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April 2019 | Volume 12 - Number 4

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Illinois Senate Bill 1317: A Step in the Right Direction

Throughout our history, ATG has been at the forefront of advocating for the long-term interests of the real estate lawyer. We have battled our competitors and advocated in the courts, in the legislature, with the regulators, and in the media to ensure consumers' right to counsel in the largest financial transaction of their lives. I do not believe it is hubristic to say that without ATG, lawyers would be out of the real estate business.

In recent years we have been public with our constituency that the market conduct of a few is detrimental to the long-term interests of the real estate lawyer and the consumers we serve. These are the three most striking examples we have cited in support of the need for self-correcting behavior:

• non-transparent pricing;
• imposing hidden fees that are passed on to consumers; and
• companies with captive agencies requiring lawyers (to whom clients are referred) to agree to use their captive title agency.

In recent years we have also asked the real property bar to support the need for change or run the risk that it would be the lawyers who would take the blame for the market conduct. That is exactly what happened. Read more...

Peter J. Birnbaum
ATG President and Chief Executive Officer

ATG AGENTS | Underwriters' Bulletin

Claims Corner

What to Do When You Have a Claim

ATTORNEYS | Practice Notes

URGENT WIRE FRAUD REMINDER: Confirm Wire Instructions before Sending Funds — Including when transmitting funds to the closing agent and making payoffs of mortgage loans.

Real Estate and Title Insurance News

Effective May 20, 2019: Cook County Changing to Predictable Fee Schedule

NEWS

OnDemand Spotlight | Entities and Authority in Wisconsin Title Examination

Memorial Day | ATG offices will be closed May 27 — see our 2019 corporate holiday calendar.

Demotech Reaffirms ATG's Top Rating | Achieved every year since 1995.

Free Flyers for Real Estate Professionals | Distribute to clients and staff to help prevent fraud.

Follow ATG on LinkedIn | Keep up with news and views.

CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION | Featured Programs

Back to Basics, Part 3: Closing Documents | May 8 | OnLine | 1.50 MCLE in Illinois | Review basic documents and procedures essential for efficient closings with experienced ATG underwriting attorneys. Who Should Attend: ATG Illinois member agents and their support staff. Learn more (account required).

Estate Planning from a Litigator's Perspective | May 22 | OnLine | 1.50 MCLE in Illinois; 1.50 CLE applied for in Wisconsin | Examine actual estate planning and administration issues from the viewpoint of the litigator and learn ways to help keep your clients and their families out of the courtroom. An ATG Trust Company program. Who Should Attend: ATG agents; estate planning attorneys in Illinois and Wisconsin. Save the Date and watch your email for updates.

See the full ATG Legal Education calendar.

ATG SUBSIDIARIES

What Is ATG Trust Company? — ATG Trust is an independent trust company established in 1998 with a mission to provide creative, collaborative, and committed trust and estate administration to advisors and their clients. See our brochure for a list of services and answers to frequently asked questions. Visit our website to learn more about us. Feel free to contact a trust associate if you have questions.

FAST AND FLEXIBLE: The Process Server Responsive to Your Needs — Explore our new website and learn about the difference we can make in your practice. Place your order today!

About ATG | Contact Us | ORDER TITLE NOW

[Last update: 4-19-19]