Employment Law For Businesses,
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.
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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.
Ensuring your hiring process is legally compliant from the start is crucial to protecting your business. We help draft employment contracts, non-compete agreements, confidentiality clauses, and offer letters to set clear expectations and reduce legal risks. Our team also ensures your hiring practices comply with anti-discrimination laws and state/federal labor regulations.
A well-structured employee handbook establishes workplace expectations and minimizes legal exposure. We create and review policies on code of conduct, workplace safety, anti-harassment, leave policies, remote work, and disciplinary procedures to align with state and federal employment laws.
Wage disputes and Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) violations can lead to costly lawsuits. We help businesses properly classify employees vs. independent contractors, structure overtime pay, ensure minimum wage compliance, and implement proper payroll practices to avoid wage-related legal issues.
Firing employees improperly can expose businesses to wrongful termination claims, retaliation lawsuits, or severance disputes. We guide businesses through legally sound termination procedures, exit interviews, severance agreements, and performance documentation to mitigate legal risk and ensure compliance with state employment laws.
If an employee files a lawsuit for discrimination, wrongful termination, wage violations, or harassment, we provide aggressive litigation defense and dispute resolution. Our goal is to protect your business, reduce legal exposure, and resolve conflicts efficiently—whether through mediation, settlement negotiations, or courtroom representation.
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!
Employment Law For Businesses
Questions Answered
Answers to clarify cost, time, outcome and strategy to help you make the right decision for your situation.
To legally terminate an employee, you should ensure you have documented performance issues, misconduct, or policy violations. It’s best to have a clear termination policy, provide written warnings, and conduct exit interviews. If applicable, offering a severance agreement with a release of claims can help minimize legal risks. Consulting an employment lawyer before termination is advised to ensure compliance with state and federal labor laws.
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.
Misclassifying workers can lead to serious IRS penalties and wage lawsuits. Independent contractors should have control over their work, provide their own equipment, and not be directly supervised. Employees, on the other hand, must follow company-set schedules, use company tools, and receive benefits. Using the IRS’s “economic reality” test and consulting an employment attorney can help ensure proper classification.
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.
Every business should have a comprehensive employee handbook that includes:
✔️ At-will employment disclaimers (if applicable)
✔️ Anti-discrimination & harassment policies
✔️ Wage & hour compliance policies
✔️ Leave and time-off policies
✔️ Workplace conduct and discipline guidelines
✔️ Remote work & confidentiality policies
Regularly updating policies to comply with state and federal laws helps protect your business from legal disputes.
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), non-exempt employees must be paid at least the federal or state minimum wage and receive overtime pay (1.5x regular pay) for hours worked over 40 per week. Misclassifying employees as exempt can result in costly wage violation lawsuits. Employers should also comply with state-specific wage laws, which may have stricter requirements.
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.
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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 employment law process clear, structured, and stress-free for businesses. Whether you need legally sound employee contracts, workplace policy development, compliance guidance, dispute resolution, or litigation defense, we help you navigate complex labor laws to protect your business and minimize legal risks. Our proactive approach ensures compliance, prevents costly disputes, and secures the best outcomes for your company.
- Free Consultation & Risk Assessment
- Employee Contracts & Policy Development
- Compliance & Workplace Training
- Dispute Resolution & Risk Mitigation
- Litigation Defense & Ongoing Legal Support
We start with a comprehensive consultation to assess your business’s employment law needs. From hiring practices to workplace policies, we identify potential legal risks and provide strategic solutions to ensure compliance with state and federal employment laws. Our goal is to help you proactively prevent disputes and legal challenges.
Legally sound employee contracts and workplace policies are the foundation of a compliant business. We draft, review, and refine employment agreements, non-compete clauses, confidentiality agreements, and company policies to ensure your business is protected while fostering a fair and structured work environment.
Employment law compliance is key to avoiding costly litigation. We guide businesses in implementing HR policies, employee handbooks, and workplace training programs to ensure adherence to labor laws, anti-discrimination regulations, and wage compliance. We help you create a proactive approach to mitigating risks before they become legal issues.
When conflicts arise, we provide legal strategies to resolve disputes efficiently. Whether facing wrongful termination claims, wage disputes, or harassment allegations, we offer mediation, negotiation, and—when necessary—litigation defense to protect your business’s interests while minimizing disruption.
Employment laws are constantly evolving, and staying compliant is essential. We provide ongoing legal support to update your policies, advise on new labor law changes, and ensure your business remains protected. Our proactive approach helps businesses avoid penalties, lawsuits, and reputational risks.
When You Can’t Afford To Be Wrong, Get Clear Answers
Our Free Consultations Include:
Clear Roadmap Guarantee
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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.