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About

debtor, reorganizations, debt restructuring, representation, creditors, bankruptcy, lenders, lien disputes, commercial collection, construction lien, mechanics lien, litigation, condominium law, homeowners association law, collection, negotiations with ven
Julia Jensen Smolka graduated with high honors from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1997, and attended Loyola University of Chicago's Law School (2000). She practices in the areas of commercial law, condominium law, construction litigation and bankruptcy.

Julia has over 20 years of experience representing diverse business industries and individuals as debtors in reorganizations, bankruptcy, and debt restructuring.  She has been lead and co-counsel in Chapter 11 bankruptcies on behalf of real estate developers, hospitality companies, commercial landlords, manufacturers, fabricators, logistic companies and high net-worth individuals.   She also has significant experience representing lenders and creditors in bankruptcy court and state court, including stay modification litigation, adversary actions, priority lien disputes and commercial collection and foreclosure, as well as contractors and homeowners in construction and mechanic’s lien litigation.

 

Julia has in-depth experience drafting contracts, leases, business sales transactions and settlement agreements with an eye toward anticipating potential litigation and protecting her clients.  Additionally, she represents condominium and homeowners’ associations in litigation, collection, negotiations with vendors and disputes with utilities and municipalities. Julia is experienced with drafting estate plans and representing estate and beneficiaries in probate litigation.

 

As a seasoned attorney, Julia handles all aspects of litigation including investigations, pleadings, discovery, pre-trial matters, trial, and if appropriate, settlements and/or appeals of trial decisions. 

 

Julia is a frequent speaker with the Illinois State Bar Association on topics in Bankruptcy, Mechanics Lien and Collection Strategies. 

 

Client Representation

-Represented hotelier in chapter 11 reorganization in Lake County, Illinois.

 

-Represented commercial landlord in strip center against debtor in Subchapter V Chapter 11.

 

-Represented Chapter 7 trustee in collection efforts against insiders for recovery of fraudulent claims.

 

-Represented real estate developers in Chapter 11 reorganizations. Clients were able to to sell real estate and prevent foreclosures.

 

-Represented several property owners in reorganizations to prevent loss of properties from real estate tax buyers.

 

-Represented logistics company in Subchapter V Chapter 11 Cases during Covid.

"My passion is helping my clients by educating, advising and using

my years of experience and expertise to ensure a successful outcome." 

Julia

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