Lost Your Property Due to Delinquent Taxes?
If you've lost your property through a tax deed sale, SMLG can help you pursue compensation through the county Indemnity Fund. We fight for former property owners, estates, and lien holders to recover financial relief or explore options to reclaim their property—often with no upfront attorney fees.
SMLG Attorneys
John W. Stanko, Jr.
Partner
John’s clientele in tax sale and tax deed litigation ranges from private investors to large corporate tax purchasers and servicing agents as well as private property owners, mortgage companies, banks, title companies and municipalities. He has written and spoken at many seminars and has been a court-appointed expert witness regarding the Illinois Property Tax Code.
Andrew Clesen
Associate Attorney
Andrew is a U.S. military veteran who was a member of the special warfare community and he served in combat zones across the Middle East. After his military service, he earned a B.S. from Illinois State University then earned his M.A. in Communication from San Diego State University. Subsequently, he earned his law degree from Northern Illinois University. He is licensed to practice law in Illinois and California. Most of Andrew’s clients buy properties in Cook County (Chicago) and San Diego County.
Emmett R. McCarthy
Partner
Emmett’s primary practice areas are real estate tax sales and tax deeds, real estate tax sale certificate assignments, real estate tax redemption, indemnity fund claims, retroactive and alternative real estate tax relief and real estate tax exemptions. He has handled numerous Cook County Indemnity Fund cases involving residential, income, commercial and industrial properties and obtained judgments exceeding $1,000.000.00.
