Craig M. Capilla
Partner | Franklin, Greenswag, Channon & Capilla, LLC
Commercial Litigation | Professional Liability Defense | Regulatory Compliance | Professional Licensing | Real Estate & Valuation Law
Craig M. Capilla is a partner with Franklin, Greenswag, Channon & Capilla, LLC, where he represents businesses, licensed professionals, and individuals in complex civil litigation, professional liability disputes, regulatory investigations, and administrative proceedings. A seasoned trial attorney and former Illinois state prosecutor, Craig brings extensive courtroom experience, a practical understanding of regulatory enforcement, and a business-minded approach to resolving legal disputes.
Craig's practice encompasses commercial and business litigation, professional negligence defense, employment disputes, contract enforcement, real estate litigation, insurance-related matters, and professional licensing defense. He represents clients before state and federal courts, administrative tribunals, regulatory agencies, and professional disciplinary bodies. His experience includes matters involving breach of contract, restrictive covenants, employment discrimination, construction defects, fraud allegations, professional malpractice, and business ownership disputes.
A Nationally Focused Real Estate and Valuation Practice
Craig has developed a particularly extensive practice representing professionals and businesses throughout the real estate, appraisal, and mortgage industries. His clients include residential and commercial real estate appraisers, appraisal management companies (AMCs), real estate brokers and brokerage firms, mortgage professionals, and other participants in the residential and commercial real estate markets.
He regularly advises and defends these clients in professional liability litigation, licensing investigations, disciplinary proceedings, regulatory compliance matters, and disputes involving professional standards and industry practices. His experience includes allegations of appraisal negligence, valuation bias and discrimination, violations of the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), appraisal independence, and statutory and regulatory compliance.
Craig's representation extends beyond Illinois and Wisconsin to matters involving regulatory agencies, litigation, and industry participants across the United States. He has assisted clients in proceedings and disputes involving numerous jurisdictions, including California, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Tennessee, and others.
In addition to defending individual professionals and businesses, Craig advises companies and industry organizations regarding regulatory developments, professional standards, risk management, contract structures, and compliance programs. He works with clients to identify and manage legal exposure before disputes develop, while remaining prepared to defend their interests through litigation or administrative proceedings when necessary.
Experience on Both Sides of Regulatory Enforcement
Before entering private practice, Craig served as a prosecutor with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), where he focused on the enforcement of professional licensing laws governing real estate and financial services professionals.
During his tenure with the Department, Craig handled a substantial volume of administrative enforcement matters, prosecuted more than 50 contested hearings and trials, and participated in regulatory investigations, settlement negotiations, and the development and review of licensing statutes and regulations. He also served as a lead real estate prosecutor in connection with the Governor's Mortgage Fraud Task Force.
That experience provides Craig with valuable insight into how government agencies investigate alleged violations, evaluate evidence, pursue disciplinary actions, and negotiate resolutions. Today, he draws upon that background to guide clients through complex regulatory proceedings and defend their professional licenses, businesses, and reputations.
Litigation, Business Counsel, and Dispute Resolution
Beyond his concentration in real estate and professional regulation, Craig represents businesses and individuals in a broad range of commercial disputes. He has handled litigation involving contract and warranty claims, employment relationships, unfair business practices, civil RICO allegations, construction disputes, real estate transactions, and professional malpractice.
Craig also counsels closely held businesses, professional practices, and trade organizations on contracts, corporate governance, organizational structure, regulatory obligations, employment issues, and dispute avoidance. His approach emphasizes early evaluation of legal and commercial risks, practical solutions that align with each client's objectives, and effective advocacy when litigation becomes necessary.
Craig's litigation experience includes successful dispositive motions, defense judgments, administrative appeals, negotiated settlements, and the recovery of damages on behalf of injured clients.
Industry Leadership, Education, and Professional Involvement
Craig is a frequent speaker, educator, and commentator on legal issues affecting the real estate valuation and financial services industries. He has presented at national and regional conferences hosted by the National Association of Appraisers, the Appraisal Summit, Valuation Expo, the Association of Appraiser Regulatory Officials, the American Society of Appraisers, the Appraisal Institute, and numerous other professional organizations.
His presentations address professional liability, regulatory enforcement, appraisal standards, valuation bias, risk management, emerging legal developments, and the intersection of technology and professional responsibility.
Craig has also contributed articles and commentary to industry publications addressing appraisal regulation, professional liability, litigation developments, and valuation practices. His participation in industry education reflects an ongoing commitment to helping professionals and organizations understand an increasingly complex legal and regulatory environment.
Craig serves on the Board of Directors of the Northern Illinois Commercial Association of Realtors and previously chaired the Illinois State Bar Association's Administrative Law Section Council. He maintains active involvement in legal, real estate, and professional appraisal organizations.
Education and Admissions
Craig earned his Juris Doctor from DePaul University College of Law in 2007 and his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan in 2004.
He is admitted to practice law in Illinois and Wisconsin, as well as before the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit and multiple federal district courts. He is a member of the Trial Bar of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
Craig has been recognized by Illinois Super Lawyers and has received professional recognition for his service to the appraisal industry.
Based in Northfield, Illinois, Craig represents clients throughout the Chicago metropolitan area, across the Midwest, and in multistate matters involving professional liability, business disputes, and regulatory compliance.
