Family Law

• Guardianship
  Our attorneys can explain the process involved in appointing a guardian, and we can ensure that the rights and interests of a ward will be protected in these situations. Whether you wish to have a guardian appointed for yourself or believe that you should be named the guardian of a child or adult, we can advise you of your options, ensure that you meet all legal requirements, and provide representation during court proceedings related to guardianship.

Criminal Law

• Criminal Defense
  When parties are involved in legal disputes, the plaintiff will typically seek monetary damages or ask that the defendant take certain actions. These cases are handled in civil courts, and they will be separate from any criminal matters that may be related to a party's alleged violations of the law. During civil litigation, the parties will work to resolve their disputes through the court system, and they may have multiple options available to seek a resolution. In many cases, the parties may attempt to negotiate a settlement outside of court, or they may participate in mediation or arbitration. If agreements cannot be reached, the case may proceed to litigation, and each party will make their case and ask for a judge or jury to rule in their favor.
• DUI/DWI
  Intoxicated driving - Drunk driving is one of the most serious forms of negligence a motorist can commit. Under no circumstances should anyone get behind the wheel if they are impaired by drugs or alcohol, as this greatly increases the risk of an accident occurring and causing devastating injuries or death. If a person is arrested or convicted of driving under the influence (DUI), it is likely that they will be found to be responsible for causing an accident, and this will allow victims to recover compensation for their injuries and damages.
• Wrongful Death
  Few events are more traumatic than the loss of a family member in a fatal accident. In addition to emotional pain, your family may face complex legal and financial issues. At Dickler, Kahn, Slowikowski & Zavell, Ltd. in Arlington Heights, our lawyers have many years of experience in helping clients deal with the legal and financial issues they face following a wrongful death. We have successfully represented families throughout Illinois, including Cook County, DuPage County, Will County, Lake County, Champaign County, Kankakee County, Madison County, Piatt County, Randolph County, and Sangamon County who have lost loved ones in car accidents, through medical negligence, and as a result of nursing home neglect.
• Traffic Violations
  Traffic violations - In many cases, motor vehicle accidents are caused by drivers who violate the rules of the road. Drivers who speed, fail to stop at red lights or stop signs, fail to use headlights properly, follow too closely behind other vehicles, drive aggressively, or otherwise demonstrate recklessness may be held liable for any injuries they cause when they act negligently.
• Fraud
  Civil litigation is a legal process for resolving disputes between two or more parties. It is often the last resort after negotiation, mediation, and arbitration have been unsuccessful in reaching an agreement. The law firm of Dickler, Kahn, Slowikowski & Zavell, Ltd. provides our clients with strong, effective representation in civil litigation cases, and we can help with matters such as consumer fraud cases and conversion. We are well-versed in the remedies that may be available to plaintiffs in civil litigation cases, and we can also represent defendants and help them protect their rights and interests. Regardless of the complexity of a case, we can help resolve legal disputes as efficiently as possible.
• Restraining Order
  Temporary restraining orders: A temporary restraining order (TRO) is issued when immediate action needs to be taken to prevent financial losses or protect the rights of a party involved in civil litigation. TROs may be granted at any point during a case, but they may only remain in effect for a limited period of time. Because of this, they should not be relied upon as long-term solutions for disputes between parties involved in civil litigation cases.

Business and Corporate Law

• Corporate Law
  When forming a new business, there are several steps that must be taken to ensure compliance with applicable laws. Our attorneys can assist with the paperwork needed for incorporation or other forms of entity formation, and we can provide guidance on matters such as choosing an appropriate name for the company and filing the required documents with state agencies. We can also provide guidance on corporate governance issues such as board composition, shareholder rights, and fiduciary duties.
• Mergers and Acquisitions
  In addition to helping form a business entity correctly from the outset, our attorneys can also provide advice regarding ongoing corporate governance issues, such as annual meeting requirements for shareholders or directors; preparing resolutions; handling disputes between owners; advising on fiduciary duties of officers and directors; implementing procedures for mergers and acquisitions; managing employee relations matters; dealing with investor relations issues; responding to legal inquiries or investigations by regulatory bodies; negotiating contracts related to financing arrangements or other transactions involving third parties, etc.
• Business Formation
  Our attorneys have extensive experience handling issues that affect businesses. We can help with business formation, contracts, and purchases, sales, and mergers. We also offer comprehensive guidance on employment law issues, and we provide general counsel services.
• Business Disputes
  Navigating the complex legal landscape of commercial litigation can be daunting, but with the right law firm on your side, your company will have a better chance of achieving success. At Dickler, Kahn, Slowikowski & Zavell, Ltd., we provide experienced and knowledgeable representation for clients involved in all types of commercial litigation cases. Our attorneys are well-versed in handling these matters effectively. We understand that every case is unique, so we strive to provide personalized solutions tailored specifically to meet each client's needs while maintaining an ethical approach throughout the process. With more than 150 years of combined legal experience among our attorneys and a track record of successfully resolving even the most complicated issues related to commercial litigation, you can trust us as your reliable partner when handling business disputes.
• Business Transactions
  Under the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), businesses may be able to pursue claims to recover money lost due to commercial transactions that were not performed as agreed upon. The UCC is a set of laws governing commercial transactions involving the sale of goods and services. It provides a framework for resolving disputes between parties involved in business transactions.
• Limited Liability Companies
  LLC formation - In many cases, real estate owners or investors can benefit by establishing limited liability companies to own commercial properties. We can ensure that these entities are set up correctly, and we can also provide guidance on other real estate investment options, such as real estate investment trusts (REITs).
• Construction Contracts
• Trade Secrets
• Intellectual Property
  Businesses may need ongoing legal advice regarding various aspects of their operations, including regulatory compliance matters related to employment laws or tax regulations; intellectual property protection; dispute resolution; mergers and acquisitions; real estate transactions; financing agreements; bankruptcy proceedings; commercial litigation; and more. Our corporate counsel attorneys offer comprehensive general counsel services that cover these topics and more depending on the particular needs of each client we represent.
• Unfair Competition
  Victims of deceptive business practices have legal remedies available through consumer protection laws such as the Federal Trade Commission Act (FTCA). Under this law, victims may be able to seek damages for losses incurred due to fraudulent activities, including restitution payments and reimbursement for attorney fees and court costs associated with filing suit against the offending party or parties. Additionally, state laws may provide additional protections for consumers while addressing unfair competition and other illegal business practices. With the help of an attorney, businesses can pursue lawsuits against other companies that have acted illegally, or they can defend against claims that they have engaged in deceptive practices.
• Antitrust

Employment Law

• Employment Discrimination
  Employee rights and relations are some of the most important employment law issues that employers must be aware of. Wage and hour laws set forth requirements for minimum wage, overtime pay, breaks, and other protections for employees. Anti-discrimination laws protect employees from employment discrimination based on race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or other protected statuses. Labor laws provide guidelines for collective bargaining agreements between employers and employees, and they also address workplace safety standards.
• Employment Contract
  When you work with us, our attorneys will build an understanding of your industry to ensure that we can help you address the specific issues you may face. We can advise you on how best to structure your business for maximum efficiency while staying within the bounds of all applicable laws. In addition to providing ongoing advice on legal matters, our attorneys can assist with drafting documents such as partnership agreements, employment contracts, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), buy-sell agreements, shareholder resolutions, loan documents, and more. Having these documents drafted by an experienced lawyer ensures that your business will meet all relevant legal requirements while protecting all parties involved in any transaction or dispute resolution process.
• Non-compete Agreement
  Non-compete agreements are contracts that restrict an employee's ability to work for a competitor after leaving their current employer. A non-compete agreement can be used to protect an employer's trade secrets and confidential information from being shared with competitors. Employers should draft these agreements carefully in order to ensure they are enforceable and compliant with the law.
• Severance Agreement
  Non-compete agreements typically include restrictions on the types of work the former employee can do and the companies they can work for, as well as the geographical limitations and timeframes for when those restrictions apply. An agreement may also specify what types of damages will apply if the agreement is breached. The specifics of non-compete agreements may vary depending on the types of protections needed to protect an employer's interests, but all agreements must meet certain legal requirements in order to be valid and enforceable. One key issue is consideration; a person must receive something of value in return for agreeing to abide by the restrictions put in place by an agreement. In some cases, severance pay may be provided to a former employee who signs a non-compete agreement, while in others, the wages and benefits a person receives from their employer may serve as consideration.
• Sexual Harassment
  Illinois mandatory annual sexual harassment law education program with condominium association boards of directors, employees and all businesses.

Property Law

• Real Estate Litigation
  Unlike many law firms that practice in a single area of law, the attorneys at Dickler, Kahn, Slowikowski & Zavell, Ltd. have experience in many different areas, including condominium and homeowners' association law, real estate law, business and commercial law, and litigation. By combining a group of attorneys with knowledge in different areas, we can better serve clients whose legal needs are complex and involve diversified legal areas. We serve and represent clients throughout the northern part of Illinois.
• Premises Liability
  If you have suffered an injury while visiting someone else's property, you will want to understand your legal options for addressing the damages you have experienced. An attorney with the necessary experience in matters related to premises liability and property liability law can help you determine your options for pursuing compensation in this situation. Your lawyer can provide you with guidance to ensure that you understand how the laws apply to your case, and they can advise you on the best steps to take to recover financial compensation that will address the injuries you have suffered.
• Construction Litigation
  Real estate development - We provide counsel to real estate developers, helping them understand the legal issues that may affect their projects and ensure that their interests are protected. We can address issues related to construction contracts, easements, licensing, and other matters that may arise during the real estate development process.
• Real Estate Transactions
  Purchase contracts - The initial purchase agreement that is signed after a seller accepts a buyer's offer to purchase a home is one of the most crucial parts of a real estate transaction. We can ensure that a real estate contract will fully address our client's needs while protecting their interests.
• Easement
• Land Use and Zoning
  Zoning and land use - We advise clients on any local laws or regulations that may affect how they will be able to use commercial property. We ensure that our clients understand all rules and restrictions that may apply. If necessary, we can help apply for variances and address compliance issues with local government organizations.
• Property Damage
  If you have been injured in a motor vehicle crash, Dickler, Kahn, Slowikowski & Zavell, Ltd. can help you take action to pursue financial compensation that will address all forms of harm you have suffered. We will fight to make sure you are compensated for all of your damages, including medical expenses, lost income, diminished earning capacity, property damage, and physical and emotional pain and suffering. To learn how we can help with your case, contact us at 847-593-5595 and schedule a free consultation today.
• Condominium Law
  There are a variety of complex laws and regulations that apply to condominiums, and these can be difficult to navigate. When condominium law issues arise, it is important to have experienced legal support on your side. With the help of a law firm that understands these laws, condominium associations, condo owners, and others who are involved in these matters can rest assured that they will be able to address their concerns, resolve disputes, and avoid legal issues in the future.

Health Law

• Personal Injury
  If you have been injured because of someone else's negligence, you may have many questions about issues that may affect your personal injury case. These situations can be very confusing, and understanding the laws that may affect you and the steps you will need to take to pursue compensation is not always easy. Here at Dickler, Kahn, Slowikowski & Zavell, Ltd., we work to educate our clients about their rights and advise them of their options in these situations. We want to share answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about these matters in order to assist people in understanding their rights and how they may be able to recover compensatory damages following a personal injury.
• Medical Malpractice
  Navigating professional negligence or medical malpractice cases can be difficult, and it is essential to have an attorney who is knowledgeable in this field to ensure the best chances for a favorable outcome. At Dickler, Kahn, Slowikowski & Zavell, Ltd., our attorneys understand the complexities involved in these cases and the unique challenges that can arise when pursuing professional malpractice claims. We can help guide you through the legal process and ensure that you will be properly compensated for the harm you have suffered due to the incompetent or substandard services you received.
• Auto Accidents
• Dog Bites
  Dog bite injuries - Dog owners are responsible for ensuring that their pets do not endanger other people. Illinois law states that a dog's owner or the person who is in control of a dog or other animal is liable for injuries inflicted by the animal against a person who was authorized to be in the place where the attack occurred, as long as the victim did not do anything to provoke the animal into biting or attacking them. That is, if a dog bites someone who has been invited to the owner's property or in a public location, the dog's owner will usually be liable for the victim's injuries, even if the dog had never attacked anyone previously or displayed aggressive tendencies.

Trusts and Estates

• Estate Planning
  Estate planning is an important process that can help ensure that your wishes will be carried out after you pass away. In addition to helping you make sure your loved ones will be taken care of, a comprehensive estate plan can protect your assets and provide for your own needs. An estate plan can address issues related to your long-term care and minimize the tax burden on your heirs when they inherit your assets. Having an estate plan in place can provide peace of mind for you and your family through knowing that your wishes will be respected both during your life and after you are gone.
• Wills
  A last will and testament is one of the most foundational components of any estate plan. This document may be used to outline your wishes regarding the distribution of assets to your heirs, to appoint guardians for your minor children, and to provide other instructions or guidance on how matters should be handled following your death. Without a valid will in place, the assets you own will be divided among your heirs according to state laws, and the decisions made about who will receive which assets may go against what you would have wanted.
• Trusts
  Living trusts - A revocable trust may be used to ensure that you can manage and maintain control of your assets while making arrangements to distribute them to your beneficiaries. With a living trust, you may name yourself as the trustee, and you can also be a beneficiary, allowing you to use your assets to provide for your needs. You will name a successor trustee who will assume control of the trust in the event of your death or incapacitation, and assets can be distributed to other beneficiaries at any time, either while you are still alive or after your death. Since the trust is revocable, its terms can be updated at any time, which will provide you with flexibility and control as you determine how to manage and use your assets.
• Power of Attorney
  An estate plan can make provisions for your needs during your lifetime, including in situations where you may need assistance or where you may be unable to make decisions for yourself. Powers of attorney will allow you to appoint someone to make decisions on your behalf in the event of incapacity. That is, if you are unconscious or if you experience medical issues that affect your ability to communicate your desires to others, the agent named in a power of attorney will be able to decide how certain issues will be handled.
• Probate

Finance Law

• Bankruptcy
• Foreclosure
  We can also assist condominium associations with collecting assessments (dues) and other fees, including fines, late charges, and attorney's fees or other costs related to addressing these issues through the legal system. We can also help associations understand their options for pursuing forcible/eviction actions to recover the amounts owed. This can be a fast and inexpensive method of collection that will give the association possession of the unit, allowing it to evict a nonpaying owner, rent the unit, and use the proceeds to pay off the amount owed. If necessary, we can also assist with liens and foreclosures, ensuring that an association understands its options and the obligations that will apply in these situations.
• Tax Law
  Mr. Dickler is a long time member of the Community Associations Institute (CAI), and he has lectured, taught, and participated in national and regional conferences and conventions beginning in 1977, addressing many subjects dealing with condominiums, homeowners associations, corporations, real estate, insurance, and tax matters. Mr. Dickler is a former director and past president of the CAI-Illinois Chapter and a former trustee of the CAI-National Association. He is an Emeritus member of the CAI Illinois Legislative Action Committee, having served eight years as a full member.
• Debt Collection
  It is important for creditors to follow the correct procedures during the collections process. Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations governing commercial collections can result in significant legal consequences. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), consumers are protected against unfair practices like harassment and false statements used by creditors during collection efforts against them. Under FDCPA guidelines, consumers can file complaints against debt collectors who engage in prohibited behavior and seek damages if appropriate relief cannot be obtained through negotiation alone. Creditors may be held liable for damages awarded by the court if they violate state or federal debt collection laws. Additionally, creditors may face civil penalties from regulatory agencies such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for illegal debt collection tactics.