Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres Secures Appellate Victory in Estate of John Podmajersky, Jr.

September 26, 2025  

On September 26th, the Illinois Appellate Court, First District, affirmed in full the trial court’s judgment in favor of our client, Lisa Podmajersky, and the Estate of her father, John Podmajersky, Jr., concluding a multi-year, complex litigation.

The dispute began in 2015 when John Podmajersky III challenged his father’s will and trust documents related to a substantial property portfolio in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood. Over nearly a decade, the parties litigated claims including capacity, undue influence, breaches of fiduciary duty, financial exploitation, and fraud. After a lengthy trial led by Richard Prendergast and Deirdre Close, the trial court entered judgment for the Estate and for Ms. Podmajersky. Petitioner appealed on multiple grounds. Deirdre Close argued the appeal on behalf of Ms. Podmajersky in her personal capacity. The Appellate Court affirmed on all issues.

The ruling is expected to have a ripple effect on separate but related matters pending between the same parties in the Law Division.