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House-Passed 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act: What Real Estate Professionals Should Know

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act may change how you think about acquisitions, development sites, public land, affordable housing capital, and single-family rental strategy.

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Limitations of Liability Provisions in Construction Contracts: A Means to Manage Risk and Limit Financial Exposure

Learn about specific risks that can be limited through an LOL, tips for negotiating the LOL terms with reluctant owners to cover those specific risks, how to limit unintended consequences of an LOL, and approaches to setting the amount of the liability cap in the LOL.

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Ten Mistakes Buyers Make When Negotiating Letters of Intent in Commercial Real Estate Transactions in Illinois

Strong LOIs create faster transactions and, even if an attorney is involved, are considerably less expensive than salvaging a weak LOI or proceeding directly to a purchase agreement.

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The 2026 ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey Standards: What Do Commercial Real Estate Professionals Need to Know?

The new standards give real estate owners, developers, and lenders opportunities to leverage 2026 ALTA surveys as a more effective risk-management tool.

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Do I Need a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment When Buying Commercial Property in Illinois?

A Phase I is not required to purchase a commercial property. However, it is required by most commercial lenders and is often recommended to help limit buyer liability via the “innocent landowner” or “bona fide prospective purchaser” defenses commonly present in state and federal environmental laws.

Deborah O’Donnell Joins Gould & Ratner as Incoming Chief Administrative Officer

Gould & Ratner Adds Litigation Associate to Denver Office

Gould & Ratner Welcomes Four Associates Across Key Practice Areas

Gould & Ratner Welcomes David Scriven-Young as Partner

Ellen Chapelle Named a 2026 Crain’s Chicago Notable Woman in Law

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Gregory Branson

Associate

Gregory Branson advises start-up and emerging growth companies, founders, and investors at every stage of the business lifecycle, from formation and early financing through growth, governance, and exit.

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Geoffrey Curley

Associate

Whether structuring a deal or helping a start-up grow its business, Geoff strives to be a proactive partner on behalf of clients. Clients look to Geoff for pragmatic and comprehensive legal advice, and they appreciate his approachable character when collaborating on their business goals.

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Jacob Dodds

Associate

Jacob Dodds advises clients on the tax aspects of complex estate planning and transactions, entity planning, and business restructurings. He brings a deeply technical background in strategic tax planning, helping clients navigate sophisticated tax issues with precision, responsiveness, and a strong commitment to getting the job done.

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Micah Fishman

Associate

Micah Fishman brings broad experience across complex disputes, allowing him to quickly assess issues, anticipate next steps, and move matters forward efficiently. He combines strong courtroom fundamentals with a practical, business-minded approach to problem-solving.

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Deborah O'Donnell

Chief Administrative Officer

Deb O’Donnell creates momentum for evolution and does not hesitate to initiate, execute, and manage change when progress calls for it.

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Timothy Scanlan

Associate

Timothy Scanlan is a litigator who helps clients navigate complex disputes with strategic, practical counsel.

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David Scriven-Young

Partner

Companies rely on David Scriven-Young to help them navigate environmental regulations, manage risk, and resolve complex disputes when regulatory issues intersect with litigation.