Every real estate transaction, whether you are buying or selling...
Read MoreOur attorneys and closing team provide practical legal guidance to buyers, sellers, investors, Realtors, and families throughout Illinois from contract through closing.
Years Experience
Closings Handled
About trust
For more than 41 years, Shawn M. Bolger Limited has provided experienced legal guidance to buyers, sellers, investors, Realtors, and families throughout Illinois. Our team combines practical advice, responsive communication, and detailed knowledge of contracts, title matters, and real estate closings.
Reviews
More than legal experience—our reputation has been built through responsive service, practical advice, and successful closings.
EXCELLENT
Based on 139 reviews
Posted on Google![]()
Eric PerezTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Highly recommend if you're looking for a reliable real-estate attorney. Kelsey was very thorough in her processes, extremely responsive, and walked my fiancee and I through all the paperwork ensuring every question, thought and concern was addressed for a smooth closing.Posted on Google![]()
Daniel LeeTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
As first time homebuyers, we were given a lot of advice from which law firm to use or how to address Illinois’s requirement for a lawyer in the real estate process. Regardless, we landed on quite possibly the best lawyer in Chicago to work with. Kelsey was phenomenal from start to finish. There was not a moment in the process where we felt unsure about where we stood or what was next. She was beyond fantastic, and out of all of the services we needed during the process, this was the best choice we could’ve made. There is no doubt we will be using her and The Bolger Office again in the future.Posted on Google![]()
Guadalupe RuizTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Muy profesionales en todo super recomendada.Posted on Google![]()
ຕຸ້ຍໆ,Cham ຍູ່ໄກໆTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
One of the best team I had worked with. Very responsive throughout the process of getting my dream home. Truly recommended. Thank youPosted on Google![]()
Jasmine CortezTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Kelsey and the rest of the Shawn Bolger team was a pleasure to work with throughout the process of buying my first condo. She was extremely responsive, answered all of my questions promptly, and helped guide me every step of the way. As a first-time homebuyer, I really appreciated her patience, professionalism, and support. She made the entire experience much less stressful, and I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and reliable real estate attorney.Posted on Google![]()
MelTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I can’t say enough great things about Kelsey Stangebye and the Team at Shawn Bolger’s office. I’ve worked with Kelsey on 3 real estate transactions, and every single one has gone smoothly thanks to her knowledge, professionalism, and attention to detail. Kelsey and her team are very responsive and proactive. I always knew I could count on Kelsey to look out for my best interests and guide me in the right direction. I’m so grateful for all of her help over the years. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for an attorney who is very skilled and genuinely cares about her clients.Posted on Google![]()
Geneva MatthewsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I was in the process of purchasing a home with no realtor. Shawn and her team were my saving grace. They were my realtors, attorneys, advisers and much more. They were prompt and thorough. Yesenia kept me in the loop every step of the way. We even had a last minute surprise at closing that could have cost me the deal but Kelsey was quick with her thinking, we closed and I got the keys! I could keep writing, but words could never express my gratitude. They’re awesome!!!Posted on Google![]()
Jennifer BrownTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
If you are looking for a real estate attorney who is sharp, communicative, responsive, and truly committed to protecting her clients, I highly recommend Shawn Bolger. Throughout my entire selling process, she handled everything with professionalism, intelligence, and care. Shawn protected my legal interests beautifully and made sure I understood every step along the way. Near closing, a situation arose that required patience, poise, and strong legal articulation — especially when a last-minute “hail mary” was thrown into the mix. Shawn handled it flawlessly. She was calm, strategic, firm when necessary, and absolutely advocated for me as the seller. She was always accessible, incredibly thorough, and surrounded by a fantastic team. Special shoutout to Nicole Jordan, Legal Assistant, who was an absolute rockstar throughout the process. Having Shawn in my corner gave me tremendous peace of mind. I highly recommend her to anyone needing an exceptional real estate attorney.Posted on Google![]()
Hugo ThurmondTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We had an excellent experience working with Kelsey, Shawn, and their team during both the sale and purchase of our home. They did a fantastic job explaining every step of the process and made sure we understood exactly what needed to be done to keep everything moving forward. They were always available when we had questions and consistently responded in a timely manner, which gave us a lot of peace of mind. While our sale and purchase came with some challenges due to factors outside of our control, Kelsey, Shawn, and their team handled everything with true professionalism and kept things on track from start to finish. What stood out most was how they treated us—like we were family or close friends. Their level of care, dedication, and commitment really made a difference. We highly recommend Kelsey, Shawn, and their entire team to anyone looking for knowledgeable, reliable, and genuinely supportive real estate professionals.Posted on Google![]()
Carmen AlvarezTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We have had an excellent experience working with Kelsey and her team. From start to finish, professional, responsive and knowledgeable. Very efficient and helpful explaining every step. This is our third time closing with Kelsey and will continue using her in the future.Showing our latest reviews
Who We Help
Experienced legal guidance from contract to closing.
Sell with confidence and clear title.
Strategic counsel for portfolios and 1031 exchanges.
Our Services
Every transaction is different. I provide legal services that help buyers, sellers, investors, families, and Realtors complete transactions with confidence while avoiding costly legal problems.
Purchase your home with confidence through experienced legal guidance from contract review through closing.
Navigate your sale with practical legal advice from contract through closing.
Experienced legal support for residential and commercial investment transactions, helping minimize risk and support your long-term investment objectives.
Receive experienced legal guidance throughout the closing process, from document review and title matters to final closing.
Identify potential issues before signing with a thorough legal review Thorough contract review to identify important terms, potential issues, and obligations before you sign.
Resolve title issues efficiently to help prevent delays and ensure your transaction moves toward a smooth and successful closing.
Compassionate legal guidance for selling probate property while helping families navigate legal requirements with confidence and clarity.
Plan ahead by transferring real estate efficiently while helping simplify the process for your loved ones in the future.
Explore practical legal options that help simplify estate administration while supporting your family’s interests and reducing unnecessary complications.
Trusted legal solutions for buyers, sellers, investors, and property owners tailored to your unique real estate needs.
Real Estate Home Buyers
Real Estate Home Sellers
Real Estate Investors
Real Estate Closing Lawyer
Real Estate Contract Review
Title & Title Clearance Services
Probate Real Estate Sales
TODI
Probate Alternatives & Bonds
Real Estate Legal Services
Why Choose Us
Real estate transactions involve significant financial decisions, detailed contracts, title considerations, and strict deadlines. Our firm brings more than 41 years of Illinois real estate experience, practical legal advice, responsive communication, and a dedicated team to every transaction.
Our Team
Our experienced legal team works together to keep transactions organized, answer questions promptly, and guide clients from contract to closing with confidence.
With more than 41 years of legal experience, Shawn focuses on Chicagoland real estate transactions, providing practical and responsive guidance to buyers, sellers, and investors from contract through closing.
Kelsey focuses on real estate transactions, contract review, title matters, and closing coordination. She works closely with clients to explain legal issues clearly and provide practical guidance throughout the transaction.
Nicole is a Seller Transaction Coordinator and Legal Assistant. She assists with every stage of our seller transactions, coordinating with clients, title companies, and real estate professionals to help keep each closing on schedule. Her organization and responsiveness help make the process as smooth and straightforward as possible.
Yesenia is a Buyer Transaction Coordinator and Legal Assistant. She works closely with buyers, lenders, title companies, and real estate agents to keep each transaction on track from contract to closing. She coordinates deadlines, facilitates communication among all parties, and helps ensure the closing process moves forward efficiently while keeping clients informed along the way.
Resources
Every real estate transaction, whether you are buying or selling...
Read MoreDiscover why home sellers should hire a real estate attorney....
Read MoreYears Experience
Successful Closings
Client Focused
Direct Access
About trust
Attorney review gives you an opportunity to have the purchase or sale contract reviewed by a real estate attorney after it has been signed. The review may include explaining important terms, identifying provisions that need attention, and discussing possible changes based on the transaction. The scope of the review depends on the contract and the circumstances of the deal.
Legal fees depend on the type of transaction and the services involved. Our office will explain the applicable fees and what is included before representation begins. If you have questions about the cost of your transaction, contact our office and we can discuss the details with you.
An inspection may uncover repairs or other issues that were not apparent when the property was first viewed. If that happens, your attorney can review the inspection findings along with the contract and explain the options available to you. Depending on the circumstances, the parties may negotiate repairs, a credit, changes to the agreement, or another resolution.
Closing is when the final documents are reviewed and signed and the transaction is completed. Your attorney can review the closing documents, go over the figures and prorations, and address any outstanding legal or title matters. Once the required documents are in order, the parties can complete the closing and move forward with the transaction.
A Transfer on Death Instrument (TODI) is a cost-effective estate planning tool in Illinois that allows a property owner to designate a beneficiary to receive their residential real estate upon the owner’s death, subject to applicable legal requirements. One of the primary benefits of a TODI is that the property may pass directly to the designated beneficiary outside of the probate process, potentially reducing the time, expense, and administrative burden associated with probate.
Closing day is the final execution of your real estate transaction. We stand by your side at the title company office to review the final documents and address any questions that arise. For buyers, we thoroughly review and explain the lender’s loan disclosures, verify the closing figures, and oversee the execution of the mortgage documents. For sellers, we confirm that applicable title clearance conditions have been addressed, review the deed and closing documents, and help facilitate the proper disbursement of your final sales proceeds.
Speak directly with an experienced Chicago real estate attorney. No obligation, no pressure—just clear answers about your situation.
Mon – Fri · 8:00am to 5:30pm