Yes, jury trials are happening in Cook County at the Daley Center, despite the ongoing COVID -19 pandemic, which is now headed into its second full year. Last week, a Cook County jury returned a unanimous verdict in favor of our client in a rare probate case involving ownership of real estate, multiple financial accounts and other property. The jury awarded our client assets valued at over $1.5 million.
“The Court and its staff did an excellent job of making the jury process run smoothly and safely,” said attorney David Gower, who represented our client in the jury trial during
Continue Reading Jury Trials in Cook County During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Latest from DeBlasio & Gower Blog - Page 2
What Does a Home Seller Need to Disclose to a Buyer?
Illinois law requires that the seller of residential real estate fill out a disclosure report and give it to the buyer that form identifies whether the seller is aware of material defects in the home. What is a material defect? Find out in this video from Illinois attorneys DeBlasio & Gower, LLC.
The post What Does a Home Seller Need to Disclose to a Buyer? appeared first on DeBlasio & Gower LLC.
Continue Reading What Does a Home Seller Need to Disclose to a Buyer?
A Deep Dive: New 2022 Rules for Illinois Covenants Not to Compete and Non-Solicitation Agreements.
Illinois courts historically have been less than friendly to restrictive covenants, and non-compete agreements in particular. On August 13, 2021, Governor JB Pritzker signed into law Public Act 102-0358, an amendment to Illinois’ “Freedom to Work Act,” which both codifies existing requirements under Illinois precedent, and imposes new restrictions on when, with whom, and under what circumstances Illinois will enforce non-compete and non-solicitation agreements.
In this article, Oak Brook, Illinois attorney Antonio DeBlasio explores some of the key features of the new law.
Effective Date
The law takes effect on January 1, 2022, and will only apply to agreements entered
Continue Reading A Deep Dive: New 2022 Rules for Illinois Covenants Not to Compete and Non-Solicitation Agreements.
Chicago and Illinois Covenants Not to Compete and Non-Solicitation Agreements.
Starting January 1, 2022, employers in Chicago and throughout Illinois will have to deal with significant new hurdles to make sure employment agreements with covenants not to compete or non-solicitation terms are valid and enforceable.
When Does The New Law Go Into Effect?
On August 13, 2021, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed into law Senate Bill 672, which amended the Illinois Freedom to Work Act, 820 ILCS 90/1 et seq. (the “Act”). The amendments impose many new restrictions that significantly change the landscape for restrictive covenants entered into between an employer and employee in Chicago and throughout Illinois. The amendments apply
Continue Reading Chicago and Illinois Covenants Not to Compete and Non-Solicitation Agreements.
Hold on There! New 2022 Rules for Chicago and Illinois Covenants Not to Compete and Non-Solicitation Agreements.
Starting January 1, 2022, employers in Chicago and throughout Illinois will have to deal with significant new hurdles to make sure employment agreements with covenants not to compete or non-solicitation terms are valid and enforceable.
When Does The New Law Go Into Effect?
On August 13, 2021, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed into law Senate Bill 672, which amended the Illinois Freedom to Work Act, 820 ILCS 90/1 et seq. (the “Act”). The amendments impose many new restrictions that significantly change the landscape for restrictive covenants entered into between an employer and employee in Chicago and throughout Illinois. The amendments apply
Continue Reading Hold on There! New 2022 Rules for Chicago and Illinois Covenants Not to Compete and Non-Solicitation Agreements.
Selling your home?
We offer 50% off attorney fees and stress-free remote closings when you sell your home.
Continue Reading Selling your home?
Stressed Out Drivers Cause Dangerous Vehicle Collisions.
Ah, the holidays. Mini Vans and SUVs recklessly driving in and out of traffic, blazing through red lights, running Indy 500 like race circuits from mall to mall, all in search of just a “few more gifts” for the holidays. The holidays can be stressful enough, but when those stressed out, last minute, texting maniacs get in their vehicles and needlessly endanger the lives of other people (pedestrians, their own passengers or passengers in other cars and trucks), their actions can result in serious property damage, personal injury and even death.
If you or a loved one are injured in
Continue Reading Stressed Out Drivers Cause Dangerous Vehicle Collisions.
Life Changes…So Should Your Estate Plan
Here are 10 life changes that should prompt a review of your estate plan…
1. Marital Status – Are you recently married, divorced, or remarried?
2. Size of family – Have you recently welcomed children to your family (born or adopted)?
3. Guardian – Do you want to change who would be guardian of your minor children?
4. Beneficiaries – Do you want to change who will receive your property, or how much they will receive?
5. Person in Charge – Do you want to change who will be in charge of administering your Will (Executor), your Trust (Trustee) or
Continue Reading Life Changes…So Should Your Estate Plan
Federal Lawsuit Filed Against Chicago Security Company American Public Defense Inc.
On August 28, 2020, the Chicago law firm DeBlasio & Gower LLC filed a collective and class action lawsuit on behalf of two former security officers against American Public Defense Inc. and others for violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Illinois Minimum Wage Law.
Defendant American Public Defense Inc. (APD) is a security guard company headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, that provides security services throughout the Northern District of Illinois.
Plaintiffs allege that APD and others failed to pay overtime wages to its security officers of one and one-half times their regular hourly rate of pay for hours
Continue Reading Federal Lawsuit Filed Against Chicago Security Company American Public Defense Inc.
Boy Scouts Sexual Abuse Claim Deadline Fast Approaching.
CLAIMS FOR BOY SCOUTS SEXUAL ABUSE VICTIMS
Victims of sexual abuse have rights. If you were a victim of sexual abuse involving the Boy Scouts, call our law firm now at (630) 560-1124. Your confidentiality will be a priority and we will work hard to get you the justice you deserve. There is a deadline of November 16, 2020 to file your claim.
BOY SCOUTS BANKRUPTCY
The Boy Scouts of America filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection on February 17, 2020 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. The case is known as In re Boy Scouts
Continue Reading Boy Scouts Sexual Abuse Claim Deadline Fast Approaching.
New Rules for Evictions in Illinois
The Illinois Supreme Court has issued new rules governing how a landlord can evict a tenant. In short, the landlord must attach a copy of the lease and a copy of the notice or demand sent to the tenant. In order to move through the eviction process as quickly as possible, it’s important to have an attorney who knows the rules. For more information, see https://newschannel20.com/news/local/new-rule-for-eviction-cases-adopted-by-illinois-supreme-court
Continue Reading New Rules for Evictions in Illinois
David Gower Appointed Vice-Chair of Estate Planning and Probate Section of the DCBA
The DeBlasio & Gower law firm is proud to announce that David Gower has been appointed to serve as Vice-Chair of the DuPage County Bar Association Section for Estate Planning and Probate Law. DeBlasio & Gower’s attorneys have over 35 years of combined experience representing businesses, individuals and estates in Illinois.
Continue Reading David Gower Appointed Vice-Chair of Estate Planning and Probate Section of the DCBA
Business Owner Insurance Policy Claims for Covid-19 Business Interruption.
Each year, business owners pay insurance companies millions of dollars in premiums for “business interruption” insurance to protect their business from factors outside of their control. As a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic, on March 15, 2020, Illinois Governor Pritzker ordered all restaurants and bars to close their doors to the public. Five days later, the Governor ordered all non-essential businesses to close. The pandemic and government ordered closures have brought many restaurants, bars and other business to their knees, causing substantial lost profits. These lost profits and related expenses may be recoverable under a business owners’ insurance policy.
Continue Reading Business Owner Insurance Policy Claims for Covid-19 Business Interruption.
Employee Stiffed On Earned Bonus? Consider Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act.
Perhaps the most famous movie scene involving an employee getting stiffed on a bonus is in the legendary film Christmas Vacation, when Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) goes absolutely ballistic after his boss fails to pay his annual bonus and instead enrolls him in the Jelly of the Month Club. Clark eventually received his bonus (and 20% more) after Cousin Eddie dragged Clark’s boss out of his home on Christmas Eve in his pajamas. Of course, Cousin Eddie is not option in the real world (legally). But one real world option is the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act.
Continue Reading Employee Stiffed On Earned Bonus? Consider Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act.
Super Lawyers Selects Antonio DeBlasio for 2020.
(March 22, 2020) The DeBlasio & Gower law firm is proud to announce that Antonio DeBlasio has again been selected by Super Lawyers® for 2020. No more than 5% of attorneys receive this distinction. Super Lawyers® has selected Antonio eight times, in 2008 and in each year from 2014 through 2020.
DeBlasio & Gower’s attorneys have over 35 years of combined experience representing businesses, individuals and estates in Illinois.
Continue Reading Super Lawyers Selects Antonio DeBlasio for 2020.
Illinois Governor Orders Residents to Stay Home: Now is a Good Time to Set Up Your Estate Plan.
On March 20, 2020, Illinois Governor Pritzker ordered millions of residents to stay home to help contain the COVID-19 virus, with exceptions for certain essential activities, businesses and operations. (See ExecutiveOrder-2020-10). Yes, there is a lot going on right now. But for many Illinois residents, the stay at home order is a perfect opportunity to dust off that “to-do” list and get things done! One item to check off that list is getting your estate plan done. You have put it off for long enough and, quite honestly, it takes less time than you think.
Call Now for a
Continue Reading Illinois Governor Orders Residents to Stay Home: Now is a Good Time to Set Up Your Estate Plan.