Erica Crohn Minchella

Erica Crohn Minchella

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 44 years

Real estate Lawyer at Skokie, IL
Practice Areas: Real Estate, Foreclosure, Litigation

7538 St. Louis Ave., Skokie, IL

About Erica

Biography

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Real Estate 50%

Conventional residential and small commercial transactions. Short sales, loan modifications and foreclosure defense. Representation of lenders in hard money transactions.

44 years | 1,000 cases

50%
Foreclosure 40%

In defending foreclosure cases, I am looking at whether there are issues regarding the manner in which the documentation was flawed or problems with the securitization. I will also use the Cook County Mediation Service to help clients procure modifications and means of a "graceful exit".

18 years | 150 cases

40%
Litigation 10%

Real Estate litigation - including landlord/tenant (landlord only) , Quiet Title actions, partition suits,

18 years | 20 cases

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 300-350 per hour


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Illinois for 44 years

State: Illinois

Acquired: 1981

Active and Authorized to Practice Law

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Erica Crohn Minchella

7538 St. Louis Ave., Skokie, IL, 60076-4034

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Erica Crohn Minchella's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

24 Client Reviews

5 star (24)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by Charles | June 24, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Highly recommend!

Erica helped me with a real estate matter and did an incredible job. She guided us through the process prior and everything unfolded just as planned. I would absolutely recommend her! Thank you Erica.

Posted by Mitch | September 30, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Very helpful

Erica and James were very helpful in my commercial real estate transaction - they were very active in shepherding the process, talked me off the ledge more than once, and made sure my interests were protected.

Posted by Heather | May 26, 2019 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Great Attorney, Team!

My team and I have worked with Erica on Short Sales. It is a smooth process and appreciate her knowledge and expertise in the area of Foreclosures. We enjoy working with her office. My team and I look forward to many, many more transactions.

Posted by Vincent | June 13, 2017 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Amazing Lawyer

Erica is an amazing attorney, but more so an exceptional person. Don't think twice, hire her, you won't be disappointed!

Posted by Emma | March 20, 2017 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Erica Crohn Minchella - Top Notch Professional Sensitive to Difficult Financial Situation

We hired Erica Crohn Minchella to handle the short sale of our home and the complicated repercussions of this transaction. From deal, to no deal thanks to a bank's intransigent bureaucracy, to another deal a year later for a much lower price, and ultimately, threat of foreclosure, and a bankruptcy ca...se, Erica and her staff took great care of all paperwork and deadlines. She counseled us every step of the way, over nearly three years, until all was resolved successfully. I highly recommend Erica and her staff for all legal matters pertaining to real estate, foreclosure, and litigation.

See All Client Reviews

Erica Crohn Minchella's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Erica
Rick Lee Rogers headshot
Rick Rogers

Foreclosure lawyer | Jun 07

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse and highly recommend this lawyer. Erica is a leader in the Foreclosure Defense community, and is President of the Association of Foreclosure Defense Attorneys. She is well-liked by her peers and well-respected by opposing attorneys. She has a pleasant and comforting manner about her, of which her clients are always appreciative. I have worked with Erica on many cases, and would not hesitate to recommend her."

Arthur Ross Ehrlich headshot
Arthur Ehrlich

Debt settlement lawyer | Jan 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Erica has built on her prior experience as a bankruptcy attorney and now uses that exceptional skill and knowledge base to represent those clients who experience problems with their lender or with their mortgage. She is diligent and passionate about her clients"

Richard Fredrick Kohn headshot
Richard Kohn

Foreclosure lawyer | Jul 25

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer. Erica has done a fantastic job organizing, leading, encouraging and acting as President of, the Association of Foreclosure Defense Attorneys. Her energy, savvy, legal skills and people skills are virtually unmatched. I wish her every success. She is a "perfect 10" in every way."

Thea Pazen headshot
Thea Pazen

Foreclosure lawyer | Jun 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I whole-heartedly endorse Erica Minchella. I have practiced with her for years, and she is my "go-to" lady for foreclosure and financial issues. I have sent numerous clients to her, always with great results and good reviews. She's a wonderful lawyer! Thea Pazen"

Sandra Margaret Emerson headshot
Sandra Emerson

Foreclosure lawyer | Apr 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have come to know Erica MInchella through my work with the Association of Foreclosure Defense Attorneys (she is the group's founder and president). She is highly respected in the foreclosure defense community -- and the legal community as a whole -- for her professionalism, knowledge, and compassion for her clients. Ms. Minchella's foreclosure knowledge, combined with her significant career experience in real estate and bankruptcy, enables her to chart a solid course for clients in financial distress. I am pleased to endorse her work."

John Schleiffarth headshot
John Schleiffarth

Foreclosure lawyer | May 18

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Erica Minchella is an extremely knowledgeable and capable attorney. I recommend her services to anyone dealing with foreclosure issues in Illinois."

John Frederick Stimson headshot
John Stimson

Real estate lawyer | Apr 15

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I highly endorse this lawyer. I've worked with Erica on several matters and have found her exceptionally knowledgeable on all aspects of real estate law and debtors' rights. I would highly recommend her to anyone involved in a real estate transaction or anyone confronted with foreclosure, bankruptcy or debt-related problems. She works incredibly hard to achieve the best possible results for all of her clients."

Arnold Marshall Flank headshot
Arnold Flank

Real estate lawyer | Jun 01

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I've known Erica Minchella for over fifteen years. She has extensive experience in bankruptcy matters, and has recently become involved in real estate "work-outs" for her clients who are having difficulty with their mortgage debts. Her bankruptcy experience has proven valuable in her recent endeavors on behalf of her clients. Erica is meticulous in her examination of the facts and legal issues of a particular situation, and she will take the time to explain alternative courses of action to her client. She also has the sense to know when to consult with other attorneys to seek answers to issues and fact situations about which she may not have immediate knowledge."

Gregory Paul Turza headshot
Gregory Turza

Real estate lawyer | Mar 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"My clients have had great success with Erica not only with real estate closings, but more importantly in this market, loan modifications. The clients I send her almost always call to thank me for the referral. Even though I am a lawyer and I know real estate, I have Erica represent me buying and selling my own properties. The time it would take me would be more costly than paying her fee which is always quite reasonable. She has all my confidence as do many of my colleagues. If it has anything to do with real estate you can't go wrong to retain Erica."

Ben L. Schneider headshot
Ben Schneider

Real estate lawyer | Aug 11

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Erica's ability as an Attorney can be capsulized in one word, experience. Erica is one of the most experienced Attorneys I know, and she is an invaluable resource for my Law practice. Erica has been in business long enough that she has seen it all, and she is sharp enough to use her knowldge in creative and efficient ways. My practice focuses mostly on Bankruptcy law and I have referred several of my clients on to Erica for mortgage renegotiations. I would (and do) recommend anyone looking for a top notch Real Estate Attorney to give Erica a call for experienced and honest service."

View All Endorsements
Tina Thuy Tran headshot
Tina Tran

Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer

Isabelle Taylor Maerki headshot
Isabelle Maerki

Residential real estate lawyer

Bernard James Slater Jr. headshot
Bernard Slater

Real estate lawyer

Michael Jacob Goldsmith headshot
Michael Goldsmith

Personal injury lawyer

Daniel S. Khwaja headshot
Daniel Khwaja

Foreclosure lawyer

Arthur Ross Ehrlich headshot
Arthur Ehrlich

Employment and labor lawyer

Richard Fredrick Kohn headshot
Richard Kohn

Foreclosure lawyer

Thea Pazen headshot
Thea Pazen

Real estate lawyer

Sandra Margaret Emerson headshot
Sandra Emerson

Foreclosure lawyer

Jerrold Alan Lazar headshot
Jerrold Lazar

Real estate lawyer

John Frederick Stimson headshot
John Stimson

Litigation lawyer

August Anthony Pilati headshot
August Pilati

Chapter 11 bankruptcy lawyer

Andy Robert Norman headshot
Andy Norman

Lawsuits and disputes lawyer

Arnold Marshall Flank headshot
Arnold Flank

Litigation lawyer

Gregory Paul Turza headshot
Gregory Turza

Estate planning lawyer

Ben L. Schneider headshot
Ben Schneider

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2023

Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

2022

AV Preeminent Lawyer, Martindale-Hubbell®

2022

Top Rated Lawyer - Top 1%, The American Registry

2022

Top Rated Lawyer, AVVO

2022

Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

2021

Leading Lawyer, Leading Lawyers Network

2021

Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

2020

Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

2020

Leading Lawyer, Leading Lawyers Network

2019

Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

2019

Leading Lawyer, Leading Lawyers Network

2018

AV Rated - Bar and Judiciary, Martindale-Hubbell

2018

Leading Lawyer, Leading Lawyers Network

2017

Leading Lawyer - Real Estate, Leading Lawyers Network

2017

Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

2016

Leading Lawyer - Real Estate, Leading Lawyers Network

2016

Foreclosure Defense Law Firm of the Year in Illinois, 2016 International Globe Award

2015

Top Lawyer - 2015, Top Lawyers of Chicago

2015

Kathryn Barisa Rinella Award for Mentoring Women Lawyers, Justinian Society of Lawyers

2015

Leading Lawyer - Real Estate, Foreclosures, Leading Lawyers Network

2014

Top Lawyer - 2014, Top Attorneys of Chicago

2014

Leading Lawyer - Real Estate, Foreclosures, Leading Lawyers Network

2013

Leading Lawyer - Real Estate, Foreclosures, Leading Lawyers Network

2010

Networker of the year, Skokie Chamber of Commerce

2009

Paul Harris Fellowship Award, Rotary Club of Chicago Far North

Work Experience

1999 - Present

President, Minchella & Associates, Ltd.

1996 - 1999

President, Minchella & Porter, Ltd.

Associations

2012 - Present

Illinois Real Estate Lawyers Association (IRELA)

Director

2011 - Present

Illinois State Bar Association Real Estate Section Council

Member

2010 - Present

Association of Foreclosure Defense Attorneys

President

2009 - Present

Council of Women Realtors - Northshore Chapter

Member

2008 - Present

Skokie Chamber of Commerce

Member

1996 - Present

Justinian Society of Lawyers

Member

2017 - 2018

Multi Board 7.0 Drafting Committee

Member

2016 - 2017

Illinois State Bar Association

Chair - Real Estate Section Council

2015 - 2016

ISBA - Real Estate Section Council

Vice Chair

2014 - 2016

Unity Award Dinner

Committee member

2014 - 2015

Illinois State Bar Association

Secretary - Real Estate Section Council

2013 - 2015

Attorneys Roundtable - Skokie Chamber of Commerce

Organizer

2012 - 2014

Skokie Chamber of Commerce

President

2012 - 2012

Uniform Law Commission "Stakeholders" Conference

Participant

2011 - 2012

Small Business Advocacy Council

Board of Directors

2010 - 2016

Skokie Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

Member

2010 - 2011

North Suburban Bar Association

Member - Board of Directors

2010 - 2011

Small Business Advocacy Council

Policy Committee

2009 - 2010

Rotary Club of Chicago Far North

President

2009 - 2019

Honor Flight Chicago

Pro Bono Attorney

2008 - 2011

Project Focus Board of Advisors

Board Member, Pro Bono Attorney

2008 - 2009

Rogers Park Builders Group

Member

1992 - 1992

Illinois State Bar Association

Instructor - Bankruptcy and Real Estate Course

1992 - 1995

Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education

Instructor - Bankruptcy law courses

1991 - 1991

Chicago Bar Association

Member - Nominating Committee

1991 - 1991

Chicago Bar Association

Member - Ad Hoc Committee on Technology

1990 - 1991

Chicago Bar Association

Chair - Solo Small Firm Committee

1981 - 1991

Chicago Bar Association

Instructor - Bankruptcy law course

Sample of Legal Cases

Hegwood v. Francellno

Judgment for Plaintiff

Raggs v. Hazsto

House deeded back to Plaintiff

Hegewisch v. Coulter

Settled - Plaintiff accepted reinstatement

Citimortgage v. Egan

Service Quashed

Bell to Hakimian

Sold property on short sale after 345 days

Sharia Law Real Estate Closing

Closed a transaction under Sharia

See More Legal Cases

Education

1981

Loyola University Chicago School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

Speaking Engagements

2022

LawLine MCLE Webinar

Negotiating RE Contracts Post Covid

2020

Monthly Webinar

Landlord Tenant I and II

2020

MCLE

2020 Real Estate Law Updates

2020

MCLE

Negotiating Contracts in a Covid-19 World

2020

Educational webinar

Considerations when renting

2019

MCLE Webinar

Short Sales and Real Estate Litigation

2019

MCLE Webinar

7.0 Contract

2019

MCLE meeting

7.0 Contract

2019

MCLE

Explaning the 7.0 Multi-Board Contract

2019

ISBA Real Estate Section Council Spring Seminar

Competency in the Real Estate Transaction

2019

Illinois State Bar Association

Eviction issues for clients and tenants in foreclosure

2018

Representing the Elderly Real Estate Client

Elder Clients in Distress

2017

MCLE Webinar

Hot Topics in Real Estate

2017

ISBA - Real Estate Section/Real Estate Litigation

Real Estate Litigation (Bankruptcy)

2016

ISBA Spring Law Ed Program

Bankruptcy and Foreclosure

2015

Real Estate Law Update

Case Law Update

2015

ISBA Real Estate - From Contracts to Closing

Post Real Estate Contract/Closing Issues

2015

Current Foreclosure Law

Ethics in Real Estate Law

2015

Current Foreclosure Law

Modifications and Mediation

2015

Current Foreclosure Law

Receiverships and Commercial Foreclosures

2014

Rotary Special Event

Real Estate Now

2014

Real Estate Update

Case law update

2014

Fundamentals of Foreclosure Defense and Alternative Remedies Quashing Service

2013

Real Estate Seminar

Representing Homeowners in Distress

2013

Real Estate Section

New Supreme Court Rules

2013

NSBA monthly meeting

Ethics in Real Estate Transactions

2013

National MCLE provider Representing Homeowners in Distress

2013

Mortgage Foreclosures 2013

Ethical Issues in Foreclosure (Panel)

2013

Mortgage Foreclosure 2013

New Supreme Court Rules (Panel)

2013

Mortgage Foreclosure 2013

Emergency Motions to Stay Sale

2013

Monthly Meeting

Short Sales - Where are We Now?

2013

Monthly meeting

Short Sales: Where are we now?

2013

Membership meetingq

New Supreme Court Rules

2013

Mandatory Continuing Legal Education

Short Sales - Where are We Now?

2013

ISBA Real Estate Seminar

Case Law Update

2013

Illinois MCLE program

Helping Distressed Homeowner

2013

Home Seller's Workshop

The Legal Aspects of Selling your Home

2012

Seminar: Foreclosure Alternatives

Bankruptcy Options for Homeowners in Financial Trouble

2012

Navigating the Foreclosure Maze

Specific Strategies - Options for the Homeowner

2012

ISBA Real Estate Law Update

Update of Mortgage Foreclosure Law

2012

IICLE Mortgage Foreclosure, Short Sales, & Distressed Property

Mortgage Foreclosure, Short Sales, & Distressed Property

2012

Elder Law Seminar

Foreclosure Defense for Seniors

2011

Monthly Continuing Education Meeting

Strategies for Distressed Homeowners

2011

Monthly CLE Meeting

Foreclosure Practice in Cook County

2011

MCLE forum

Advising Clients with Troubled Real Estate

2011

Century 21 Conference

Using Articles of Agreement for Deed

2011

Bill Moller Show

Foreclosure Defense

2011

Bill Moller Radio Show

Foreclosure Crisis

2010

Rotary Club of Maywood

Trends in the Current Real Estate Market

2010

Career Stimulous Program

Real Estate concerns with job loss

2009

Women in Business

Lessons of the Great Depression

2009

Rotaract Club Near North

Financial planning for the present and future

1997

Bankruptcy, Divorce and Taxes

Bankruptcy Divorce and Taxes

1995

Foreclosure and Bankrupcty

Foreclosure and Bankruptcy

1995

Foreclosure and Bankrupcty

Foreclosure and Bankruptcy

Publications

2021

Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education Chapter 6: Loan Workouts and Short Sales

2020

Chicago Daily Law Bulletin Columnist of "Realty Check"

2019

Chicago Daily Law Bulletin Columnist of "Realty Check"

2017

Illinois State Bar Association Real Estate Law Section Newsletter Such a Deal! What Buyers of REO and Foreclosure Auctioned Properties and Their Attorneys Must Know Before They Buy

2016

2016

Institute of Continuing Legal Education (Illinois) Nontraditional Sales

2013

Illinois State Bar Association Real Property Newsletter Representation of Condominium Homeowners in Distress

2012

Illinois State Bar Association, Real Estate Section Council Newsletter Options for Distressed Homeowners

2009

Personal enewsletter Various

Languages

English

Activity

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