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Best Private Equity Lawyers in Illinois

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Perkins Coie LLP
Serves Chicago remotely from Anchorage

Founded in 1912
2,875 people in their team
English
Perkins Coie is a leading international law firm that is known for providing high value, strategic solutions and extraordinary client service on matters vital to our clients' success. With more than 1,200 attorneys in offices across the United States and Asia, we provide a full array of corporate,...
Willis Law
Serves Chicago remotely from Kalamazoo

42 people in their team
English
Willis Law is one of the fastest growing law firms in Michigan. We were founded here, and we have offices in Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, Paw Paw, and Chicago. Our large attorney team handles a broad range of cases, with areas of focus spanning the whole gamut of law. This means we can take on a broad...
Lageotakes Law Firm: Lageotakes Thomas
Schaumburg, United States

Founded in 2013
English
Lageotakes Law Firm, located in Schaumburg, Illinois, concentrates on Private Client matters with a broad service offering that includes estate planning, wills and trusts, probate, elder law, and related tax considerations.The firm combines legal and financial insight through Thomas Lageotakes, an...
Conway & Mrowiec Attorneys LLLP
Chicago, United States

Founded in 2000
3 people in their team
English
Conway & Mrowiec Attorneys LLLP concentrates on Construction Law and Litigation.  The firm has built long-standing relationships with its clients and treats new clients with the same goal.  Conway & Mrowiec represents major developers and owners, construction contractors,...
Greenberg Traurig, LLP.
Serves Chicago remotely from Jerusalem

Founded in 1967
2,300 people in their team
English
Five decades ago, while at lunch in a South Florida deli, attorneys Larry J. Hoffman, Mel Greenberg, and Robert Traurig saw an opportunity to establish a new breed of law firm for South Florida; a firm that mirrored a New York style firm. In 1967, they founded the law firm Greenberg Traurig...
Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP
Serves Chicago remotely from Washington

Founded in 1946
2,057 people in their team
English
At Arnold & Porter, we are client-driven and industry-focused. Our lawyers practice in more than 40 practice areas across the litigation, regulatory and transactional spectrum to help clients with complex needs stay ahead of the global market, anticipate opportunities and address issues that...
Jones Day
Serves Chicago remotely from Munich

Founded in 1893
2,500 people in their team
English
Jones Day has a history of more than 125 years and a culture of client service and professionalism based on explicit shared values. These values include providing pro bono legal services, building diversity in our profession, and supporting outreach efforts around the world.Jones Day has a long...
Chicago, United States

Founded in 2012
3 people in their team
English
Mayerbock Law Firm is a Chicago-based, full-service law firm known for industry leading legal services in the transportation sector. Led by founder and principal attorney Patrick J Mayerbock, the firm serves clients nationwide while operating from offices in Chicago, Park Ridge, Illinois, and...
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
Serves Chicago remotely from Boston

Founded in 1948
1,700 people in their team
English
The traits that fueled Skadden’s rise from a New York startup to a global powerhouse - collaborative, innovative, persistent - continue to define our firm culture. We remain intensely focused on the simple formula of developing an inclusive complement of extraordinary attorneys, working together...
Howard & Howard Attorneys PLLC
Serves Chicago remotely from Royal Oak

Founded in 1869
304 people in their team
English
Howard & Howard is a full-service law firm with a national and international practice that provides legal services to businesses and business owners. The firm has offices in Royal Oak, Michigan; Illinois (Chicago and Peoria); Las Vegas, Nevada; and Beverly Hills, California. From our...
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United States Private Equity Legal Questions answered by Lawyers

Browse our 1 legal question about Private Equity in United States and read the lawyer answers, or ask your own questions for free.

As a private equity investor, what governance, information, and side-letter rights should I negotiate to protect my investment?
Corporate & Commercial Private Equity
I'm considering committing to a private equity fund and want to understand what rights I should seek beyond capital. What information access, governance influence, and side-letter protections are standard, and what red flags indicate unfavorable terms? Are there typical remedies if those rights are not honored?
Lawyer answer by Hydrick Law Group, PLLC

Your rights (and negotiating power) can vary quite a bit depending on how large your capital contribution is relative to the fund size. For example, $8M of a $10M fund will command much more power than $200k of a $10M...

Read full answer
1 answer •

United States Private Equity Legal Articles

Browse our 3 legal articles about Private Equity in United States with practical legal information.

PE Exits: Appraisal vs Fiduciary Claims in United States
Private Equity
Statutory appraisal under 8 Del. C. § 262 values target company shares on a standalone basis without deal synergies, while plenary fiduciary breach claims allow broader equitable remedies, including rescissory damages and disgorgement of profits. Statutory appraisal proceedings typically cost between $150,000 and $500,000, whereas plenary fiduciary litigation routinely exceeds... Read more →
CFIUS Safe Harbor vs Post-Closing Review in United States
Private Equity
Securing clearance from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) grants statutory safe harbor under Section 721 of the Defense Production Act, permanently barring the President from unwinding the deal. Closing a foreign acquisition without filing leaves the transaction permanently exposed to the CFIUS Non-Notified Team, which... Read more →
Cross-Border PE Secondary Transactions: US Regulatory Guide
Private Equity
Non-US private equity sponsors buying secondary interests in US funds face overlapping requirements from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Section 1446(f) of the Internal Revenue Code imposes a mandatory 10% gross withholding tax... Read more →

About Private Equity Law in Illinois, United States

Private equity law in Illinois encompasses the regulations, transactional frameworks, and governance standards that apply to private investment in companies not listed on public stock exchanges. Private equity (PE) typically involves investment firms raising capital from institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals to buy stakes in private companies or to conduct buyouts of public companies, taking them private. In Illinois, a significant business hub in the Midwest, private equity activity supports economic growth, corporate restructuring, and innovation across diverse industries such as technology, manufacturing, healthcare, and real estate.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Navigating private equity transactions is complex and often requires specialized legal expertise. Here are some common scenarios where legal help may be necessary:

  • Negotiating and drafting investment agreements, purchase agreements, and partnership documentation
  • Conducting due diligence on target companies, including financial, legal, and regulatory reviews
  • Structuring deals to comply with state and federal securities laws
  • Advising on tax implications and corporate governance for new or restructured entities
  • Resolving disputes between investors, management teams, or portfolio companies
  • Ensuring compliance with antitrust rules and state regulatory filings
  • Assisting with exit strategies, such as IPOs or mergers and acquisitions
  • Protecting intellectual property and trade secrets during acquisitions

Local Laws Overview

Private equity transactions in Illinois are governed by a mix of federal securities laws and state-specific regulations. Illinois law requires compliance with the Illinois Securities Law of 1953 for the offer or sale of securities, which includes many private equity dealings. Local legal requirements may affect how investment funds are formed and managed, especially concerning partnership structures, employment obligations, and fiduciary duties. Additional considerations in Illinois include compliance with state tax regimes, registration requirements for certain investment advisors, and regulatory frameworks for solicitation and advertising of investment opportunities. The Illinois Secretary of State’s Securities Department is the primary state agency overseeing these matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is private equity?

Private equity refers to investments in private companies or in public companies that are bought out and delisted. Investors typically aim to improve the company's performance and value before selling it for a profit.

How are private equity deals structured in Illinois?

Most private equity deals in Illinois are structured as either leveraged buyouts, growth capital investments, or venture capital investments. Legal structures often involve limited partnerships or limited liability companies compliant with Illinois statutes.

Are private equity investments regulated by the state?

Yes, private equity investments must comply with Illinois state securities laws and regulations, as well as applicable federal laws overseen by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

What types of companies do private equity firms in Illinois invest in?

Private equity firms in Illinois invest in a range of businesses, from established companies seeking new growth capital to struggling companies in need of restructuring. Sectors include manufacturing, healthcare, technology, logistics, and consumer goods.

Do I need to register my private equity fund with the state?

Depending on fund size and investor makeup, some private equity funds must register with the Illinois Secretary of State. Others may qualify for exemptions but must still comply with anti-fraud provisions and disclosure requirements.

Is legal due diligence necessary in private equity transactions?

Yes, thorough legal due diligence is essential to uncover liabilities, contractual obligations, regulatory issues, and other risks before finalizing a transaction.

How can a lawyer help with compliance in private equity?

A lawyer helps ensure compliance with all state and federal laws affecting fundraising, disclosures, investor relations, employment matters, and post-acquisition business operations.

What are common legal risks in private equity?

Common risks include regulatory non-compliance, undisclosed liabilities, breach of fiduciary duty, shareholder disputes, and issues arising from the improper handling of confidential information.

What taxes apply to private equity investments in Illinois?

Investors and private equity firms are subject to state and federal income taxes, possible capital gains taxes, and certain local taxation. The structure of the investment and the firm's operations influence tax treatment.

How can I find a private equity lawyer in Illinois?

You can consult local or state bar associations, seek referrals from business contacts, or research law firms with expertise in private equity and mergers and acquisitions in Illinois.

Additional Resources

For more information and guidance about private equity in Illinois, the following resources may be useful:

  • Illinois Secretary of State - Securities Department: Manages state-level registration and regulation of securities offerings and investment advisors
  • Illinois State Bar Association: Provides lawyer referral services and legal resources
  • U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC): Regulates private equity under federal law
  • Chicago Bar Association: Provides networking and educational resources for legal professionals
  • Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR): Oversees licensing for certain financial professionals

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance in private equity matters, consider consulting a lawyer who specializes in private equity transactions and Illinois state law. Start by gathering documentation about your potential investment, business structure, and goals. Request an initial consultation to discuss your needs and evaluate the lawyer's experience with similar transactions. It is important to ensure your legal counsel is well-versed in the unique aspects of Illinois law and PE industry practices. Acting proactively with professional advice can help you avoid costly mistakes and maximize the success of your private equity endeavors in Illinois.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Illinois through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Private Equity, experience, and client feedback.

Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters.

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Disclaimer:

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.

We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.