Robert N. Sodikoff is Co-Chair of the Real Estate Group at Aronberg Goldgehn. He has a broad-based practice with a particular focus on corporate and real estate law matters. He represents banks and corporate borrowers in connection with asset-based and real estate financing, including the negotiation and preparation of loan documents. Bob has served as lender's counsel in various real estate based financing transactions, representing aggregate borrowing in excess of $1 billion. He has also represented borrowers in connection with purchase money financing and refinancing transactions.

Bob serves as general counsel for several clients, advising them on general corporate matters, including shareholder agreements, consulting arrangements, asset and stock sales and purchase agreements. He recently negotiated and drafted distribution agreements, licensing agreements and marketing agreements on behalf of national and international companies. He also represents a number of closely held companies, including medical practices, manufacturing companies and service companies.

In his real estate practice, Bob represents both buyers and sellers of real estate. He has substantial experience in negotiating and drafting commercial and industrial leases (representing both landlords and tenants) and construction contracts. He also works with real estate developers, land owners and builders in zoning and related matters, and has represented both purchasers and sellers of shopping centers and industrial buildings.

Also, as part of his broad-based practice, Bob represents management in collective bargaining, union grievances, and Title VII and employment litigation. He also has negotiated numerous severance agreements and employment contracts, including agreements not to compete. Additionally, he has counseled medical corporations in HIPAA, employment and buy-sell arrangements.

REPRESENTATIVE MATTERS

  • Serving as lender's and issuer's counsel in real estate financing transactions, representing aggregate borrowing in excess of $1 billion

  • Representing sellers in Section 1031 exchanges of real property

  • Representing a large food products company in a variety of contracts and negotiations, including supplier agreements, transportation agreements, distribution agreements, sales representative agreements, co-packing and co-marketing agreements, and the licensing of its trademark

  • Representing management in the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements and in grievance proceedings for manufacturing facilities in Illinois and Kansas

  • Advising construction companies on the proper establishment and maintenance of a two-gate system

Bob has taught courses on the Uniform Commercial Code and on Introduction to Law. He has also authored:

  • "Letters of Credit," Chapter 10 in "Secured Transactions 2016," published by the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education.

  • "Letters of Credit," Chapter 10 in "Secured Transactions 2013," published by the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education.

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

Bob joined Aronberg Goldgehn in June 1973. He holds the AV® Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, its highest rating for ethics and legal ability. Also among his accolades, since 2004 Bob has been recognized annually as a Leading Lawyer in Banking & Financial Institutions Law and Closely & Privately Held Business Law by Illinois Leading Lawyers. Since 2006, he has been named a Super Lawyer in Real Estate and Closely Held Business Law by Illinois Super Lawyers.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Active in the community of Burr Ridge, Bob has served in several capacities and leadership positions.

  • Village of Burr Ridge, Chairman of Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals (1990-1999)
  • Village of Burr Ridge, Trustee (1999-2012)
  • Village of Burr Ridge, Acting Village President (May 2012-2013)

RELATED NEWS



Northwestern University School of Law, J.D., cum laude, 1973

University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, B.A., with honors, 1970



BAR AND COURT ADMISSIONS

  • Illinois
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
  • United States Supreme Court
  • Circuit Court of Cook County
  • Circuit Court of DuPage County

MEMBERSHIPS

  • Chicago Bar Association, Real Estate Law Section
  • American Bar Association


ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  • AV® Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell
  • Illinois Leading Lawyer in Banking & Financial Institutions Law and Closely & Privately Held Business Law (2004-2020)
  • Named a Super Lawyer in Real Estate and Closely Held Business Law by Illinois Super Lawyer (since 2006)