Frequently Asked Questions

We understand that choosing the right legal partner for your family business is a significant decision. Here are answers to the most common questions we receive from Chicago-area business owners.

What is a Fractional General Counsel?

A fractional general counsel serves as your company’s part-time in-house attorney, providing strategic legal guidance without the cost of a full-time hire. Instead of paying $200,000+ annually for a full-time General Counsel, you get the same enterprise-level legal expertise at a fraction of the cost—typically through a monthly retainer or hourly arrangement that fits your business needs.

Your fractional general counsel becomes an integral part of your team, understanding your business inside and out, anticipating legal issues before they arise, and providing proactive guidance on corporate governance, contracts, compliance, and risk management.

Who does Burhanuddin Law serve?

We specialize in serving family-owned businesses and closely held corporations throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. Our clients include:

• Second and third-generation family businesses
• Emerging entrepreneurs building their first business
• Small to mid-sized companies (10-100 employees)
• Business owners seeking succession planning guidance
• Companies looking to transition from reactive to proactive legal support

We’ve proudly served over 100 families and facilitated more than $40 million in transactions across 20+ industries.

What industries do you work with?

Our attorneys have experience across a wide range of industries, including:

• Manufacturing and distribution
• Real estate development and property management
• Healthcare and medical practices
• Professional services (consulting, accounting, marketing)
• Retail and e-commerce
• Construction and contracting
• Technology and software
• Hospitality and restaurants
• Transportation and logistics

No matter your industry, we bring practical business sense combined with legal expertise to help your company thrive.

How do consultations work?

We offer flexible consultation options to fit your schedule:

• In-person consultations at our Chicago office (77 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 4500) or Joliet location
• Virtual meetings via secure video conference
• Phone consultations for quick questions

To schedule your consultation, call us at (312) 216-5174 or email [email protected]. We’ll discuss your business needs, explain how we can help, and provide transparent pricing information.

How is your billing structured?

We offer flexible engagement models designed to fit family-owned business budgets:

• Monthly Retainer – Predictable flat-fee pricing for ongoing legal support (ideal for fractional general counsel services)
• Hourly Billing – Pay only for the time you need for specific projects or matters
• Project-Based Fees – Fixed pricing for defined scope work like contract drafting or entity formation

During your consultation, we’ll discuss which model makes the most sense for your business and provide a clear fee agreement with no surprises.

What areas of law do you practice?

Burhanuddin Law provides comprehensive legal services for business owners, including:

• Business Law & Corporate Governance – Entity formation, operating agreements, shareholder agreements, corporate compliance
• Commercial Litigation – Business disputes, breach of contract, partnership disputes, employment matters
• Real Estate – Commercial and residential transactions, lease negotiations, property disputes
• Contract Preparation & Negotiation – Vendor agreements, customer contracts, employment agreements, NDAs
• Liability & Risk Management – Insurance review, indemnification clauses, risk assessment
• Cybersecurity Law – Data privacy compliance, breach response, cybersecurity policies

I’m in a dispute with my business partner. What should I do?

Partnership disputes require immediate attention to protect your investment and business interests. Here’s what to do:

1. Document everything – Keep records of communications, financial transactions, and any agreements
2. Review your partnership or operating agreement – Check for dispute resolution procedures
3. Contact an attorney immediately – Early intervention can often prevent litigation and preserve business relationships
4. Don’t make rash decisions – Avoid taking actions that could harm your legal position

Call (312) 216-5174 to speak with one of our commercial litigation attorneys. We’ll review your situation, explain your options, and develop a strategy to protect your business.

Do I really need a lawyer for my small business?

Many business owners ask this question—especially when starting out. Here’s the reality:

Legal problems are easier (and cheaper) to prevent than to fix. A well-drafted contract today can save you tens of thousands in litigation costs tomorrow. Proper entity structure can protect your personal assets from business liabilities. And having an attorney who understands your business can help you spot opportunities and risks that you might otherwise miss.

Think of legal counsel the same way you think about insurance—you hope you never need it, but you’re glad it’s there when you do. As a fractional general counsel, we make professional legal guidance affordable for growing businesses.

What makes Burhanuddin Law different from other law firms?

Unlike large firms that treat you as just another file number, we built our practice specifically for family-owned businesses. We understand the unique dynamics, challenges, and opportunities that come with running a family enterprise.

Our approach is built on four core values:

• Engage – We build real, lasting relationships with our clients
• Educate – We explain legal concepts in plain English so you can make informed decisions
• Empower – We help you feel confident navigating complex business decisions
• Execute – We focus on practical results, not just legal theory

We’re not here to intimidate you with legal jargon or rack up billable hours. We’re here to be your trusted advisors—an extension of your team.

How quickly can you respond to urgent legal matters?

We understand that legal issues don’t always happen during business hours. Our fractional general counsel clients receive priority response times, and we’re available by phone, email, and text for urgent matters.

For new clients facing time-sensitive issues, we can typically schedule consultations within 24-48 hours. Call (312) 216-5174 and let us know you have an urgent matter.

Do you work with businesses outside of Chicago?

While our offices are located in Chicago and Joliet, we serve clients throughout Cook County and surrounding Illinois counties, including:

• DuPage County (Naperville, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Oak Brook)
• Will County (Joliet, Orland Park)
• Lake County (Evanston, Skokie)
• Kane County (Schaumburg, Palatine, Hoffman Estates)

We offer virtual consultations and meetings, making it easy to work with us regardless of your location within the Chicago metropolitan area.

What should I bring to my initial consultation?

To make the most of your consultation, please bring:

• Any relevant contracts, agreements, or legal documents
• Corporate documents (articles of incorporation, operating agreement, bylaws)
• A list of your key legal questions or concerns
• Information about your business structure and ownership
• Timeline of events (if you’re facing a dispute or urgent matter)

Don’t worry if you don’t have everything—we can always request additional documents later. The most important thing is to start the conversation.

More Information

Learn why clients choose us, read testimonials, or meet our team. Ready to get started? Book a discovery call.