Case Studies | Client Success Stories
Case Studies: Real Results for Real Businesses
See how we’ve helped Chicago-area family businesses navigate complex legal challenges
and achieve their goals. Names and identifying details changed to protect client confidentiality.
Every family business has unique challenges. We don’t believe in cookie-cutter solutions.
The following case studies demonstrate our approach: understand the business first,
then craft legal strategies that protect what matters most-your family’s legacy.
Second-Generation Manufacturing Exit
The Situation
A second-generation owner of a precision manufacturing company in DuPage County wanted to retire after 35 years. The business had grown to 45 employees and $6M in annual revenue, but the owner’s three children had no interest in taking over. He needed to sell but wanted to ensure his employees would be protected and his legacy preserved.
The Challenge
The company had never undergone a professional audit, had informal agreements with key suppliers, and the owner had personally guaranteed a $1.2M equipment loan. Multiple potential buyers were circling, but none understood the family business culture that made the company successful. Previous attorneys had quoted 9-12 months and $150,000+ in legal fees.
Our Approach
We conducted a comprehensive business audit to identify and address potential deal-killers early. We formalized supplier agreements, structured the sale to release personal guarantees, and negotiated employment protection provisions for key staff. We positioned the owner as a trusted advisor during the transition period, creating value for both parties.
“They understood this wasn’t just a business-it was my father’s legacy and my life’s work. They found a buyer who valued our culture and protected my people. I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome.”
Vendor Contract Dispute Resolution
The Situation
A distribution company in Joliet received a demand letter claiming $180,000 in damages for alleged breach of an exclusive distribution agreement. The vendor threatened litigation and had already engaged a large Chicago law firm. The distributor believed the claims were meritless but couldn’t afford a prolonged legal battle.
The Challenge
The original contract was vaguely worded, leaving room for interpretation. The vendor had deep pockets and a reputation for aggressive litigation. Traditional litigation could cost $100,000+ and take 18-24 months. Meanwhile, the dispute was affecting the company’s relationships with other suppliers.
Our Approach
We immediately analyzed the contract and identified key ambiguities that cut both ways. Rather than escalating, we proposed a structured negotiation with clear deadlines. We presented a detailed analysis showing the vendor’s case was weaker than they believed, while offering a face-saving resolution that preserved the business relationship.
“When I got that demand letter, I thought we were headed for a nightmare. They found a way to resolve it in weeks, not years, and we actually kept the vendor relationship. That’s the kind of practical thinking I need.”
Mixed-Use Property Acquisition
The Situation
A family investment group wanted to acquire a mixed-use property in Oak Brook-retail on the ground floor, office space above. The property seemed like a great deal at $2.8M, and the seller was pushing for a quick close. The family had purchased properties before but never one this complex.
The Challenge
Due diligence revealed multiple issues: one tenant was 90 days behind on rent, the roof needed $120,000 in repairs within 2 years, and the property had unresolved ADA compliance issues. The seller’s attorney was pressuring for contract execution, claiming other buyers were waiting.
Our Approach
We slowed the process down despite seller pressure, conducting thorough due diligence including environmental reviews, lease audits, and building inspections. We quantified every issue and used them as negotiating leverage. We structured the deal with holdbacks for unresolved issues and representations that protected our clients long after closing.
“The seller kept saying we were overthinking it. Six months after closing, two of the issues they identified-and got us protected against-came due. Without that protection, we would have been out $180,000. Best legal investment we ever made.”
Ongoing Legal Partnership
The Situation
A growing technology services company in Schaumburg was spending $8,000-15,000 per month on outside legal fees-but the work was inconsistent and they never knew what they’d spend. They needed legal support for contracts, HR issues, and strategic decisions, but couldn’t justify a $200,000+ in-house counsel.
The Challenge
The company was reviewing 15-20 vendor and customer contracts per month, facing employment questions weekly, and making strategic decisions without legal input. Response times from their current law firm averaged 3-5 days. Critical deals were being delayed and risks were slipping through.
Our Approach
We established a fractional general counsel relationship with a flat monthly fee, providing predictable costs and unlimited access. We developed contract templates, created an employee handbook, established review protocols, and integrated into their executive team’s decision-making process. Same-day response became the standard.
“Having them in our corner changed everything. I used to dread contract reviews and legal questions. Now I just send them over and know it’s handled. Three years in, we haven’t had a single legal problem become a legal crisis.”
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