Law.com Subscribers SAVE 30%

Call 855-808-4530 or email [email protected] to receive your discount on a new subscription.

Illinois Appellate Court Upholds Defense Counsel’s $21K In Attorneys Fees In Commercial Tenancy Dispute

By Marianna Wharry
March 01, 2025

A defense counsel’s award of over $21,000 in attorney fees in a commercial lease dispute was upheld in February by a three-judge panel for and Illinois appellate court, finding the plaintiff did not fully establish the shortfalls of the fee petition.

Justice Margaret Stanton-McBride of the First Appellate District in Illinois said the defendants’ co-counsel Drew Ball and Steve McCann of Ball and McCann in Chicago, provided proper evidence to support the Cook County Circuit Court’s $21,525 award. The pair defended Lorenzo Brown and Adrienne Green, as the owners Harold’s Chicken and Family, after plaintiff Marco Colin terminated the tenancy in November 2022. Colin claimed the defendants had a month-to-month tenancy and demanded the defendants vacate the space by December 2022, while the defendants claimed the lease with the prior owner entitled them to continue with their rate and tenancy until 2025.

Notably, the lease agreement also said that, if “a suit were brought for recovery of the premises,” the prevailing party would be entitled to costs incurred from the litigation, including “reasonable” attorney fees. Brown and Green prevailed in the trial court after a two-day bench trial, and the defendants sought $28,805 in attorney fees.

This premium content is locked for Entertainment Law & Finance subscribers only

  • Stay current on the latest information, rulings, regulations, and trends
  • Includes practical, must-have information on copyrights, royalties, AI, and more
  • Tap into expert guidance from top entertainment lawyers and experts

For enterprise-wide or corporate acess, please contact Customer Service at [email protected] or 877-256-2473

Read These Next
Bonus Content: How Emerging Technologies Are Impacting IP: A Chat With Legalweek Speaker Ryan Phelan Image

A Q&A with conference speaker Ryan Phelan, a partner at Marshall, Gerstein & Borun and founder and moderator of legal blog PatentNext, to discuss how courts and jurisdictions are handling novel technologies, the copyrightability of AI-assisted art, and more.

Overview of Regulatory Guidance Governing the Use of AI Systems In the Workplace Image

Businesses have long embraced the use of computer technology in the workplace as a means of improving efficiency and productivity of their operations. In recent years, businesses have incorporated artificial intelligence and other automated and algorithmic technologies into their computer systems. This article provides an overview of the federal regulatory guidance and the state and local rules in place so far and suggests ways in which employers may wish to address these developments with policies and practices to reduce legal risk.

Is Google Search Dead? How AI Is Reshaping Search and SEO Image

This two-part article dives into the massive shifts AI is bringing to Google Search and SEO and why traditional searches are no longer part of the solution for marketers. It’s not theoretical, it’s happening, and firms that adapt will come out ahead.

While Federal Legislation Flounders, State Privacy Laws for Children and Teens Gain Momentum Image

For decades, the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act has been the only law to expressly address privacy for minors’ information other than student data. In the absence of more robust federal requirements, states are stepping in to regulate not only the processing of all minors’ data, but also online platforms used by teens and children.

Revolutionizing Workplace Design: A Perspective from Gray Reed Image

In an era where the workplace is constantly evolving, law firms face unique challenges and opportunities in facilities management, real estate, and design. Across the industry, firms are reevaluating their office spaces to adapt to hybrid work models, prioritize collaboration, and enhance employee experience. Trends such as flexible seating, technology-driven planning, and the creation of multifunctional spaces are shaping the future of law firm offices.