Business Formation

Choosing the right business structure is one of the most consequential decisions an entrepreneur or investor can make. Under the Illinois Limited Liability Company Act (805 ILCS 180) and the Illinois Business Corporation Act (805 ILCS 5), different entity types carry distinct implications for personal liability, taxation, management flexibility, and access to capital. Our business formation attorneys guide clients through every stage of the process — from initial entity analysis and Articles of Organization or Incorporation filed with the Illinois Secretary of State, to drafting comprehensive operating agreements, corporate bylaws, and shareholder agreements that stand up to scrutiny.

Whether you are launching a single-member LLC on the Magnificent Mile, structuring a multi-entity holding company in the West Loop, or establishing a joint venture with partners across Cook County, we tailor every formation to your specific business goals, industry requirements, and long-term exit strategy. We also advise on Illinois-specific considerations such as the annual report filing requirements, the state's personal property replacement tax, franchise tax obligations, and city of Chicago business license and registration requirements. Our team has helped hundreds of Chicago-area businesses get started on the right legal foundation.