Shifrin Legal

Michael and his team at Shifrin Legal helped our condo association resolve a complicated matter involving owner dues delinquencies with several unique nuances. They were organized, responsive, and helpful throughout the entire process, taking the time to answer our questions and address our concerns along the way. Ultimately, they helped us reach a successful outcome. I would happily recommend Michael and his team and would not hesitate to engage their services again in the future.

Our HOA recently worked with Shifrin Legal to update our bylaws by adding language addressing short-term rentals, including Airbnb and similar vacation rental platforms. Michael and his team were outstanding throughout the entire process. They were incredibly responsive, communicated clearly at every stage, and made what could have been a complicated process very straightforward. They handled virtually everything for us—from preparing the amendments and coordinating with the appropriate agencies for filing to providing us with the finalized, updated governing documents. One aspect that really stood out was their transparency and fairness when it came to pricing. Compared to several other firms I contacted on behalf of our association, Shifrin Legal was by far the most reasonable in cost and very upfront about the fees involved, with no surprises. I highly recommend Shifrin Legal to any HOA or condominium association seeking knowledgeable, responsive legal counsel. If our association needs legal assistance again in the future, they will definitely be our first call.

This review is based entirely on documented communications, certified mail, and written notices. Attorney Michael Shifrin was formally warned on March 4, 2026 — in writing — that our condo board was attempting to impose and collect an assessment that was never legally adopted under the Illinois Condominium Property Act. He received a full breakdown of statutory violations, including exceeding the 115% threshold under 765 ILCS 605/18(a)(8), which automatically triggers owner veto rights. He was told directly that the Board’s actions were unlawful. Despite receiving explicit legal notice, Shifrin continued assisting the Board while they pushed forward an assessment missing every single statutory requirement: no pre adoption notice, no proposed budget, no 30 day language, no petition rights, no veto rights, no 115% rule, no statutory format, and no lawful adoption meeting. Owners never received any legally required documents. What we DID receive — and still possess in hardcopy — is a defective, non statutory letter missing every mandatory disclosure. These physical documents prove the assessment was never legally adopted. Anything produced afterward is not compliance — it is an attempt to cover up a process that never existed. After being warned, Shifrin did not correct the record, did not advise the Board to restart the process, and did not notify owners of their statutory rights. Instead, he allowed the Board to continue collection efforts, including issuing coupon books for an assessment that does not legally exist. Under Illinois law, an attorney cannot assist a client in illegal conduct. By continuing after receiving written notice, Shifrin violated Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct 1.2(d), 4.1, and 8.4(c). IDFPR claimed “insufficient evidence” without requesting a single statutory document — no budget, no proof of mailing, no owner confirmations, nothing. They closed the case without verifying a single fact. Owners are now being financially harmed by an assessment that was never lawfully adopted. The Board has burned through five management companies in five years and four attorneys, each distancing themselves once they recognize the legal exposure. Yet Shifrin remains, enabling an unlawful process and ignoring documented statutory violations. This is not a misunderstanding — it is a clear, documented failure to uphold professional and statutory obligations. The public deserves to be warned.

Our condominium association was fortunate to find and retain Shifrin Legal in 2022. We are a small but mighty association that cares deeply about doing things the right way, though we are certainly not legal experts. About three years ago, we encountered a situation that required specialized expertise not only in the law, but specifically in condominium association matters. Throughout this time, we have worked primarily with Michael Shifrin, while also collaborating with Zeljko and Victoria. All three have been highly professional, building strong cases for our association through both written motions and in-person arguments before multiple judges. Just as importantly, they have made us feel cared for and understood as clients. The legal process can be emotional in many ways, and Michael Shifrin consistently made us feel understood, valued and supported. We would not hesitate to work with Shifrin Legal again or to refer fellow condominium associations to this firm.