Michael Shifrin

About

MICHAEL SHIFRIN

Michael Shifrin

The Human Side of Law

After practicing law within the condominium and community association industry for over a decade, Mr. Shifrin recognized a need. Clients, specifically boards of directors, were receiving sound legal advice but were looking for something more. Mr. Shifrin realized the missing component was what he calls "the human side of law." All condominium and community association legal issues involve people at their core. Understanding and having a mastery of applicable law is simply not enough. A skilled lawyer must also develop a deep understanding of the people involved and merge the two together. Often those people sit on the board of directors of a condominium or community association. Armed with this realization he began consistently applying this theory to his practice, which yielded terrific results. Clients began receiving legal advice specially tailored to their unique needs. Legal pitfalls were avoided and issues resolved quickly and efficiently rather than slowly and costly. Clients were pleased with this style of legal representation and the void was filled. Through Shifrin Legal, Mr. Shifrin hopes to bring his unique style of practice to as many condominium and community associations as possible. He believes understanding and implementing the "human side of law" is what separates great lawyers from good ones.

Michael Shifrin

An Illinois Rising Star

Over the last decade Michael Shifrin has distinguished himself within the condominium and community association industry, becoming a sought-after speaker at various trade show events and expositions. As former co-chair of the Community Association Institute (CAI, Illinois Chapter) Membership Committee and author of numerous articles within industry trade publications, Michael is an active participant and recognized leader. He was named an Illinois ``Rising Star '' by Illinois Super Lawyers Magazine three times during his career; a recognition limited to the top 2.5% of lawyers under 40 years of age. Additionally, he was selected as an Emerging Lawyer in Illinois by Leading Lawyers, which recognizes those under the age of 40 that prove themselves professional and experienced in their legal career.  Less than 2% of all lawyers licensed to practice law in Illinois have received this honor.

Upbeat, personable and results-oriented, Michael Shifrin customizes the legal counseling he provides for each of his clients to ensure it fits their specific needs. As a practitioner, he recognizes that board members and client needs change over time, and he adjusts his practices to meet those needs “on the fly”.  Mr. Shifrin believes that Shifrin Legal is the best boutique condominium and community association law firm, combining the capability and experience of a large law firm with the feel and personalization of a boutique practice. Michael and the Shifrin Legal team welcome the opportunity to serve you and your community. 

Bar Admissions: 

Illinois

U.S. District Court

Northern District of Illinois

Law School: 

IIT-Chicago-Kent College of Law, J.D., 2005

Undergraduate School: 

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, B.A., Speech Communications, 2002

Undergraduate School Honors/Involvement: 

Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity, Chapter Rho

Bar/Professional Association Involvement: 

Chicago Bar Association

American Bar Association

Illinois State Bar Association

Community Association Institute, Illinois Chapter

Membership Committee

Former Co-Chair

Awards; Honors; Distinctions:

Super Lawyers

Illinois Rising Star, 3-Time Selectee

Leading Lawyers

Emerging Lawyer, 2019

Leading Lawyer, 2021-present

Creditor's Rights/Commercial Collections Law

Published Legal Writing: 

  • Author, "Should Board Members Live Onsite?" Shifrin Legal Blog, March 7, 2022

  • Author, "Property Managers: The Unsung Heroes of Condo and Community Associations," Shifrin Legal Blog, October 13, 2021

  • Author, "Don't Roll the Dice with Unclear Rules for your Community Association!" Shifrin Legal Blog, September 10, 2021

  • Featured, "When Should Your Condo or Community Association Update its Governing Documents," Newswires, August 13, 2021

  • Author, "Should your Community Association Allow Leasing?" Shifrin Legal Blog, August 12, 2021

  • Featured, "Shifrin Legal and Michael Shifrin Discuss the Importance of Legal Services to Condo and Community Associations," IssueWire, July 23, 2021

  • Author, "3 Keys to Running Smooth Association Elections," Shifrin Legal Blog, July 14, 2021

  • Featured, "You May be Worried about a Surfside-Style Disaster in Chicago. Experts Aren't. Here's Why. Last Week's Report of Delayed Structural Repairs at a High-Profile Gold Coast Address Kindled Fears, but the Situation Here is Different," Crain's Chicago Business, July 13, 2021

  • Author, "The Role Discrimination Plays in Condo and Community Associations Discrimination Within Condo and Community Associations," Shifrin Legal Blog, June 17, 2021

  • Featured, "Michael Shifrin and Shifrin Legal Help Community Associations Navigate Evictions During the Pandemic," Newswires, June 15, 2021
  • Featured, "Chicago Attorney Michael Shifrin Addresses Discrimination within Community Associations," Matek Law, Online Legal Information, May 21, 2021

  • Author, "Strategies for Conducting an Efficient Violation Hearing," Shifrin Legal Blog, May 13, 2021

  • Featured, "Michael Shifrin Discusses The Unsung Heroes of Condo and Community Associations," Matek Law, Online Legal Information, April 20, 2021


  • Author, "Top 10 Board Member Mistakes to Avoid," Shifrin Legal Blog, April 14, 2021

  • Featured, "Michael Shifrin Discusses the Unsung Heroes of Condo & Community Associations," Inter Press Service News Agency: Business, April 10, 2021

  • Featured, "Attorney Michael Shifrin Enables Sustainable Community Development," PressWire, March 11, 2021

  • Author, "Humpty Dumpty Lacked Proper Hygiene; Humpty Dumpty Got COVID-19; The Association Lacked Proper Covenants; Humpty Dumpty Used Common Elements; All The Unit Owners Suffered Major Ailment; This Could’ve Been Avoided With Rule Enforcement!" Common Interest, A Publication of CAI-Illinois Chapter, Spring 2021

  • Author, "360 Degree Perspective on Dealing with Excessive Noise," Shifrin Legal Blog, February 25, 2021

Legal Lectures:

Over the last decade, Michael Shifrin has distinguished himself within the condominium and community association industry, becoming a sought-after speaker at various trade show events and expositions. As a former co-chair of the Community Association Institute (CAI, Illinois Chapter) Membership Committee and the author of numerous articles within industry trade publications, Michael is an active participant and recognized leader.

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