Pioneering condominium association lawyer Shifrin dies at 76

Jordan Shifrin, a leader in condo law, passed away after a stroke while on vacation in Italy.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Jordan Shifrin, a pioneer in condominium association law who founded the firm Kovitz Shifrin Nesbit in 1983, died at age 76 after suffering a stroke while on vacation in Cortona, Italy with his wife of 55 years, Rookie Shifrin. Shifrin was known for advising condo, homeowner, and townhouse associations throughout the Chicago area on legal and operational matters, and he also wrote a column for the Daily Herald called "Condo Talk" that continues today.

Why it matters

Shifrin was a trailblazer in the field of condominium law, helping to shape the practice as condos and homeowner associations became more prevalent in the Chicago area. His firm and his column provided valuable guidance to many community associations over the decades.

The details

Shifrin suffered a massive stroke on Sunday after ordering a bottle of his favorite wine while on vacation in Cortona, Italy with his wife. He passed away the following day at the age of 76. Shifrin founded the firm Kovitz Shifrin Nesbit in 1983 and spent decades advising condo, homeowner, and townhouse associations on legal and operational issues. He was known for his personable approach and for being on the "leading edge" of condo law. After retiring to Florida, Shifrin continued teaching classes on topics like film, American history, and pop culture at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.

  • Shifrin founded the Kovitz Shifrin Nesbit firm in 1983.
  • Shifrin passed away on Monday, March 4, 2026 in Cortona, Italy.
  • Shifrin's "Condo Talk" column continues to run in the Daily Herald.

The players

Jordan Shifrin

A pioneer in condominium association law who founded the firm Kovitz Shifrin Nesbit in 1983 and wrote a column called "Condo Talk" for the Daily Herald.

Rookie Shifrin

Jordan Shifrin's wife of 55 years.

David Bendoff

A retired principal with KSN who continued writing the "Condo Talk" column after Shifrin retired.

Ryan Shpritz

The managing partner of Kovitz Shifrin Nesbit, who said Shifrin was a mentor to many at the firm.

Matthew Moodhe

The current writer of the "Condo Talk" column in the Daily Herald.

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What they’re saying

“I know that he will missed by many people but most of all our grandchildren children and me.”

— Rookie Shifrin, Jordan Shifrin's wife (Facebook)

“He was always on the leading edge of the law practice in this area. He was a very personable individual. Clients felt at ease around him.”

— David Bendoff, Retired principal, KSN (dailyherald.com)

“He was a mentor to many of us, guiding us, coaching us and cheering us as we grew and developed at this firm.”

— Ryan Shpritz, Managing Partner, Kovitz Shifrin Nesbit (dailyherald.com)

What’s next

The Kovitz Shifrin Nesbit firm is expected to continue Shifrin's legacy and his "Condo Talk" column in the Daily Herald.

The takeaway

Jordan Shifrin's pioneering work in condominium law left a lasting impact on the Chicago area, as he helped guide countless community associations through legal and operational challenges over his decades-long career. His personable approach and mentorship of younger lawyers at his firm ensured his influence will continue even after his passing.