Chicago's Legal Latte
354 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago - ★★★★★ - 5 ratingsThe attorneys of Lavelle Law Ltd. address a variety of legal topics.
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Episodes
Business Reorganization Bankruptcies - use bankruptcy law to save your business
April 09, 2020 21:00 - 30 minutes - 27.3 MBA new chapter in the Bankruptcy Code, Subchapter V, recently took effect. It provides small business debtors greater flexibility to reorganize under Chapter 11. The process is more streamlined and accessible than traditional Chapter 11 and there is more control of structure and payments of small business reorganizations. Subchapter V provides small businesses much-needed relief in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In this podcast, Attorneys McGinn and Hughes discuss Subchapter V and how...
Families First Act
March 26, 2020 21:00 - 16 minutes - 13.9 MBThe government recently enacted the Families First Act to assist businesses with the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lavelle Law Managing Partner Ted McGinn discusses the Act in detail including an overview of how sick time is to be handled and the extension of Family Leave provisions. Employment Law Attorney Lance Ziebell also joins the conversation.
Impact of COVID-19 on Employers
March 25, 2020 21:00 - 15 minutes - 13.7 MBCOVID-19 is causing significant damage to the economy forcing many businesses to cut staffing or close down entirely. In this discussion, Lavelle Law Managing Partner Ted McGinn and Shareholder Lance Ziebell discuss how employers should handle staff reductions during this difficult period.
Mergers & Acquisitions Landscape
March 24, 2020 19:00 - 16 minutes - 13.9 MBMost buyers and sellers fail to properly prepare for an acquisition or exit. Learning the key components can help you avoid common pitfalls, maximize value, and minimize risk. Listen in, as attorney Steven Migala and his guest Domenic Rinaldi, owner and managing partner of Sun Acquisitions, discuss the current M&A landscape.
Identity Theft in the New Decade
January 07, 2020 20:30 - 16 minutes - 14.2 MBIdentity theft is the illegal acquisition of one’s Personal Identifiable Information (PII). Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the country according to the FBI. It has been the number one complaint the FTC has received for the last 17 years. There are a number of areas of identity theft-Financial, Medical, Motor Vehicle, Criminal, Child, Tax, Synthetic, and Social Security. Identity theft originates from some type of breach, which creates data loss and identity theft generally fol...
Accidents in Uber and Lyft
October 22, 2019 20:00 - 15 minutes - 13.3 MBPersonal injury attorney Joseph Vito discusses your rights and legal action that may be available to you if you are in a car accident involving a ridesharing service like Uber or Lyft.
Take Your Business to the Next Level!
October 10, 2019 15:30 - 16 minutes - 13.8 MBDo you want to grow your business with a dedicated business coach? In this podcast, Lavelle Law attorney Steve Migala is joined by Josh Grodzin from Next Level Northwest, to discuss a great opportunity for existing businesses to expand and improve their business with the help of a business coach. Josh explains the unique structure of Next Level Northwest, an exciting business accelerator program offered to eligible businesses in the Chicago suburbs of Elk Grove Village, Schaumburg, Hoffman E...
CPAs: Be Aware of the Accountant’s Privilege and Protect Yourself!
October 01, 2019 21:00 - 15 minutes - 13.7 MBIn this podcast, attorney Matt Sheahin discusses the accountant’s privilege, what it means for accountants, and how CPAs can use this legal protection to their benefit.
Mergers and Acquisitions
September 20, 2019 15:00 - 16 minutes - 13.8 MBIn this podcast, attorney Kerry Lavelle discusses the basic categories of M&As and strategies that business owners can utilize when deciding if a merger or acquisition makes good business sense. He defines some of the fundamentals of a properly-structured transaction as well as common mistakes he has seen over the years.
Protecting Your Legacy Through Succession Planning
September 11, 2019 16:00 - 15 minutes - 13.5 MBIn this podcast, attorney Kerry Lavelle, founding partner at Lavelle Law, answers frequently asked questions regarding succession planning and provides critical steps business owners should take when planning to exit their business. He also explains the different types of exit strategies to consider.
The SEC’s New Rulemaking Package
July 09, 2019 21:00 - 16 minutes - 13.8 MBOn April 18, 2018, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) proposed a set of rules and an interpretation to address confusion among retail investors and clarify the standards of conduct applicable to investment advisers and broker-dealers, while simultaneously preserving investors’ access to a range of products and services at a reasonable cost. After certain modifications to the SEC’s proposal based on feedback from investors and commenters, on June 5, 2019, the SEC voted in favor to ad...
Common Errors Committed by Businesses – and How to Avoid Them!
May 28, 2019 21:00 - 16 minutes - 13.7 MBAfter 16 years of litigating business disputes, attorney Brian Massimino has seen many of the same mistakes repeated time and again. Companies small and large (surprisingly even those with in-house counsel) often find themselves committing these errors. Some of these errors have the potential to be very costly. With a little forethought and diligence, you can avoid these errors and have a real impact on your company’s bottom line. In this podcast, Mr. Massimino explains areas of concern and w...
Financing a Mortgage During a Divorce
April 30, 2019 21:00 - 14 minutes - 12.1 MBWhen couples divorce, a home mortgage is often caught in the flux of divorce proceedings. Should the parties sell the house, or can one party buy out the other? In this podcast, senior mortgage broker, Mayra Rubio, provides answers from a financing perspective. She will address loans, equity, titles, and what happens if one party cannot qualify for financing on their own.
Getting and Staying on the Ballot in Your Local Campaign
March 12, 2019 21:00 - 16 minutes - 14 MBLavelle Law attorney Joe Vito explains the pitfalls of compiling and submitting a nominating petition for municipal elections.
Recent Development in the Biometric Information Privacy Act
February 18, 2019 19:00 - 15 minutes - 13.7 MBBusinesses beware! On January 25, 2019, the Illinois Supreme Court issued a unanimous opinion resolving a contested interpretation of the state’s Biometric Information Privacy Act. In short, the high Court ruled in Rosenbach v. Six Flags Entm't Corp., that to state a claim under the Act, a plaintiff need not allege actual harm. In this podcast, attorney Brian Massimino explains why this decision has opened the floodgates for more litigation in this area.
Cash Balance Plans and the QBI Deduction
February 12, 2019 22:00 - 17 minutes - 15.4 MBIn this podcast, actuary Neil Shore joins attorney David O’Leary. Mr. O’Leary is a tax and benefits partner at Lavelle Law. Mr. Shore is an actuary and partner at Shore Tompkins Actuarial Resources, LLC. They discuss the new qualified business income (QBI) deduction for business owners and the use of a cash balance plan as a strategy to maximize the owner’s QBI deduction.
‘Tis the Season – Planning for Happy Holidays After a Divorce
November 06, 2018 22:00 - 15 minutes - 13.7 MBIn this podcast, family law attorney Patti Levinson discusses ways to prepare your family for the holidays after a divorce. She discusses how to minimize chaos, communicate with the other parent, keep some traditions and make some new ones, and plan something for yourself when the children are not with you. Remember, it is all about the children.
Family Based Visa Petitions
October 16, 2018 21:00 - 16 minutes - 13.8 MBFamily based petitions are some of the more common visa applications for those seeking to immigrate to the United States. This podcast, with attorney Haney Noureldin, provides an overview of the applications and procedures that are necessary to provide loved ones with proper immigration status here in the United States.
How to Select the Right Trustee and Executor
October 10, 2018 20:30 - 16 minutes - 14 MBDeciding and choosing who will manage your assets in the event of your death or disability is one of the most important decisions you can make when creating or revising your estate plan. We call this person the “Trustee” under a Living Trust, and the “Executor” under a Will. As I always say to my clients, it is an obligation, not an honor, to be someone’s Trustee/Executor. The role often requires lots of time, effort, and true work to efficiently and effectively manage someone else’s assets f...
Legal Checkup for Families with Children with Special Needs
October 02, 2018 21:00 - 16 minutes - 13.9 MBIn this podcast, attorney Michael Roth discusses the various legal issues impacting children with special needs.
What is Title Insurance?
September 05, 2018 20:30 - 12 minutes - 10.4 MBTitle insurance protects homebuyers and lenders from past mistakes in the transfer of real property. Although the chance of a seller not having free and clear ownership of the property is quite low, it is important that every new homeowner obtain a title insurance policy. In this podcast, real estate attorney Chance Badertscher answers frequently asked questions about tile insurance.
Home Buying Hacks: A Few Things to Know Before Buying a Condominium in Illinois
August 30, 2018 20:00 - 15 minutes - 13.7 MBThinking about buying a condominium? In this podcast, real estate attorney Kevin Mitrick provides an overview of important things to know before buying a condominium.
R&D Tax Credits
August 28, 2018 21:00 - 16 minutes - 13.8 MBThe R&D tax credit has been available since 1981. Such credit is a great opportunity for taxpayers to lower the tax liabilities potentially without changing how they operate. The purpose of the credit is to reward taxpayers for investing in research and development. Find out what is necessary in order to take advantage of this opportunity. In this podcast, attorney Ted McGinn and his guest, CPA Chris Blaylock, discuss this topic in detail.
Home Health Care Agencies – Nurse Employment Agreements
August 07, 2018 15:00 - 16 minutes - 14 MBNurses provide a critical service for home health care agencies. Therefore, it is essential that home health care agencies have their nurses enter into written contracts that protect the interests of the agency. But not all written contracts are equal. In this podcast, attorney Theodore McGinn answers questions regarding nurse employment agreements.
Collecting on Judgments in Illinois
July 31, 2018 21:00 - 16 minutes - 13.8 MBIn this podcast, attorney Joshua Pagan discusses money judgments in various types of litigation.
Quasi Contract Claims
July 26, 2018 20:00 - 16 minutes - 13.7 MBIn this podcast, attorney Matthew Sheahin discusses claims that can exist where a written or oral contract is absent.
Is Collaborative Divorce Right For Me?
June 26, 2018 21:00 - 15 minutes - 13.7 MBDivorce has become all too commonplace in our society, but it does not have to be a combative, traumatic, winner-take-all process. More and more reasonable people are choosing Collaborative Divorce as a way to lessen the impact on their families and take control of their future. Collaboratively trained attorney, Patti Levinson explains how it works and why it is often a better choice than a litigated divorce.
The SCOTUS Opinion and the LGBTQ Community
June 07, 2018 19:00 - 15 minutes - 13.4 MBOn June 4, 2018, the Supreme Court of the United States reversed a Colorado Court of Appeals’ judgment ruling in favor of a gay couple who filed a complaint against Masterpiece Cakeshop. The original complaint was because the owner refused to make a cake for the couple’s wedding, claiming it conflicted with his religious beliefs. In this podcast, attorney Joshua Pagan explains why SCOTUS reversed the lower Court’s ruling and what this decision means for the LQBTQ community.
Can I Do My Own Divorce?
June 05, 2018 21:30 - 16 minutes - 13.8 MBPeople often ask if they are able to complete the divorce process on their own. In many cases, the answer is no. But in some cases, it could work, with the right plan. In this podcast, family law attorney, Kristina Alkass, explains which types of cases people can settle on their own.
The Dog Days of Summer Are Here. Know what to know if you are bitten by a dog.
May 29, 2018 21:00 - 16 minutes - 14 MBIn the dog days of summer, neighborhood pets are everywhere. Unfortunately, not all of your neighbor’s pets are friendly or well trained. In the warmer months when pets are frequently outside, incidents of animal bites and attacks tend to increase dramatically. In this podcast, personal injury attorney Joe Vito explains the law and all avenues of recourse you may have if you, or someone you know, is bitten by a dog or other pet.
When Probate and Family Law Collide
May 22, 2018 21:00 - 16 minutes - 14.5 MBIn this podcast, attorney Michael Roth provides a brief overview of guardianship and the dissolution process. He explains what happens when one party is disabled and does not have the mental capacity to enter into dissolution agreements.
The Role of Attorney for Child in Divorce
May 08, 2018 21:00 - 15 minutes - 13.4 MBPerhaps you are involved in a divorce or custody case in which an Attorney for the Child, a Child Representative, or a Guardian ad Litem was just appointed, either by motion of one of the parties, or by motion of the Court. This individual is an attorney who may have been selected by agreement of the parties, or may be an individual that the Court selected itself. If you have more than one child relative to the case, this individual may be appointed to not just one child, but all of the child...
Understanding the Hidden Cost of Harassment in your Workplace
March 26, 2018 15:00 - 16 minutes - 13.8 MBBusinesses today more than ever need to be prudent in how they implement employment policies regarding workplace harassment. Demonstrative methods provide a unique and effective way to educate. In this podcast, Laurie Huspen of Valuable Resources Company joins attorney Ted McGinn to discuss workplace harassment and what employers should do to prevent it.
Potential Impact of New Tax Law on Divorce Agreements
March 06, 2018 22:00 - 15 minutes - 13.2 MBThe new federal tax law passed at the end of 2017 eliminates the tax deduction for alimony, or support, payments. Lavelle Law family law attorney Amil Alkass looks at the impact the change may have on reaching equitable support agreements in the future.
Divorce and the New Illinois Pet Law
February 15, 2018 16:30 - 15 minutes - 13.3 MBWhen considering the option of divorce, it is common for couples to worry about the division of their estate, including (and often, most importantly) what would happen to their pet. With the change in Illinois law as of January 1, 2018, a Court can now take into consideration the best interest of an animal in a divorce proceeding and award ownership. In this podcast, family law attorney Colleen Hurley explains this new Illinois law and how it affects divorce proceedings.
Part-Time CFO for a Growing and Emerging Business
January 30, 2018 22:00 - 16 minutes - 13.8 MBTo make informed decisions, a business owner must have timely and accurate financial information. But many emerging businesses cannot afford the cost of a full time CFO. The solution is part time CFOs. In this podcast, Kerry Lavelle of Lavelle Law and Lawrence Chester of CFO Simplified discuss the benefits of employing part time CFOs.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act – Part II
January 25, 2018 21:00 - 16 minutes - 13.8 MBIn this podcast, Tax Attorney Timothy Hughes and Dana B. Davidson CPA / PFS and President of Dana B. Davidson CPA Company, P.C. continue their discussion about the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) signed into law on December 22, 2017. They also address important updates for Illinois taxpayers.
New Laws in 2018
January 10, 2018 20:00 - 15 minutes - 13.7 MBIn this podcast, attorney Heather Glaser provides a summary of new laws in 2018, highlighting those that Illinois business owners should be aware of.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and what it means for taxpayers in Illinois
December 22, 2017 17:00 - 15 minutes - 13.7 MBIn this podcast, tax attorney Timothy Hughes and CPA Dana Davidson discuss the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which was signed into law December 22, 2017. They not only explain the new tax brackets for both individuals and corporations, but also make recommendations for what Illinoisans can DO NOW before the end of the year. Tim and Dana cover the property tax implications and many other aspects of this new law.
Estate Planning for Special Needs Children and Adults
December 19, 2017 22:00 - 15 minutes - 13.7 MBOnce a disabled child turns 18, Illinois law considers him or her to be an adult able to make his or her own financial, health care and educational decisions, even if this could not be further from the truth due to the child’s disability. As a parent or concerned family member, there are steps you can take to promote a disabled beneficiary’s continued medical and financial well-being. In this podcast, Attorney Brian Warens discusses how to establish an estate plan for a special needs benefici...
The Home Inspection Contingency - What does it get you?
December 01, 2017 20:00 - 15 minutes - 13.6 MBNo one should make the biggest purchase of their lives without first checking out everything beneath the sparkling façade - which is why the standard Illinois Residential Real Estate Multi-Board 6.1 contract contains an inspection contingency allowing buyers to do just that. But beyond just allowing a home inspection, what does the inspection provision get buyers? Listen in, as attorney Kelly Anderson pulls back the curtain on this important step in real estate transactions.
Year-End Tax Planning
November 30, 2017 21:00 - 16 minutes - 13.9 MBIn this podcast, attorney Ted McGinn was joined by Ben Soldinger, CPA and Partner at LJ Soldinger Associates. They discussed year-end tax planning and provided tips and strategies from both tax law and financial planning perspectives.
Navigating Holidays in a Family Law Case
November 21, 2017 22:00 - 15 minutes - 13.6 MBFor many people, seeing holiday decorations again glitter the stores, holiday music hit the airwaves, and holiday greeting cards hit the inbox is at once a signal of excitement and a harbinger of stress. For individuals going through a family law case, these feelings can be even more pronounced. You may be eager to have some designated time to set aside your worries and enjoy time celebrating with those important to you, and you may also be concerned about what changes or roadblocks lie ahead...
How to Prepare for a Real Estate Closing
November 07, 2017 22:00 - 15 minutes - 13.7 MBBuying your first home can be stressful. You may have looked at several properties with your real estate agent until you found the perfect place. You’ve been working with your lender for weeks to secure the final loan approval. You’re worried that the seller hasn’t made the repairs to kitchen that were promised. But while buying your first home can be stressful, the closing doesn’t have to be. Real Estate Attorney Chance Badertscher has prepared a summary of what to expect on the day of your ...
Legal Considerations for the Family Lake House and Vacation Home Co-Ownership
October 26, 2017 21:00 - 16 minutes - 13.8 MBIt’s easy to look back at the summer that was and reminisce about the great times shared with loved ones at the family lake house or vacation abode. Life is good! What a great summer! But as the season changes and the reality of family dynamics sets in, the owner (or child or other relative of the owner) may think about more practical considerations for future years. “How will the next generation view this family residence?” “Who will be in charge when I can no longer shoulder the weight?” “W...
Settlement Agreements
October 17, 2017 21:00 - 16 minutes - 13.7 MBDuring this podcast, attorney Matthew Sheahin provides an overview of the way most business litigation cases are resolved. He explains settlement agreements and discusses them from both the plaintiff’s point of view as well as the defendant’s perspective.
DACA RESCINDED. WHAT NOW?
September 14, 2017 15:00 - 16 minutes - 13.9 MBOn September 5, 2017 Acting Secretary of The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Elaine C. Duke, issued a memorandum rescinding the June 15, 2012 memorandum under the Obama administration entitled “Exercising Prosecutorial Discretion with Respect to Individuals Who Came to the United States as Children,” which established the program known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (“DACA”). In this podcast, immigration attorney Vishal Chhabria explains the consequences on current DACA recip...
Lavelle Consulting – Maximizing Stability, Growth and Profits for Your Law Firm
September 07, 2017 15:00 - 15 minutes - 13.7 MBKerry Lavelle, author of The Business Guide to Law: Creating and Operating a Successful Law Firm, discusses the new law office consulting group at Lavelle Law. Over more than two decades, Lavelle managed a successful law firm that grew from a single attorney to more than 25 across more than a dozen practice groups. In this podcast, he discusses the process he uses in helping other law firms achieve greater success and improved financial standing. Lavelle Consulting offers law firm audits, eva...
Uncontested Divorce
August 29, 2017 21:00 - 15 minutes - 13.7 MBAlthough it is not for everyone, an uncontested divorce can be a viable option under certain conditions. It can save you time and money, and avoid a prolonged discovery process. In this podcast, family law attorney Colleen Hurley explains how this process works and the benefits of an uncontested divorce.
Covenants in Employment Agreements
August 22, 2017 21:00 - 15 minutes - 13.6 MBWhen negotiating an employment agreement, or when terminating someone’s employment, whether that employee is bound by restrictive covenants, such as covenants not to compete and prohibitions on solicitation, often becomes an issue. In this podcast, attorney Joshua Nesser discusses the typical restrictive covenants, Illinois law with respect to the enforceability of these covenants, and how employers and employees should go about handling these covenants.