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Attorneys
Founder & Managing Attorney
Terry J. Carter
Terry J. Carter founded Carter Legal Group, P.C. in 2011 and is widely recognized as a leading Illinois attorney in tax deed and tax sale litigation, with a particular focus on surplus equity recovery arising from Illinois tax sales. His practice is litigation-driven and concentrates on tax deed proceedings, Cook County and statewide tax sale disputes, surplus equity claims, indemnity matters, and related commercial and residential real estate litigation under the Illinois Property Tax Code.
Mr. Carter represents property owners, tax purchasers, lenders, title companies, investors, and estates throughout Illinois, including Cook County, and has extensive experience handling matters from filing through trial, post-judgment litigation, and appeal, including cases before the Illinois Appellate Court. He is frequently retained in complex disputes involving statutory compliance, constitutional notice and due process requirements, redemption rights, post-sale remedies, and the proper distribution of surplus equity following tax sales.
In addition to his litigation practice, Mr. Carter has played an active role in shaping Illinois tax sale law through testimony and technical guidance before the Illinois House and Senate Revenue Committees. His legislative testimony has addressed proposed amendments to the Illinois Property Tax Code involving surplus equity distribution, tax deed procedures, indemnity claims, and property owner protections, drawing directly on his experience litigating surplus equity and tax deed cases in trial and appellate courts.
Representative Cases
- DJJ Investments v. Neldava, LLC, 2022 IL App (1st) 210815 – Lead Counsel.
- Bittorf v. DeKalb County Collector, 2017 IL App (2d) 160483 – Lead Counsel.
- TCF Bank v. Community Partners, LLC, 2015 IL App (1st) 133693 – Lead Counsel.
- Wolfe v. DeKalb County Collector, 2014 IL App (2d) 140223 – Lead Counsel.
- M.B. Financial Bank, N.A. v. CCPI, LLC, 2012 IL App (1st) 110693, 966 N.E.2d 408 – Lead Counsel.
- Estate of John Baber v. Maria Pappas – Co-Counsel; largest Homeowners Indemnity Fund award in Illinois history (~$1.6 million).
- G.B. Management v. Jerome Sirt, 333 Ill. App. 3d 355 (1st Dist. 2002) – Lead Counsel.
- Oxford Bank & Trust Co. v. Sabre Group, LLC – Lead Counsel.
Leadership & Professional Involvement
- Chair, Chicago Bar Association Tax Sale / Tax Deed Subcommittee (since 2020)
- Former Legislative Liaison, Chicago Bar Association Real Estate Taxation Committee
- President, Homeowners Indemnity Fund Association
Education
- Georgetown University Law Center – LL.M.
- Thomas M. Cooley Law School – Juris Doctor, cum laude
Bar Admissions
- Illinois
- Pennsylvania
- District of Columbia
Senior Associate
Jamie L. Schmidtke
Jamie Schmidtke is a Senior Associate at Carter Legal Group, P.C., where she has practiced since joining the firm in 2018. She concentrates her practice in commercial and residential real estate matters, with a particular emphasis on tax deed litigation. Jamie regularly appears in state courts throughout Illinois representing tax purchasers seeking to obtain tax deeds, as well as property owners working to redeem and recover property facing loss through tax sale proceedings.
Jamie’s practice reflects a balanced and thoughtful approach to a complex area of law that often carries significant financial and emotional consequences. While she is highly regarded by tax deed investors for her ability to manage matters efficiently from initial filing through final disposition, she is equally mindful of the challenges faced by homeowners and families navigating the potential loss of their property. Jamie takes care to ensure clients understand their rights, obligations, and available options at every stage of the process.
Known for her efficiency, attention to detail, and practical problem-solving skills, Jamie brings clarity and professionalism to a fast-paced and highly technical area of law. She is known for her professional courtroom presence and her clear, compassionate communication with clients navigating complex and often stressful legal proceedings.
Education
John Marshall Law School
Juris Doctor
Michigan State University
B.A., Political Science
Activities & Affiliations
- Chicago Bar Association
- American Bar Association
Bar Admissions
- Illinois
Associate Attorney
Conor Nitchoff
Conor Nitchoff is an Associate Attorney with Carter Legal Group, P.C., where he concentrates his practice on Illinois tax deed matters, property loss resulting from tax sales, and post–tax deed financial recovery. Licensed to practice law in Illinois in 2023, Conor began his legal career with the firm as a law clerk prior to passing the bar exam, gaining extensive hands-on experience in tax deed litigation before becoming an associate.
In a short period of time as an associate, Conor has handled hundreds of tax deed matters, working directly with property owners, heirs, and other interested parties throughout Illinois. He regularly interacts with clients facing tax sale and tax deed proceedings and is known for his ability to clearly explain complex legal issues while aggressively advocating for their interests. Conor has been highly successful in helping individuals retain their property when real estate taxes have not been paid, often in matters where property owners believed loss of ownership was inevitable.
In addition to defending tax deed cases, Conor has substantial experience assisting clients after a property has been lost through the issuance of a tax deed. His practice includes pursuing surplus equity (excess proceeds) recovery and advising on Indemnity Fund claims under Section 21-305 of the Illinois Property Tax Code (35 ILCS 200/21-305). Conor evaluates whether surplus funds exist following a tax sale and determines eligibility for statutory compensation from the Illinois Tax Indemnity Fund, carefully analyzing deadlines, procedural requirements, and available financial remedies following the loss of property.
Conor brings a practical understanding of real estate to his legal practice, having grown up in a family involved in real estate throughout his life. This background provides valuable real-world insight that informs his approach to tax deed litigation, surplus equity recovery, and indemnity-related claims. Conor is known for being driven, determined, and client-focused, with a strong commitment to protecting property rights and pursuing all available avenues of recovery under Illinois law.
Education
Thomas M. Cooley Law School
Juris Doctor
DePaul University
Business Management
Activities & Affiliations
- Chicago Bar Association
Bar Admissions
- Illinois
