Joerg Seifert, Attorney

Graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1995, with distinction and College Honors. In 1998, he received his Juris Doctorate from the Loyola University School of Law in Chicago, where he volunteered at the Loyola University Legal Clinic.

Mr. Selfert's practice emphasizes the areas of commercial and residential real estate (including 1031 tax free exchanges) estate succession planning, probate, business planning, and corporate law. Mr. Seifert also has experience in commercial and real estate litigation, including appellate work.

He is admitted to the Illinois Bar and the Federal Bar of the Northern District of Illinois, and is a member of the Illinois State and Du Page County Bar Association, Du Page County Real Estate Committee, the Du Page County Probate Committee and the Illinois Association of Real Estate Attorneys.

Mr. Seifert is also fluent in German.

AREAS OF SERVICE

• Commercial & Residential Real Estate:
  Our firm handles all areas of a real estate transaction including but not limited to, drawing up of the contract, communicating with all involved parties (i.e. attorneys lenders, developers, and Realtors), addressing any and all issues with the contract and/or inspection, zoning, due diligence, financing, as well as, the closing.
• Corporate Law:
  Our firm represents both individuals, as well as, small and large entities and multinational corporations in all corporate matters. We assist in the formation of the business, maintain business records and handle most legal matters that may arise through the course of business operation including contracts, real estate, franchising, employment, intellectual property and other related matters
• Estate and Succession Planning:
  Estate planning ranges from basic to very complex, and our philosophy is that one size does not fit all. The basic estate planning necessities which every individual should have include Powers of Attorney for both Property and Healthcare, Living Wills, and Simple Wills.

For individuals desiring a more complex estate plan, my office shall inform you of your options and advise as to the implementation of a testamentary trust, insurance trust, living trust, or joint trust along with the ancillary documentation necessary to effectuate the desires of our client. At the next level of estate planning, we have significant experience in drafting complex estate plans and business succession planning which includes, but is not limited to Charitable Trusts, Special Needs and Generation Skipping Trusts.

• Probate:
  The duties of an Executor, Executrix, or Administrator of an estate include the collection of estate assets, satisfaction of creditors, and distribution to heirs and/or legatees. In aiding the Executor, our firm will minimize any further emotional distress due to the loss of a loved one and assist in all court related matters.

HISTORY AND LEGAL PHILOSOPHY

My function as an attorney is to advise my clients of their legal rights and obligations and the legal risks of the various alternatives available in a given situation. My goal is to accomplish, in the most efficient manner possible, the ends, sought by our clients. In some cases, this can only be done through litigation, however, there are many times that the client's interests are better served by a more practical resolution of the problem or dispute. Given the opportunity, I prefer to advise the client of a course of action that will prevent legal problems from arising in the first place. When litigation is unavoidable, I will strongly advocate my client's position.

Communication with the client is stressed at all phases of my representation. Copies of all important documents or correspondence received or sent are routinely provided, and the client is kept aware of the status of the matter being handled. The ultimate decision’ as to resolution of disputes always rests with the client.

It is my practice to provide representation in the most economical manner that is consistent with the problem at hand. To this end, the entire firm is dedicated to meeting our responsibilities with professionalism, courtesy and confidentiality.

LEGAL, FEES, BILLING AND PAYMENT

During the initial consultation, each client will be advised of my hourly rate or other fees to be charged, in connection with any representation I undertake.

Not all legal services lend themselves to the same fee structure. Depending upon the nature of the matter to be handled, a retainer agreement setting forth the scope and terms of our representation may be required. Other matters may involve a fixed fee which, depending, on the nature of the matter, is payable in advance or at the conclusion of the, matter.

Fees and expenses are billed on a monthly basis and are itemized as to the service performed, who performed it and the time spent. Costs are billed as incurred, and telephone calls are charged at a minimum of 0.2 of an hour for each call made or received. All statements are due within ten days of their date, and any outstanding balance is required to be paid before a matter is concluded, unless court rules provide otherwise. In specific instances, other payment arrangements can be accommodated, but must be discussed with the handling attorney and agreed upon prior to commencement of the representation.