FORTE LAW, LTD. --- LEGAL TEAM

Steven Forte concentrates his practice in residential real estate, estate planning, and probate.  Mr. Forte has extensive experience and enjoys a reputation as someone who can successfully navigate his clients through the complicated maze that the law presents. He earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from Indiana University, worked for five years as a tax accountant, then earned his Juris Doctor degree from The John Marshall Law School.  

Mr. Forte began his career at McKenzie & Associates, Ltd., where he represented clients in real estate transactions and served ten years as the head of the estate planning division.  In 2008, he co-founded the law firm of Kugia & Forte, P.C., where he continued to handle estate planning matters and for fifteen years chaired the real estate division.

At Forte Law, Ltd., Steven continues to zealously serve clients in both the real estate and estate planning arena. Throughout his career, he has represented thousands of clients from around the world in various real estate matters.  He is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association, a member of its Real Estate section, and a member of its Trust and Estates section.  He has also served on the Trusts and Estates Section Council of the Illinois State Bar Association and is a member of the Wealth Counsel - an elite, nationwide, member-based community of attorneys dedicated to estate planning.  Mr. Forte served for over a decade on the Board of Directors of the Boys and Girls Club of Dundee Township and coached his four sons in basketball and baseball.

Mr. Forte has authored several articles, including an extensive article discussing tax collection methods that was published in an international law journal.

Tammy Pankonin is a real estate legal assistant at Forte Law, Ltd. and has worked in the real estate industry for more than 30 years. Her experience began as a title coordinator and progressed to a closer.  Her knowledge of real estate, attention to detail, and connection to clients, realtors, lenders and fellow attorneys make the home buying and selling process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Tammy’s goal is to assure each client understands that their file is in good hands. Her ability to quickly and accurately respond to client inquires, coupled with her humor, keeps clients smiling until the keys or a check are in-hand.

Lorena Ramirez is a bilingual seasoned professional with a passion for real estate and a wealth of experience in the industry. She spent eight successful years as a mortgage processor before transitioning to her current role as a real estate legal assistant for Attorney Forte. Whether a client is buying or selling their home, Lorena takes great pride in guiding clients through the intricacies of a real estate transactions, ensuring a smooth journey from start to finish.

Beyond the legal realm, Lorena's heart belongs to her family. She is a proud parent to a 14-year-old son and a 6-year-old daughter. Outside of the office, you can often find her engaged in her favorite actives – spending quality time with her loved ones, indulging her love for animals, expressing her creativity through crafts, and exploring new destinations through travel.

Ms. Ramirez believes in the power of strong relationships, both in her professional and personal life. If you’re seeking a reliable professional with a genuine passion for real estate and a zest for life, Forte Law, Ltd. is the team for you.