Julia Jensen Smolka

04/07/2023

11/05/2019

Interesting article. Is bankruptcy right for you? Call me for a free consultation.

Is doing nothing about your debts less harmful than filing bankruptcy? We weigh the consequences of getting out of debt vs. making minimum payments forever.

02/19/2019

Our constant contact newsletter

06/28/2018

ST. LOUIS, MO—Saying the rude woman in question “didn’t even try to let him finish his interjection,” marketing analyst Kevin Ferris took deep personal offense Thursday when his female coworker continued speaking after he clearly interrupted her. “God, I’ll be right in the middle of butt...

02/08/2017

Sometimes people wonder if they should file for bankruptcy or otherwise seek out legal help to deal with their creditors.  Over the last 16 years, I worked with...

08/10/2016

When I first meet with a client on a new litigation matter, one of their first questions is how much is this going to cost.  The second question is whether the ...

06/09/2016

Jimmy John's is being sued by the attorney general for making its sandwich makers sign non-compete agreements, which limit the employee from working at another sandwich shop within 3 miles. It prevents workers from finding higher paying employment. Restrictive covenants are legal when they are limited in time and duration and protect a legit business interest. There is no legit reason for Jimmy Johns to do this. Its despicable. Have you signed an agreement like this? I can review it.

Posted on June 9, 2016 by Jacksonville Journal Courier State targeting sandwich shops’ non-compete rule News, Top Stories Journal-Courier staff Attorney General Lisa Madigan is going after the Jimmy John’s sandwich-shop franchise over what she contends are highly restrictive non-compete agreements o...

06/07/2016

Are you an attorney and you wish to make a move? Check out our ad. We are looking to expand.

Well-established Park Ridge business law firm is seeking to expand its medium-sized practice by adding experienced attorneys or small practice groups with portable business. Those practices being sought include corporate, litigation, and transactional work. The firm has downtown legal expertise at...

06/01/2016

You have a corporation or LLC? Make sure you treat it like you should. Here is a short article on it

If you think you can outsmart everyone by forming a company and having others be the shareholders, directors and officers and avoid creditors claims think again. A recent Illinois Appellate Court opinion expanded the ability to pierce the corporate veil and hold an individual responsible.

05/25/2016

Interesting article by my partner Margherita Albarello on service animals in commercial establishments. If you own a business, or have a service animal, know your rights.

Both the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) require that certain housing providers reasonably accommodate people with disabilities who require animals to assist them in some manner related to their disability. While the FHA and the ADA have many…

03/30/2016

You want to leave your cat or dog money when you die. You can do that in Illinois. Read about it and ask me how.

While Illinois has a Pet Trust Act, the act contains a section seeking to rein in the excesses of pet owners by providing, The court may reduce the amount of the property transferred if it determines that the amount substantially exceeds the amount required for the intended use.