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Investing in residential real estate in the City of Chicago can be a financially and professionally rewarding experience.  However, as with any investment, it is important to learn how to protect your Chicago real estate investment by familiarizing yourself with all applicable rules and regulations.  The Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (the "RLTO") is one such relevant, and often overlooked, local regulation that applies to most landlord/tenant relationships in Chicago.  A complete understanding of the RLTO will benefit tenants and landlords alike.

STAKING OUT YOUR PIECE OF CYBERSPACE

For most modern businesses a website is an essential element of a successful business model.  However, most companies do not have the expertise in-house to develop a website and, in many cases, do not have the computer capabilities to even host a website.  Hiring a web site developer is therefore often a necessity.  Before your business outsources its web site development, make sure you have the proper agreements in place.

HOW AN EMPLOYEE'S DIVORCE MAY AFFECT YOUR BUSINESS

The divorce rate in the United States is high.  Approximately forty-three percent (43%) of marriages end in divorce (National Center for Health Statistics).  Every day, dedicated court rooms in Illinois are dedicated to nothing but divorce cases.  There is an obvious long lasting impact that a divorce has on the individuals and family members involved in the break-up.  However, that impact has a far reaching effect that may directly involve the employer of a divorcee. The Illinois Supreme Court's decision in In Re Marriage of Miller, 870 N.E.2d 292, Ill. 2007, sent a message that should cause all employers to take notice.

WHAT EVERY BUSINESS NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT THE NEW ILLINOIS EMPLOYEE CLASSIFICATION ACT

The Illinois Employee Classification Act, which became effective January 1, 2008, imposes severe penalties on employers in the construction industry who misclassify workers as independent contractors rather than employees.  Virtually every general contractor and subcontractor in Illinois is subject to the Act as it applies to all construction work performed within the State of Illinois.