The History of KSN

KSN is proud to have celebrated our 35th anniversary in 2019.

The firm that grew to become KSN opened its doors on May 1, 1983. Founder Jordan I. Shifrin, then a young attorney, was inspired to do something unique. Jordan's idea was to open a law practice that provided quality legal services to businesses and full service representation of community associations.

In 1985, Jordan joined forces with several well-established, highly regarded Chicago attorneys and eventually became known as Kovitz Shifrin & Waitzman. Over the years, our law firm has changed its name a few times, recruited many highly talented lawyers, and continued to grow.

Today, KSN is staffed by more than thirty attorneys and a diverse team of legal assistants, paralegals, and administrative staff. We have four office locations, serving hundreds of clients and thousands of communities throughout Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin. Our attorneys are also licensed in Arizona, Florida, and Missouri.

A Simple Philosophy That Works

We attribute our success, above all things, to a simple philosophy that is instilled in all KSN team members, from junior associates to senior shareholders: "Return your phone calls and emails promptly, get your work done quickly, and be nice to people.”

Highlights & Innovations

2022: KSN updates our Case Status Online (CSO) client portal. Property managers, community association board members, and landlords have 24/7 access to the status of their collection, eviction, and foreclosure matters. The updated CSO also provides multiple calendar viewing and reporting options.

2021: The Law Offices of Gary H. Smith, P.C. joins KSN. Attorney Gary Smith and his team have saved clients hundreds of millions of dollars through their property tax appeal successes.

2020: KSN acquires Tanner Law Group; an Indiana firm with over 20 years of experience representing community associations.

2017: Introducing the KSN Podcast; an audio series that examines various aspects of our industry including association law, landlord/tenant law, property tax appelas, and more. In each episode, KSN attorneys share their experience and insight as they discuss legal updates, best practices, and industry trends.

2016: The KSN App is now live! This free resource allows users to read mobile-friendly articles, laws, ordinances, and more.

2015: An upgraded KSN website is released, providing our clients and the community with a mobile-friendly online resource.

2012: KSN attorney Ryan Shpritz gives an office tour featuring our staff of legal professionals and services.

2011: Videoconferencing is now available! KSN Attorneys are more accessible to serve their clients needs' between multiple locations, utilizing technology to provide face-to-face connection.

2009: KSN introduces insurance litigation to help clients manage their exposure to costly litigation scenarios.

2005: KSN founder/attorney Jordan Shifrin is featured on the CBS Early Show where he discusses community association living.

2005: The first-ever online portal for association collections is announced for KSN. 

1985: A KSN Collections Department is established to assist with collection of overdue assessments.

1983: Kovitz Shifrin Nesbit introduces monthly retainers to help associations manage their legal fees.