Joseph W. Scharnak

Joseph W. Scharnak 

Principal

Contact

Joseph Scharnak concentrates his practice representing condominium, homeowner (HOA), and townhome community associations.

Born and raised in Chicago, Joseph has spent his entire legal career representing clients in both the city and surrounding suburbs in all aspects of Illinois real estate ownership and management. He possesses a unique insight of the challenges that associations face from their inception, including: negotiating with developers during turnover; supporting newly elected board members, addressing construction defects, negotiating service contracts, and navigating violations & complaints within the association.

Joseph frequently speaks at industry conferences and strives to provide ongoing education and support to association board members and property managers. He has been a presenter at Community Association Institute (CAI) Illinois events and contributed to newsletters. Joseph is also an active supporter of the John Marshall Law School Real Estate Law Program.

  • LL.M. (Real Estate Law), University of Illinois Chicago School of Law, 2009
  • J.D., DePaul University, 2007
  • B.A. (Political Science & Criminal Justice), University of Illinois at Chicago, 2004
  • Illinois State Bar
  • ACTHA

  • CAI Illinois – Community Associations Institute
  • Chicago Bar Association, Condo Law Sub-Committee

  • Webinar: “Vendor Contracts: Construction, Operation, Reconstruction, Maintenance, Repair, Etc.” & “Advising on Homeowner/Condo Association Management”. National Business Institute’s Condominium and Homeowners Association Law, December 2017.
  • “Hot Legal Topics: marijuana smoke nuisances, employee use of medical marijuana, condominium deconversion”, Community Association Institute Illinois Condo-HOA Conference & Expo, February 2017.
  • “Laws vs. Rules, Sex, Drugs & Air Control”. Chicagoland Cooperator Expo, May 2016.
  • Community Association Institute Legal Forum, April 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018.
  • Careers in Real Estate Law Panel, John Marshall Law School, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019.

Connect with KSN Law

Please contact KSN today to discuss your legal needs in a private and free consultation. Fill out the form below or reach our law firm by calling 855-537-0500.

By using the form, you understand and accept that we cannot treat unsolicited information as confidential. Further, initiating possible legal representation requires review for any potential conflict of interest.

A diverse group of six professionals, including women and men, stand together in an office setting, smiling confidently. One woman holds a laptop.

Sign up for the KSN Newsletter

Join over 58,000 newsletter subscribers to receive legal updates, best practices, industry trends, and details on or upcoming events!

Subscribe to the KSN Newsletter