Keough & Moody, P.C.

For community associations, businesses, and financial institutions in Naperville, Illinois, and across the state, Keough & Moody, P.C. serves as a specialized legal resource within the "Nearby Lawyers" platform category. Located at 114 E Van Buren Ave, Naperville, IL 60540, the firm has established itself with a primary focus on representing condominium, townhome, and homeowners' associations, along with not-for-profit corporations, businesses, and financial institutions. Since 1993, Keough & Moody, P.C. has dedicated itself to providing comprehensive legal services, emphasizing practical, cost-effective guidance.

The environment at Keough & Moody, P.C.'s Naperville office, situated in a central location on E Van Buren Ave, suggests a professional and established legal practice. The firm's long-standing presence and focus on specific areas of law indicate a structured and experienced operation. While direct insights into the interior ambiance are not extensively detailed, the firm's use of advanced technology, such as AbacusLaw and Abacus Private Cloud for practice management, suggests an efficient and modern operational environment. This technological integration allowed them to maintain seamless service even during periods of remote work, underscoring their commitment to operational effectiveness. For their target clientele, primarily community associations and businesses, this implies a well-organized and capable legal partner. However, it is also important to consider that certain public feedback concerning client communication and accessibility for individual inquiries may point to variations in the client experience, which prospective clients should consider.

Keough & Moody, P.C. offers a comprehensive suite of legal services, with a distinct emphasis on community association law. Their practice areas include:

• Community Association Law: This is the cornerstone of their practice. They represent hundreds of condominium, townhome, and homeowners' associations throughout Illinois. Services in this area are extensive and include:
  • Assessment Collection: From initial turnover to the firm through resolution, including foreclosure of liens, representing associations in bankruptcy and foreclosure, and pursuing post-judgment amounts.
  • Drafting and Amending Governing Documents: Including declarations, bylaws, rules, and regulations, and board policies.
  • Covenant Enforcement: Ensuring compliance with community rules.
  • Interpretation of Governing Documents: Providing guidance to board members and management through opinion letters and moderating meetings.
  • Contract Review, Modification, and Negotiation: For service providers, bulk internet/cable, new construction, and common element repair and maintenance.
  • General Counsel and Board Member Education: Advising on obligations under Illinois Condominium Property Act, Common Interest Community Association Act, General Not For Profit Corporation Act, and federal law.
  • Litigation: Representing and defending associations' interests against owners and third parties, including developer liability.
  • Assisting with Turnover: From developers and conversion projects.
• Banking & Finance Legal Services: Representing lenders, businesses, developers, and not-for-profit corporations in various financial transactions. This includes purchase and sale contract negotiation, loan document preparation, and lease preparation.
• Foreclosures: Representing lenders in both commercial and residential property foreclosures.
• Bankruptcies: Assisting with Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies, including filing proofs of claim, objections, and motions to lift stay.
• Transactional Services: General transactional legal support for businesses.
• Litigation: Representing clients at both trial and appellate court levels in complex civil matters, construction defects, replevin actions, injunctions, covenant enforcement, administrative actions, municipal and building code violations, actions to quiet title, and breach of contract disputes.

Their deep knowledge of condominium and homeowners' association issues is a significant selling point for relevant clients on a "Nearby Lawyers" platform. They aim to provide efficient and effective legal services across these diverse areas.

Key features of Keough & Moody, P.C. include their extensive experience, particularly in community association law, with attorneys boasting over 100 years of combined experience in this field. They are known for their proactive system for collecting delinquent assessments and their stated commitment to obtaining results quickly and notifying clients promptly. The firm highlights its personalized service and attention to each client as a reason for its steady growth. They frequently educate board members and managers through articles, self-sponsored speaking events, and participation in industry organizations like CAI and ACTHA, demonstrating their thought leadership. They also emphasize offering retainer and flat-fee options for cost-effectiveness, particularly for their non-profit association clients.

However, it is crucial to provide a balanced overview, including critical feedback from real customers that is publicly available. One review stated, "Proof that lawyers are vultures. Proceeded with court filings after not permitting to settle $200 balance. Proceeded with court date after being informed that defendant was not available. Failed to email new date; sent by mail instead. HOA is current and has been current and now legal fees are at $4,000. Filed complaint with ARDC." This review highlights significant concerns about the firm's collection practices, perceived lack of willingness to settle small balances, and communication issues (sending by mail instead of email for crucial dates). The rapid escalation of legal fees from a small balance to $4,000, despite the HOA being current, suggests a potentially aggressive billing or litigation strategy that some clients find problematic. The mention of filing a complaint with the ARDC (Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission) is a serious concern that prospective clients should be aware of.

Another negative review reinforces some of these concerns: "Unprofessional, added unnecessary undisclosed charges, do not work with you unless you’re willing to pay even more money to them. Made you drop off money to an unsecured Dropbox without any receipt stating they received it. Good luck getting them to answer a phone call or your questions." This feedback points to issues of professionalism, transparency in billing, and accessibility for client communication, contradicting the firm's stated feature of being responsive and communicative. The concern about an "unsecured Dropbox without any receipt" raises questions about their internal procedures for handling client payments and financial accountability.

For local users considering Keough & Moody, P.C. on a "Nearby Lawyers" platform, these critical reviews are vital. While the firm's extensive expertise in community association law and their dedication to supporting boards are evident from their self-description, the negative experiences highlight potential pitfalls related to transparency in fees, communication responsiveness, and perceived rigidity in debt collection practices. Prospective individual clients, or even association boards seeking legal representation, should carefully inquire about the firm's specific billing procedures, communication protocols, and their approach to dispute resolution for minor issues, particularly if they are concerned about rapid escalation of legal costs. The phone number (630) 369-2700, and mobile phone +1 630-369-2700, provide a direct line for inquiries. Their Naperville address at 114 E Van Buren Ave, Naperville, IL 60540, makes them physically accessible. In summary, Keough & Moody, P.C. is a highly experienced and specialized firm in Naperville, particularly for community associations, but prospective clients should engage with caution and seek clarification on billing and communication practices based on the significant negative feedback available online.