Kelli Fogarty, Founder & Past President

Jason Chmielewski, Current President

Stephanie Carlin Cerf, Treasurer

Michael Wasserman, Board Member

Namit Bammi, Board Member

Dean Fugate, Board Member

What began as a grassroots Zoom call between 22 attorneys during the pandemic has grown into one of the most influential legal organizations in Illinois real estate. The Chicagoland Association of Real Estate Attorneys (AREA) was founded in response to growing trends that sought to sideline the attorney’s role in residential transactions. Rather than remain passive, a group of experienced attorneys joined forces to advocate for the essential value lawyers bring to the table — and to ensure consumers continue to benefit from legal guidance during one of the most significant financial moments of their lives.

AREA’s leadership is made up of respected attorneys across the region. Founder and past president Kelli Fogarty, a Chicago native and first-generation college graduate, brings a deep commitment to public service and consumer protection. Current president Jason Chmielewski is passionate about using homeownership to build generational wealth and is especially focused on empowering first-time buyers. Treasurer Stephanie Carlin Cerf offers nearly two decades of experience and an uncompromising standard of client care. Longtime board member Michael Wasserman provides foundational wisdom and a steady voice for integrity within the profession.

Also on the board are Namit Bammi, whose business-minded approach helps investors grow communities, and Dean Fugate, who believes that even the most complex legal contracts should be accessible and clearly written.

AREA’s mission is grounded in four principles: consumer education, industry collaboration, collegial support and professional accountability. The organization’s motto, “We Rise by Lifting Each Other,” applies not only to colleagues, but also to the entire Illinois real estate community.

Today, AREA includes more than 160 attorneys and continues to grow. Members are active in organizations including the Illinois Real Estate Lawyers Association, Illinois State Bar Association, Chicago Bar Association, National Association of Realtors and more. Many have earned honors such as Super Lawyers and Rising Stars. But what unites them is a belief in the power of collaboration to protect clients and elevate the real estate industry as a whole.