Business Entity & Formation Law,
With Clear Guidance & Proven Results
Business lawyers who provide strategic solutions, a clear legal roadmap, realistic results, and transparent costs—so you can focus on growing your business.
Free Case Review - Same Day Consultation
Clear Roadmap & Strategy Guaranteed
Servicing Cook, Lake, & Dupage County
Trusted by Families & Business Professionals Across Chicagoland
Choose The Right Business Law Firm
Get Answers, Not Legal Jargon
We understand how confusing it can be to find a lawyer who gets you and keeps your best interests first. At Zeidman & Carpenter, we listen first—understanding your situation and guiding you to the best legal options. Whether you need a lawyer or just the right advice, we’ll give you honest answers, not pressure.
Choosing the right legal entity—LLC, corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship—is critical for liability protection, tax advantages, and business growth. We assess your goals, industry, and risk factors to recommend the best structure that aligns with your financial and operational needs, ensuring a strong legal foundation.
Filing the necessary legal documents correctly is essential to establishing your business. We handle entity registration, articles of incorporation, operating agreements, and state filings to ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local regulations—minimizing risk and avoiding costly legal issues.
Each business structure has unique tax implications and liability protections. We guide you through tax planning strategies, liability shielding, and financial structuring to maximize benefits and reduce exposure to legal and financial risks, ensuring your business remains compliant and profitable.
Clear internal governance is essential for smooth operations. We draft customized operating agreements, corporate bylaws, and partnership agreements that define roles, responsibilities, profit distribution, and dispute resolution strategies—helping prevent conflicts and legal disputes down the road.
To legally operate, your business must obtain the necessary licenses and adhere to state and industry regulations. We assist with business permits, professional licensing, and ongoing compliance requirements, ensuring your company remains in good standing while avoiding penalties and operational setbacks.
Trusted by Businesses, Proven in Practice
I had an excellent experience with Attorney Jade Carpenter at Zeidman & Carpenter. Jade handled document preparation for both my personal and professional business needs with exceptional care and professionalism. The process was smooth, efficient, and stress-free. The firm’s attention to detail and expertise were evident throughout, and they had an impressively quick turnaround and response time. Jade went above and beyond to ensure everything was done perfectly. I highly recommend Zeidman & Carpenter’s services to anyone looking for reliable and top-quality legal support. Thank you for making it such a positive experience!
Business Entity & Formation Questions, Answered
Answers to clarify cost, time, outcome and strategy to help you make the right decision for your situation.
The best legal structure depends on your business goals, liability concerns, and tax preferences.
LLC: Ideal for small businesses needing liability protection with flexible taxation.
Corporation (C-Corp or S-Corp): Best for companies planning to raise capital or go public.
Sole Proprietorship: Easiest to set up but offers no liability protection.
Partnership: Works well for businesses with multiple owners sharing profits and responsibilities.
A business lawyer can help assess your needs and choose the best structure to protect your assets and maximize tax benefits.
We believe in transparent pricing with no hidden fees or surprises. Our fee structure depends on the complexity of your business legal needs. Here’s how we typically charge:
Flat Fees – For services like business formation, contract drafting, trademark filings, or compliance reviews, we offer clear, upfront pricing so you know exactly what to expect.
Hourly Rates – For more complex matters such as business litigation, contract disputes, or mergers & acquisitions, we charge competitive hourly rates with detailed billing transparency.
Retainer – For ongoing legal support, we require an initial retainer that covers business consultations, contract negotiations, and legal filings. We provide regular case updates so you always know where your investment is going.
Payment Plans – Available when applicable, depending on the nature of your case.
The business law process varies depending on the case type, but most follow these general steps:
Consultation & Case Evaluation – Meet with a business lawyer to discuss your legal issue, assess risks, and determine the best strategy.
Filing Legal Documents – Submit contracts, lawsuits, or agreements to officially initiate the case (e.g., contract dispute, business formation, or regulatory filings).
Service of Process – If litigation is involved, the opposing party is formally notified of the legal action and given time to respond.
Response & Negotiation – The other party may agree, contest, or negotiate terms to reach a settlement.
Mediation or Court Hearings – Many business disputes attempt mediation before going to trial; if no agreement is reached, a judge or arbitrator will decide.
Discovery & Evidence Gathering – Both sides exchange contracts, financial records, emails, and any relevant business documents needed for the case.
Final Settlement or Trial – If both parties agree, a final business agreement or court-approved settlement is reached. If not, the case proceeds to trial, where a judge makes the final decision.
Court Order or Judgment Issued – The judge finalizes the case, issuing rulings on contract disputes, regulatory penalties, financial damages, or business dissolutions.
Post-Judgment Modifications (If Needed) – If business circumstances change, such as a contract breach, financial disputes, or regulatory updates, you may file for modifications.
Choosing the right attorney can make all the difference in your case. We're here to make your life easier, not harder.
Proven Legal Strategies – We take a results-driven approach, crafting solutions that align with your goals.
Transparent Pricing & No Hidden Fees – You’ll know exactly what to expect from day one.
Personalized Attention – Your case won’t be handed off—you’ll work directly with an experienced attorney.
Clear Communication & Case Updates – No waiting for answers—we keep you informed every step of the way.
Aggressive When Needed, Strategic Always – We fight for the best possible outcome, whether in negotiations or court.
During your free consultation, we provide a clear, step-by-step legal roadmap based on your unique situation. Each roadmap is designed to give you clarity, eliminate surprises, and provide a structured plan so you know exactly what comes next
The required documents depend on your business entity type, but typically include:
Articles of Incorporation/Organization (for LLCs or corporations).
Operating Agreement or Bylaws (to define business rules and ownership)
Tax ID (EIN) from the IRS.
Business Licenses & Permits for legal operation.
Contracts & Agreements (client contracts, employee agreements, vendor agreements).
Proper documentation ensures legal compliance and helps avoid future disputes.
The length of a business law case depends on the complexity of the issue, court schedules, and whether a resolution can be reached outside of court.
Business Formation & Contracts – Typically a few days to a few weeks, depending on the type of entity, legal requirements, and contract complexity.
Contract Disputes – 3 months to 1+ year, depending on whether the dispute is settled through negotiation or requires litigation.
Business Litigation – 6 months to 2+ years, especially if lawsuits involve complex disputes, multiple parties, or high-value claims.
Mergers & Acquisitions – Several months to over a year, depending on due diligence, negotiations, and regulatory approvals.
Employment Law Cases – 3 months to 2+ years, depending on whether the case involves wrongful termination, wage disputes, or discrimination claims.
Every business law case is unique, and while we fight for the best possible outcome, no attorney can guarantee a specific result. However, here’s what you can expect when working with us:
Clear Expectations Upfront – An honest assessment of your case, outlining potential risks, opportunities, and realistic outcomes.
A Strong Legal Strategy – A customized legal approach designed to protect your business interests, minimize liability, and maximize success.
Negotiation & Litigation Expertise – Proven strategies to resolve disputes, enforce contracts, and protect assets in and out of court.
Transparent Communication – Regular updates so you’re never left wondering about the status of your case or what comes next.
A Focus on Business Growth & Protection – We aim for long-term legal solutions that support the success and stability of your business—not just quick fixes.
Free Consultation Made Simple,
What can we do for you?
Step 1:
Tell us your legal issue
Step 2:
Get a legal plans based on your goals
Step 3:
Get clear cost, timelines & outcomes per strategy
Case Study
Protecting a Family’s
Legacy in Skokie, IL
"First time using Zeidman & Carpenter for a real estate closing and it won't be the last! Lee and Corrie were great communicators during this super quick 7 day closing requested by the buyer. Lee had to navigate finding a surveyor who could get the property surveyed quickly which he did before I was able to utilize my contacts in this area at a very reasonable price. They were fantastic to work with and am looking forward to the next real estate transaction."
Our Business Law Process:
From Start to Winning Outcomes
We make the business law process clear, structured, and stress-free. Whether you need contract drafting, business formation, dispute resolution, or litigation support, we guide you every step of the way to protect your business and secure the best outcome.
- Strategic Consultation & Legal Assessment
- Contract Drafting & Customization
- Contract Negotiation & Review
- Contract Enforcement & Dispute Resolution
- Ongoing Compliance & Contract Updates
We take the time to understand your business structure, risks, and legal needs to create a clear contract strategy. Whether you’re dealing with business agreements, employment contracts, vendor agreements, or regulatory compliance, our consultation ensures your contracts are legally sound, enforceable, and aligned with your business goals—without the legal jargon.
Airtight, enforceable contracts are the foundation of a secure business. We craft, review, and customize legal agreements tailored to your specific needs, whether it's for new business formation, vendor negotiations, partnership agreements, or employment contracts. Our precise drafting process protects your interests, prevents legal disputes, and ensures long-term compliance.
Effective contract negotiation helps businesses avoid costly disputes and legal complications. We represent your best interests in negotiations, ensuring fair terms, clear expectations, and risk mitigation. Whether it’s a commercial agreement, vendor contract, or partnership deal, our legal team conducts a thorough review to safeguard your rights and financial stability.
When a contract is breached or disputed, swift legal action is critical. We help enforce agreements, resolve disputes, and take legal action if necessary to protect your business interests. Through mediation, arbitration, or litigation, we work to secure fair resolutions while minimizing disruptions to your operations.
Laws and business needs evolve, and your contracts should too. We offer continuous legal support to update contracts as regulations change, ensuring long-term compliance and risk management. Our proactive approach helps businesses maintain strong, enforceable agreements that adapt to growth and industry shifts.
When You Can’t Afford To Be Wrong, Get Clear Answers
Our Free Consultations Include:
Clear Roadmap Guarantee
Transparent Pricing Guarantee
Regular Case Update Guarantee
Honest Advice with No Pressue
Proactive Problem Prevention
Complex Legal Terms Explained In Plain English
Contact us
We offer two ways to get started:
1. Quick Contact Form (Right →) : If you have a general inquiry or need a brief consultation, fill out the simple form to connect with us.
2. Detailed Intake Form (Below ↓) : If you’re ready to take the next step, our intake forms help us gather key details upfront—saving you time and allowing our attorneys to quickly determine how we can assist you. These forms help qualify cases and ensure we provide the most relevant guidance.