Chicago, IL Business Law & Commercial Transactions Attorneys
Business Formation
We help entrepreneurs and business owners select and formally establish business entities, including partnerships, corporations, and limited liability companies (LLCs).
Mergers, Acquisitions, & Restructuring
Corporate growth is a natural progression of business. Whether you are interested in selling your company, acquiring a new one, or restructuring your business more optimally, we are your legal counsel through the entire deal.
Real Estate Transactions
Our firm can help with negotiations and closings to ensure your interests are protected.
Business Succession Plans
If you own or run a business, you will need to consider what will happen to your organization once you are gone or if you were to suddenly become unavailable.
Counseling clients to make powerful decisions
Every business needs legal counsel at some point. From entity selection to partnership agreements, by-laws, and shareholder agreements, we're your partner in achieving your business goals.
Our business law and commercial litigation attorneys take the time to understand your operations and objectives, working closely with your team to build a customized strategy.
When it comes to contracts, leases, and purchase agreements, we counsel and represent clients with their best interests always in mind.
We understand your business needs
Running a profitable business is no easy task. Our attorneys — entrepreneurs themselves — bring the strategic legal and financial planning you need to minimize risk, boost productivity, and control costs. We advise on the full range of challenges companies face: corporate, employment, and HR issues; non-compete and confidentiality agreements; contract drafting and review; problem solving; litigation prevention; and negotiations.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Business Law in Illinois
What business entity should I choose when starting a company in Illinois?
The right entity depends on your ownership structure, liability exposure, tax preferences, and long-term goals. LLCs are popular for small to mid-size businesses because they offer liability protection with flexible governance and pass-through taxation. S-corporations work well when the owner wants to minimize self-employment taxes. C-corporations are better suited to businesses anticipating outside investment or eventual sale to a strategic buyer. Partnerships — general, limited, or LLP — serve specific collaborative arrangements. Angelini & DiLeo Law helps founders select and formally establish the right structure from the start, with properly drafted operating agreements, bylaws, and shareholder agreements.
What does a business attorney do during a merger or acquisition?
In an M&A transaction, your attorney serves as a critical strategic partner from letter of intent through closing. This includes structuring the deal (asset purchase versus stock purchase), conducting or reviewing due diligence, negotiating representations and warranties, drafting purchase agreements and ancillary documents, advising on tax implications, and coordinating regulatory filings. Having experienced M&A counsel protects you from hidden liabilities, unfavorable terms, and post-closing disputes. Our team has guided Chicago-area business owners through both the sale and acquisition of companies across a range of industries.
What is a business succession plan and when should I start?
A business succession plan establishes what happens to your company if you retire, become incapacitated, or pass away. It addresses ownership transfer — whether to family members, key employees, or an outside buyer — as well as management continuity, valuation, and tax efficiency. The best time to begin planning is well before you intend to exit, typically five to ten years in advance. Early planning allows you to structure ownership transfer in the most tax-advantaged way and ensures the business can continue without disruption. Our attorneys work closely with business owners and their financial advisors to build plans that protect both the company and the owner's legacy.
When does my business need outside legal counsel?
Many business owners wait until a crisis — a lawsuit, a failed deal, a dispute with a partner — to engage legal counsel. By then, options are limited and costs are high. Proactive legal counsel helps you avoid those crises by reviewing contracts before you sign them, structuring transactions correctly, advising on employment matters before disputes arise, and ensuring your governance documents actually protect you. Angelini & DiLeo Law serves as outside general counsel for business clients who want a trusted legal partner available on an ongoing basis, not just when problems emerge.
