§ I · Practice area
Business law for Chicago owners who want it in writing
From the day you form the company to the day you sell it, we draft the agreements that keep partners, customers and suppliers on the same page. We work mainly with owner-run businesses of two to fifty people.
What we handle
The documents a growing business runs on
Most business disputes we see start with an agreement that was never written down, or one copied from the internet that did not fit. Our job is to get the important things on paper early, in language the owners understand, so that nobody has to guess later.
Each matter is led by Eleanor Hale, with associate Samuel Reyes preparing filings and first drafts under her review.
- Forming the businessLLC or corporation, Illinois filings, EIN and registered agent, plus an operating or shareholder agreement that matches how you actually work.
- Owner agreementsBuy-sell terms, vesting, and what happens if a partner leaves, falls ill or wants out.
- ContractsCustomer terms, supplier agreements, NDAs, independent contractor agreements and commercial leases, reviewed before you sign.
- Buying or selling a businessLetters of intent, due diligence, asset or stock purchase agreements, and the closing.
- Disputes, earlyDemand letters and negotiation when a contract goes wrong, before it turns into a lawsuit.
How it runs
Forming an LLC, step by step
Owners’ meeting
One hour with all the owners. We talk through money in, roles, decisions and exits, and agree the scope.
Filing
We file the articles of organization with the Illinois Secretary of State and obtain your EIN.
Agreement draft
You receive a draft operating agreement with a plain-English summary of every major clause.
Signing and checklist
Final documents, signatures, and a one-page checklist for banking, licences and annual reports.
| Matter | From |
|---|---|
| LLC formationFiling, EIN, operating agreement | $1,400 |
| Operating agreementFor an LLC that already exists | $900 |
| Contract reviewUp to 15 pages, marked up with notes | $450 |
| Business purchase or saleHourly, with a written estimate | Quote |
Sample figures for this demo website. State filing fees are charged at cost.
Questions owners ask
Before you call
Short answers to the questions we hear most. Your situation may differ, which is what the first consultation is for.
Do I need a lawyer to form an LLC in Illinois?
You can file articles of organization with the Illinois Secretary of State yourself. What a lawyer adds is the operating agreement: who owns what, who decides, how profits are paid and what happens when someone leaves.
Should my business be an LLC or a corporation?
For most small Chicago businesses an LLC is simpler to run, but the answer depends on how you plan to raise money, pay yourselves and handle taxes. We decide it with you and your accountant.
Can you review a contract someone has sent me?
Yes. After the conflict check, send the contract and your deadline. You get a marked-up copy and a short note on the points that matter, usually within three business days.
Do you go to court?
Our business practice focuses on agreements and transactions. If a dispute needs litigation, we say so early and introduce a litigation firm, staying involved where it helps you.
Next step
Starting, signing or selling? Talk it through first.
Tell us in a few lines what you are planning. We reply within one business day to set up a call with Eleanor.