Theresa S. Benjamin, ESQ.

Theresa S. Benjamin, Esq., is a dedicated attorney renowned for her expertise in bankruptcy, tax resolution, financial restructuring, foreclosure matters, and real estate transactions. With a distinguished career spanning various legal industry sectors, Theresa brings unparalleled experience and a passion for advocating for her client's rights and interests.

Her legal understanding and genuine concern for her client's well-being make her a trusted ally in financial uncertainty. Whether guiding clients through bankruptcy proceedings, resolving tax debt with the IRS or State taxing agencies, or defending against foreclosure actions, Theresa is committed to providing personalized and effective legal solutions tailored to each client's needs.

Theresa holds licenses to practice law in Illinois and numerous federal jurisdictions. She is an active member of the Association of Foreclosure Defense Attorneys, the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys, the American Bankruptcy Institute, the Chicago Bar Association, and the American Society of Tax Problem Solvers, where she stays updated on the latest legal developments and networking opportunities within the legal community.

After graduating with honors with a business degree from the University of Illinois at Springfield, Ms. Benjamin continued her academic achievements while attending and graduating from IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law with honors and as a member of the Dean’s List. Upon graduating, she embarked on a career filled with accomplishments at every level.

Theresa's legal career began at Benjamin Legal Services, where she concentrated on bankruptcy law and successfully prosecuted numerous consumer rights cases. She also briefed and argued a 7th Circuit Court of Appeals case under the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act, which substantially changed the legislation's interpretation.

Following her initial tenure at Benjamin Legal Services, Theresa expanded her legal expertise. She worked in a law firm setting and at the corporate level before returning to Benjamin Legal Services as a partner.

While in corporate practice, she represented the commercial real estate holdings department of CNA Financial, a billion-dollar entity. Her direct responsibilities included managing and disposing of several multi-level care senior housing projects across the U.S. She managed the initial foreclosure of the client's security interest in the projects, restructured the property management, and directed the profitable disposition of the projects over 5 years. Further, she oversaw the management and profitable disposition of numerous apartment complexes throughout the U.S. In addition, she represented the corporate leasing department, reviewing and drafting leases across the U.S.

Ms. Benjamin was a regional attorney for Bridgestone Corporation—Bridgestone Retail Operations, where she negotiated many corporate leases. She oversaw the companies’ leased and

owned properties before being promoted to outside counsel, where she advised the company on all aspects of operations and corporate and real estate law.

She then became corporate counsel for Millennium Marketing & Development, Inc., a comprehensive real estate company that owns or controls prime land in California, Chicago, Illinois, and Nevada. Theresa was responsible for all aspects of legal counsel, including drafting and reviewing transactional documents, analyzing legal restrictions at the municipal and state level, and reviewing entitlement issues and tax incentive opportunities. Her experience and business acumen were extensive and diverse. She cultivated real estate opportunities by developing relationships and oversaw the Company's legal department, including negotiating financial transactions to acquire land and closing deals. She set the guiding principles regarding the scope of each business endeavor. She placed equity partners, expedited and managed the entitlement process to develop company-owned land, and liquidated projects upon completion.

Theresa further honed her skills at the mid-sized Schain, Burney, Ross & Citron, Ltd. law firm, where she served as the Bankruptcy Group Chairman and Real Estate Group Chairman. Her clients included local, national, and international real estate developers, lenders, investors, municipalities, and major corporations such as Walgreen Corp., Home Depot, Menards, Starbucks, and several large banking institutions.

Throughout her career, Theresa has been involved in many transactional matters, including acquisition and disposition agreements, multi-party development agreements, shopping centers, ground leases, complex commercial lending transactions, and 1031 deferred exchanges. Her expertise extends to complex financial structuring, environmental clean-up plans, and negotiating tax incentives with municipalities.

Theresa has built an exceptional reputation throughout her career due to her meticulous attention to detail and her ability to navigate complex legal matters with ease. She acknowledges that each client's situation is distinct and approaches every case with personalized attention, striving to achieve the best possible outcome for her clients.

Theresa is actively involved in the legal community and stays abreast of the latest bankruptcy law, tax law, and foreclosure defense strategies developments. Her commitment to ongoing education and professional development ensures that her clients receive the most comprehensive and up-to-date legal representation possible.

Whether you are facing financial challenges or foreclosure actions or require assistance with bankruptcy, financial restructuring matters, or resolving IRS tax debts, Theresa S. Benjamin, Esq., is dedicated to guiding you through the legal process with compassion and expertise.

Contact her today to schedule a consultation and discuss your legal needs.

Her knowledge and experience includes:

Areas Of Practice

Admitted To Practice

• Illinois, 1995
• U.S. District and Bankruptcy Court Federal

Jurisdictions Admitted To Practice

• Illinois: Northern, Central, and Southern District of Illinois
• Wisconsin: Eastern and Western District of Wisconsin
• Indiana: Northern District of Indiana
• Michigan: Eastern District of Michigan

Education

• Chicago-Kent College of Law Illinois Institute of Technology
• JD - Juris Doctor, 1995
• University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
• BA - Bachelor of Arts, 1992

Professional Memberships

• Association of Foreclosure Defense Attorneys
• National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys
• American Bankruptcy Institute
• Chicago Bar Association
• American Society of Tax Problem Solvers