-attorney/): Find the best lawyer for selling your home. Chicago Real estate Lawyers will get you a quick and successful sale. Call us!
- [Chicago Real Estate Attorney](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/real-estate-services/): Flat-fee Illinois real estate attorney. Buyer closings $500, seller-side FREE, LLC $750. Contract review, title, closing-day representation. Free consult.
- [Illinois Closing Attorney](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/real-estate-services/closing-attorney/): Flat-fee closing attorney. Buyer-side $500 (+$150/unit), seller-side FREE when we are the title agent. Contract review through closing day. Call (630) 839-9195.
- [Chicago Construction Defect Attorney](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/real-estate-services/construction-lawyer/): Construction defect attorney for Chicago real estate. Flat-fee representation, plain-English updates, one point of contact. Free consultation.
- [Illinois FSBO Attorney](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/real-estate-services/fsbo-attorney/): Flat-fee FSBO attorney. Contract, closing, and transfer-tax help so you can sell without a realtor and keep the commission. Free consult.
- [Chicago Investor Attorney](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/real-estate-services/investor-services/): Flat-fee attorney for Illinois investors: LLC formation $750, closings $500, evictions $895-$1,600. We welcome small landlords other firms reject.
- [Multi-Board 8.0 Contract Guide](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/real-estate-services/multiboard-80-guide/): Complete guide to the Illinois Multi-Board 8.0 residential real estate contract. Every clause explained with attorney tips, NAR settlement changes, and key case law.
- [Illinois Partition Attorney](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/real-estate-services/partition-action/): Bought property together and splitting up? Illinois partition attorney forces a fair sale or buyout. Flat-fee, no hourly billing. Free consult.
- [Your Own Closing Lawyer or the Realtor's Pick?](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/real-estate-services/your-own-lawyer-vs-realtors-pick/): Your realtor offers an attorney referral. The referred attorney is usually fine. Learn the incentives first. Flat fee: $500 buyer side, free seller side. Call (630) 839-9195.
- [Chicago Zoning Attorney](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/real-estate-services/zoning-attorney/): Illinois zoning attorney for variances, rezoning, special-use permits and planned developments. Flat-fee pricing, no hourly billing. Free consult.
- [Sell Your Home Without a Realtor in Illinois](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/sell-without-a-realtor/): FSBO in Illinois, town by town: Aurora, Berwyn, Wheaton and every municipality. Transfer stamps, inspections, and the closing paperwork your village requires.

## Buying and Selling Guides

- [Chicago Gardening Laws - Grow in 2020](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/2020/04/15/chicago-gardening-laws/): Chicago Gardening laws are tight about what you can do in your yard. The City collects millions in fines. Learn how to make your yard beautiful in 2020
- [Best Time to Buy a House? Right Now](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/2020/04/22/spring2020-best-time-to-buy/): Spring 2020 is the best time to buy a house in Chicago. With COVID19, values have never been lower. We found the data that shows how you can make money.
- [For Sale By Owner - 6 FAQs from the Chicagoland Lawyer](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/2020/04/26/for-sale-by-owner-faq/): For Sale By Owner? Get answers to 6 common FAQs from a Chicagoland lawyer to navigate your real estate transaction with confidence. Learn More!
- [Dual Agency in Illinois: Rights, Realtors & Attorneys](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/2020/05/10/dual-agency/): Dual Agency agreements trade risk for savings. Learn how your Real Estate Attorney can Double-Check your Realtor when you buy or sell with dual agency.
- [Remote Closings in Illinois: Is Contactless Closing Legal?](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/2020/05/13/remote-closing-attorney/): Contactless closing is a great idea but is it legal? Protect yourself from the virus and from fraud in remote closing. Guide from a Real Estate Attorney.
- [Real Estate Advertising Law in Illinois - Ethical Sales](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/2023/02/16/real-estate-advertising-law/): Chicagoland Lawyer discusses the do's and don'ts of IL real estate advertising law and ethics to help you sell houses ethically. New for 2023
- [Danville Real Estate Closing Lawyer - Vermillion County Closings](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/2023/02/27/danville-closing-lawyer/): Few attorneys do real estate closings in Vermillion County and Danville. Get a hassle-free and smooth transaction on your own terms.
- [Do You Need an Illinois Real Estate Attorney to Buy or Sell in IL?](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/2023/05/09/illinois-real-estate-attorney/): Why do YOU need an Illinois Real Estate Attorney? Ensure your transaction, protect your interests, handle paperwork, and resolve title issues.
- [Maximize Your Business Security with a Due Diligence Attorney](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/2023/05/15/due-diligence-lawyer/): Safeguard your business interests. Learn how a due diligence attorney can help protect your investments and secure your future.
- [Why We Oppose the Biden Homebuyer Tax Credit](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/2024/03/08/we-wont-be-bribed-dont-support-the-biden-homebuyer-tax-credit/): Discover why The Chicagoland Lawyer opposes the Biden Homebuyer Tax Credit. Stand with us against bribery and unfair housing policies. Read More!
- [Attorney Review and Due Diligence](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/2026/03/29/attorney-review/): Don't lose your due diligence period by failing to act! Use the attorney review provision when you buy your Chicago home. Learn More!
- [Real Estate Disclosures in Illinois - Disclosure Form + FSBO Law](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/2026/04/01/real-estate-disclosure/): Illinois Real Estate Disclosure Law including the real estate disclosure form, for sale by owner disclosures & more. Don't get sued!
- [Paid Assessment Letter Guide for Chicago Sellers](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/2026/04/03/paid-assessment-letter/): Finding out how to get the Paid Assessment Letter written by your HoA can be frustrating. Learn what goes into getting your condo sold.
- [Selling a House As Is in Illinois: What You Actually Lose](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/2026/04/10/selling-a-house-as-is/): Illinois real estate attorney breaks down the costs of selling a house as is, from closing fees to disclosure. $330,000 home sale case study.
- [Illinois Tax Sale Law Changed in 2026: Owner and Investor Guide](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/2026/07/22/illinois-tax-sale-reform/): Illinois rewrote its property tax sale system in July 2026. A Chicago real estate lawyer explains the new tax deed auctions, the 3-year redemption period, surplus equity refunds, a
- [Someone Not on the Lease Lives in My Rental: Illinois Guide](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/2026/08/14/unauthorized-occupant/): Your tenant moved someone in without permission. Learn the guest versus occupant line and the Chicago RLTO sublet rule. Then serve the 10-day notice that removes an unauthorized oc

## Investing and Finance Guides

- [Chicago Mortgage Attorney Guide to Conventional vs FHA](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/2020/05/04/chicago-mortgage-attorney/): Buying without your finances in order can cost 1000s annually. Let your Chicago Mortgage Attorney figure out how to save that money.
- [Wholesaling Houses in Illinois: An Attorney's Guide](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/2023/02/19/wholesaling-houses/): If you're wholesaling houses in Illinois there are rules you need to know. Learn SB1872 and wholesaling real estate for beginners.
- [Short Sale Guide for 2023 with Free Short Sale Calculator](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/2023/03/21/short-sale-guide/): How does a short sale work in Illinois? 2023 guide for buys and sells, including free calculator, free templates and support. Save your house
- [1031 Exchange: Deadlines, Reverse 1031s, Step-by-Step](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/2023/03/27/1031-exchange/): 1031 exchange rules, deadlines and reverse 1031s - defer capital-gains tax and keep more profit. Step-by-step guide from a flat-fee Illinois real estate attorney.
- [Cut My Mortgage in Half - How Paying Ahead Pays More](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/2023/05/04/cut-my-mortgage/): You can cut your mortgage in half by paying it more strategically. Amazing tips inside for getting equity and building generational wealth.
- [Mastering Creative Finance: Subject To and Wrap Mortgages](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/2023/05/11/subject-to/): Dive into non-traditional real estate strategies. Learn the intricacies of Subject To and Wrap mortgages to enhance your investment prowess.
- [The Carrington Short Sale Guide](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/2024/03/22/carrington-short-sale-guide/): Selling your home in a short sale helps you move on without big debts. Let's look into how to start fresh with Carrington Mortgage.
- [The Truist Short Sale Guide](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/2024/03/22/truist-short-sale-guide/): Financial setbacks can happen to anyone, and can be overwhelming. Learn how to do a short sale with Truist Bank to escape debt.
- [Chicago Cap Rates 2026: What's a Good Rate by Asset Class](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/2026/03/31/what-is-a-good-cap-rate-in-chicago/): Chicago cap rate benchmarks for 2026: multifamily, commercial, office, industrial. Attorney-written analysis.

## Foreclosure and Short Sales

- [Illinois Foreclosure Process: 7 Steps](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/foreclosure-guide/): A Chicago foreclosure attorney explains every step of Illinois foreclosure, from first missed payment to sheriff sale. Free 30-minute consultation.
- [Illinois Short Sale Guide 2026](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/shortsales/): Complete Illinois short sale guide from a flat-fee attorney. Bank negotiation, hardship packages, seller-side help. No hourly billing. Free consult.

## Creative Financing

- [Creative Financing Attorney IL](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/creative-financing/): Flat-fee attorney for creative real estate: subject-to $2,000, wraps $2,000, lease-options $1,500. TILA-compliant. No hourly billing. Free consult.
- [Due-on-Sale Clause Explained](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/creative-financing/due-on-sale/): Illinois attorney explains the due-on-sale clause for investors: Garn-St. Germain exemptions, land trust mitigation, and what to do if the note is called.
- [Illinois Land Trust vs. LLC: Which Protects Your Property?](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/creative-financing/land-trust/): Illinois land trust attorney. Privacy from public records, due-on-sale mitigation, trust + LLC structures for investors. $750 standalone.
- [Illinois Lease Option Attorney](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/creative-financing/lease-option/): Illinois lease option attorney. Lease + separate option agreement, option premiums, rent credits. 40+ creative finance deals closed. $1,500 flat fee.
- [Seller Finance Attorney](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/creative-financing/seller-finance/): Illinois attorney for seller financing and private loans: promissory note, recorded mortgage, UCC-1, personal guarantee. $2,000 flat fee.
- [Subject-To Attorney Illinois](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/creative-financing/subject-to/): Illinois subject-to attorney. Full document stack: land trust, DPOA, disclosures, LLC structuring. 27+ sub-to deals closed. $2,000 flat fee.
- [Wrap Mortgage Attorney Illinois](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/creative-financing/wrap-mortgage/): Illinois wrap-around mortgage attorney. TILA/RESPA-compliant docs: promissory note, recorded mortgage, full disclosures. $2,000 flat fee.

## Identity Protection and Privacy

- [Delete Yourself From the Internet: A Lawyer's 2026 Guide](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/delete-me/): Attorney's free guide to wiping yourself off data brokers, people-search sites, and Google. Includes the opt-out list and statutory deletion scripts.
- [Someone Using Your Photos? Online Impersonation Lawyer Illinois](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/identity-protection/): Fake profiles using your photos? Illinois impersonation attorney investigates with facial recognition, sends DMCA takedowns & files lawsuits. Free consult.
- [Illinois Deepfake Laws 2026: 6 Statutes That Protect You](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/identity-protection/deepfake-laws-illinois/): 6 Illinois statutes protect you from deepfakes: BIPA, Right of Publicity, Class 4 felony, up to $10K statutory damages. Attorney guide on how to sue.
- [Fake Google Review Lawyer Chicago](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/identity-protection/false-reviews/): Google's removal tool didn't work? Chicago defamation attorney gets fake reviews taken down. Most cases resolve for $750-$1,500. Free case review.
- [Remove a Fake Google Review: 2026 Chicago Attorney Guide](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/identity-protection/false-reviews/google-review-removal-tool/): How to flag and remove fake Google reviews step-by-step. What to do when Google rejects your report. Chicago defamation attorney. (630) 839-9195.
- [Stolen Photos & Deepfakes: Your Legal Options in Illinois](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/identity-protection/stolen-photos-deepfakes/): Someone is using your photos or made a deepfake? Illinois attorney explains your options: takedowns, deepfake laws, damages, and how to move fast.

## Professional License Defense

- [Illinois Professional License Defense Attorney](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/license-defense/): IDFPR threatening your license? Illinois defense attorney for investigations, citations, intent-to-deny, and formal discipline. Free consultation.
- [Illinois Cosmetology License Defense Attorney](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/license-defense/cosmetology/): IDFPR threatening your cosmetology or barber license? Illinois attorney defends sanitation violations and discipline under 225 ILCS 410. Free consultation.
- [Responding to an IDFPR Investigation in Illinois](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/license-defense/idfpr-investigation/): IDFPR investigator contacted you? Illinois license defense attorney explains first contact, the informal conference, and what to produce. (630) 839-9195.
- [IDFPR Intent to Deny a License in Illinois](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/license-defense/intent-to-deny/): IDFPR intends to deny your license? Illinois defense attorney explains the response window, curable vs. substantive denials, and your hearing right.
- [Illinois Real Estate License Defense](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/license-defense/real-estate-broker/): IDFPR threatening your broker license? Illinois attorney defends trust account, dual agency, and misrepresentation cases under 225 ILCS 454. Free consult.
- [Illinois Roofing License Defense](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/license-defense/roofing-contractor/): IDFPR threatening your roofing license? Illinois attorney defends citations, Section 9.1 discipline, and 225 ILCS 335 investigations. 30-day deadline.

## About the Firm

- [Contact The Chicagoland Lawyer](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/contact-me/): Free 30-minute phone consultation. Flat-fee Illinois real estate & eviction attorney. Call (630) 839-9195 or text (312) 489-8710. Mon-Fri 8:30-5:30.
- [Justin Abdilla](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/justin-abdilla/): Managing attorney, Abdilla & Associates. $54M+ closed, 700+ transactions, 150+ evictions/year. Super Lawyers Rising Stars 2021-2026. ARDC #6308444.
- [Articles & Guides Archive](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/posts/): Every article and legal guide from The Chicagoland Lawyer: Illinois evictions, the Chicago RLTO, foreclosure, short sales, LLCs, and real estate closings.

## Site Policies

- [Accessibility Policy](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/accessibility-policy/): The Chicagoland Lawyer strives to maintain ADA Section 580 compliance to all visitors of the site with disability and accessibility tools.
- [Privacy Policy](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/privacy-policy/): Privacy policy for The Chicagoland Lawyer (Abdilla & Associates): what data we collect, how it's used, and your rights under applicable privacy laws.
- [Terms and Conditions](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/terms-and-conditions/): Terms and conditions for using thechicagolandlawyer.com, including disclaimers: this site is attorney advertising and its content is not legal advice.

## Other Pages

- [Abogado de Desalojo en el Condado de DuPage](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/abogado-de-desalojo-dupage/): Abogado de desalojo para propietarios en Chicago. Tarifa fija $1,600, juicio incluido. DuPage $895, Kane $995. Consultas en español con cita previa.
- [Abogado de Desalojo en Chicago](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/abogado-de-desalojo/): Abogado de desalojo para propietarios en Chicago. Tarifa fija $1,600, juicio incluido. DuPage $895, Kane $995. Consultas en español con cita previa.
- [Artificial Intelligence Standards and Use](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/ai-use/): How Abdilla and Associates uses artificial intelligence, what happens to your file when it does, which models ever see your data, and the REAL rating we publish on every page.
- [Alternatives to Eviction in Illinois: Cash for Keys and More](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/alternatives-to-eviction/): Four alternatives to eviction work in Illinois: cash for keys, mutual termination, a payment plan, and Cook County's settlement track. A landlord lawyer explains each one.
- [DIY Eviction vs Hiring an Attorney in Illinois](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/diy-eviction-vs-attorney/): Can you evict a tenant yourself in Illinois? Yes, if you own in your own name. An LLC cannot. A landlord attorney maps where pro se cases fail and what a restart costs.
- [Your First Eviction, Stage by Stage](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/first-eviction/): An interactive walkthrough of your first Illinois eviction: notice, filing, mediation, trial, and Sheriff enforcement. Written by an attorney who files 150+ evictions a year. Flat 
- [Flat Fee Eviction Lawyer Illinois](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/flat-fee-eviction-lawyer-illinois/): I am a flat fee eviction lawyer for Illinois landlords. $895 DuPage, $995 Kane, $895 to $1,250 suburban Cook, $1,600 Chicago. A contested trial is included. No hourly billing, ever
- [How Buying a Home Works in Illinois](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/home-buying-guide/): You signed the Multi-Board 8.0 as the buyer, and the clocks started. The 17-Point Close walks every buyer deadline from signed contract to keys. $500 flat. Call (630) 839-9195.
- [The 17-Point Close](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/home-closing-guide/): The 17-Point Close is the file system my office runs on every Illinois purchase and sale: 17 checkpoints from signed contract to keys, each with a deadline and an owner. Pick the b
- [How Selling a Home Works in Illinois](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/home-selling-guide/): Got an offer? Once everyone signs, the buyer's attorney has five business days to rework the deal. This guide walks the whole sale, contract to keys. Seller representation is free 
- [How to Be Represented: What Hiring a Lawyer Actually Looks Like](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/how-to-be-represented/): What hiring a lawyer actually looks like, in ten steps: the intake call, conflicts check, client agreement, pre-filing work, filing, service, discovery, judgment motions, and trial
- [Kane County Eviction Attorney](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/kane_evictions/)
- [Real Estate Lawyer Without a Retainer](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/no-retainer-real-estate-lawyer/): No evergreen retainer. One published price per matter. Closings are $500 flat for buyers and free for sellers with title. Evictions run $895 to $1,600 with trial included. LLC form
- [Chicago PRO vs. FAIR Ordinance: A Landlord Lawyer Explains](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/pro-vs-fair-ordinance/): Chicago's dueling rental ordinances explained by a landlord attorney: what the PRO and FAIR proposals change on just cause, relocation fees, and the registry.
- [Rent Loss Calculator for Illinois Landlords](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/rent-loss-calculator/): Free rent loss calculator for Illinois landlords. Enter your rent and your months of arrears. See what waiting costs against a flat-fee eviction: $895 in DuPage, $1,600 in Chicago,
- [Can You Serve an Eviction Notice Yourself in Illinois?](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/serve-eviction-notice-yourself/): Yes, Illinois law lets you serve your own eviction notice. Only four methods count under 735 ILCS 5/9-211. A flat-fee eviction attorney explains the valid methods, the invalid ones
- [Suburban Cook Eviction Attorney](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/suburban-cook-evictions/): Suburban Cook County eviction attorney. Flat fees by district: Bridgeview $895, Skokie, Maywood and Markham $995, Rolling Meadows $1,250. Call (630) 839-9195.
- [Wait It Out or File the Eviction? The Math for Illinois Landlords](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/wait-or-file-eviction/): Your tenant is behind on rent and promises to pay. I am a flat-fee Illinois eviction lawyer. I explain when a workout beats filing, what each month of waiting costs, and the one wr

## Agent and Developer Resources

Everything on this site is readable without authentication. There is no API key and no registration. Attribution requested: Justin Abdilla, Esq., Abdilla & Associates, thechicagolandlawyer.com.

- [Developer Portal](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/developers/): Quickstart, endpoint reference, sandbox, rate limits, error model, versioning and deprecation policy, MCP server setup, and the CLI
- [API Error Reference](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/developers/errors/): Every error code the API returns in RFC 9457 problem+json, with the cause and the fix for each
- [API Documentation](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/api/docs/): Short-form API summary: the v1 endpoints, the legacy form endpoints, and the MCP server
- [REST API v1](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/api/v1/): Public JSON API: flat fees, practice areas, free document packs, identity protection intake, and the agent resource index. No authentication
- [OpenAPI 3.1 Specification](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/api/openapi.json): Machine-readable contract for every endpoint, including the typed RFC 9457 error schema
- [API Version Policy](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/api/versions.json): Which versions exist, which is current, and how deprecation is signalled (Deprecation and Sunset headers, 180 days notice)
- [MCP Server](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/mcp): Model Context Protocol server over Streamable HTTP: POST JSON-RPC. Tools for flat fees, document packs, intake, and agent resources. No authentication
- [MCP Server Manifest](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/.well-known/mcp.json): Discovery manifest for the MCP server. Also served at /.well-known/mcp-server.json, /.well-known/mcp/server-card.json and /mcp.json
- [Agent Skills Index](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/.well-known/agent-skills/index.json): Twelve Illinois law Agent Skills: evictions, Chicago landlord compliance, closings, foreclosure, creative financing, investing, LLCs, business sales, identity protection, license defense, and tax sales
- [API Catalog](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/.well-known/api-catalog): RFC 9727 linkset tying each endpoint to its OpenAPI description, its documentation, and its health check
- [Agent Access Policy](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/auth.md): auth.md: no authentication, no registration, no credential issuance, plus the rate limit and error conventions
- [CLI](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/developers/tcl.mjs): Single-file command line client for the API. Node.js 18 or later, no dependencies
- [llms-full.txt](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/llms-full.txt): Full-content version of this file
- [Sitemap Index](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/sitemap-index.xml): Every live URL on the site

## Diagrams

Hand-drawn explanatory diagrams, one idea each. Free to reference with attribution to Abdilla & Associates. Each is also available as SVG at the same path with a .svg extension.

- [A Short Proration Ladder That Doesn't Reach](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/images/illustrations/proration-ladders.webp): Short-percentage tax prorations leave a gap that the buyer ends up covering when the real bill arrives. Two ladders lean against a tall wall labeled 'this year's actual bill.' The shorter ladder, marked 100%, stops well below the top with a small black figure standing on it, unable to reach; the lon
- [A wrap is one loan drawn around another](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/images/illustrations/wrap-spread.webp): Illustrates the structure of a wrap-around mortgage and where the seller's profit and due-on-sale risk sit within it. Two nested rings are drawn. The inner ring represents the underlying loan the seller still owes and keeps paying; the outer ring represents the wrap note the buyer pays to the seller
- [Agent Address Goes Public](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/images/illustrations/agent-address-public.webp): Name yourself agent and your front door goes on the public record. A small black figure carries a card marked with its home address from a house on the left and pins it to a large public noticeboard on the right, where other address cards are already pinned and readable by anyone. It illustrates the
- [Eight Dials on the Lock](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/images/illustrations/eviction-dials.webp): Every eviction needs all eight process steps to line up before the case can close. A large padlock is drawn with eight numbered dials running across its body, one dial per stage of the eviction. A small black figure turns the third dial, labeled 'service,' which is drawn out of alignment and colored
- [Everyone else is paid only if it closes](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/images/illustrations/paid-only-at-closing.webp): Every other professional at the closing table is paid only if the deal closes; the attorney's flat fee is the same either way. Three cups labeled agent, lender, and title company sit empty under a spigot marked "Closing" with its valve shut. A small black figure stands apart, already holding a fourt
- [Moving a mortgaged property into your LLC steps on a wire](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/images/illustrations/due-on-sale-tripwire.webp): Deeding a mortgaged property from your own name into your LLC technically trips the mortgage's due-on-sale clause, even though most lenders never enforce it. A small black figure carries a house from a post marked "Your name" toward a post marked "Your LLC," stepping over a taut tripwire that runs u
- [No lease is one extra page, not a missing case](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/images/illustrations/one-extra-page.webp): The Rule 139 affidavit is the one extra document that completes a lease-less eviction filing, not a missing piece that dooms the case. A filing packet stands upright with one empty slot outlined where a written lease would normally go. A small black figure slides a single sheet marked "affidavit" in
- [One Trip, Five Stops](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/images/illustrations/daley-center-trip.webp): The Daley Center enforcement errand is a single visit with five stops, run against the order's 120-day clock. A cutaway drawing of a courthouse shows a small black figure carrying three documents in from home, up to the Clerk's counter on the seventh floor for four copies, up a staircase to the Sher
- [One signature winds every clock in the purchase](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/images/illustrations/acceptance-clocks-buy.webp): Illustrates that a single signed contract simultaneously starts several independent deadline clocks in a home purchase. A small black figure turns a single key set into a contract marked 'Date of Acceptance.' Four clock faces radiate from that contract, each running at a different speed: attorney re
- [Protection starts the day you file, not the day you decide](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/images/illustrations/llc-protection-gap.webp): Liability protection begins on the date the Articles of Organization are filed, not on the date you decide to form the LLC. A small black figure drives a post marked "Filed" into the ground. Rain falls on two rental-property houses standing behind the post (before filing), while two more houses in f
- [Separate LLCs are separate boxes. A Series LLC is one cabinet.](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/images/illustrations/series-llc-drawers.webp): Three standard LLCs mean three separate filings and fees; a Series LLC holds the same three properties in one entity with per-series costs. On the left, three properties sit in three separate locked boxes, each showing its own $150 formation fee and $75/year cost. On the right, the same three proper
- [Ten Steps, Five Phases](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/images/illustrations/case-phase-track.webp): A client's case moves through ten numbered steps grouped into five phases, and most cases settle before reaching the end. A path of ten numbered stones is grouped under five phase labels  -  Intake, Engagement, Filing, Procedure, Resolution. A small black figure stands on stone five holding a 'you are
- [The 2025 amendment took the extra plate, not the whole shield](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/images/illustrations/veil-plate-removed.webp): The 2025 amendment removed only the argument that the LLC Act itself shielded members from their own wrongful acts; ordinary veil-piercing protection remains and can still be pierced. A small black figure holds an ordinary shield that a red spike passes through, while a second plate marked with the 
- [The Commission Slab You Can Put Back](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/images/illustrations/fsbo-slice.webp): Selling FSBO recovers the listing-agent's commission slice, while the buyer-agent commission slice is now a separate negotiation. A stack of blocks labeled $400,000 has two slabs lifted off its top. A small black figure pushes the lower slab, marked 'listing side 2.5-3%,' back down onto the stack, w
- [The DuPage eviction, performed as a routine](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/images/illustrations/dupage-eviction-routine.webp): A five-stage DuPage eviction case, shown as a gymnastics routine running from notice on day 1 to the sheriff's eviction on day 65. Five gymnastics stations run left to right, each marking a stage of the case: Day 1 the figure salutes holding a notice, Day 10 it vaults a box marked 'filed', Day 30 it
- [The Paragraph That Didn't Exist Before](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/images/illustrations/paragraph-four.webp): Paragraph 4, on seller contribution to buyer brokerage compensation, is entirely new in the 8.0 contract and sits between the old Paragraphs 3 and 5. A bound contract stands upright with its numbered paragraphs visible on its spine. A small black figure slides a new page, marked '4, seller contribut
- [The Wrong Clock](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/images/illustrations/wrong-calendar.webp): Illustrates why calendaring the 35-day judicial-review deadline for an Intent to Deny response is a fatal mistake. Two calendars are drawn side by side on a wall. A small black figure stands on a stool circling a date on the calendar labeled '35 days for judicial review,' which is struck through in 
- [The address picks the courthouse, and the courthouse picks the fee](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/images/illustrations/cook-district-signpost.webp): A property's address determines which of five suburban Cook County district courthouses hears the case, and that district sets the flat fee. A signpost with five arms, each naming a suburban Cook district courthouse and its flat fee, running from Bridgeview at $895 up to Rolling Meadows at $1,250. A
- [The annual report is a meter, and it runs out](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/images/illustrations/annual-report-meter.webp): The annual report works like a parking meter: pay $75 on time, or face a $100 late penalty and eventually administrative dissolution. Three scenes read left to right: a small black figure drops a coin into a meter beside a house (the report filed and paid), the meter shown expired with a $100 late-p
- [The reason picks the notice, not you](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/images/illustrations/notice-shape-sorter.webp): Illustrates that the reason for eviction, not landlord preference, determines which notice type is legally required. The drawing shows a child's shape-sorter toy box with three labeled holes: unpaid rent, lease violation, and ending the tenancy. Three separate blocks are labeled 5-day, 10-day, and 3
- [The same clocks, from the seller's chair](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/images/illustrations/acceptance-clocks-sell.webp): Shows that a seller must actively feed documents into the sale's deadline clocks rather than passively waiting on them. A contract marked 'Date of Acceptance' drives a shaft connected to five clock faces: attorney review, resolution and the buyer's loan application, the financing contingency, pre-cl
- [The tab for waiting keeps unrolling](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/images/illustrations/waiting-tab.webp): Every month spent waiting on a tenant's promise to pay adds another $1,800 to an unrolling receipt, dwarfing the $1,600 flat fee to just file. A small black figure holds a long receipt that unrolls to the floor, totalling $1,800 for one month up to $7,200 after four months of waiting. Beside it a sh
- [Two tracks, running at the same time](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/images/illustrations/foreclosure-two-tracks.webp): Shows that the lender's foreclosure steps and the homeowner's response options proceed on parallel, simultaneous timelines rather than one after another. Two parallel lanes are drawn side by side. The upper lane is the lender's track, advancing through a grace period notice, a notice of intent to ac
- [Years Together Weigh Nothing](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/images/illustrations/common-law-deed.webp): Time spent together, shared children, and a shared home carry no legal weight against a deed in Illinois property disputes. A two-pan balance scale: the heavy pan, piled with symbols for '15 years,' 'kids,' and 'the house,' has risen into the air; the light pan, holding a single sheet of paper marke
- [You can speak for yourself in court. You cannot speak for your LLC.](https://thechicagolandlawyer.com/images/illustrations/llc-cannot-speak.webp): An LLC member may represent themselves in court personally, but Illinois law requires the LLC itself to appear through a licensed attorney. Two doorways, both marked "Court." A small black figure walks through the first doorway alone and unencumbered. At the second doorway, the same figure carries a