Conducting business in the global economy is exciting, but often confusing and fraught with unforeseen problems. The lawyers of R&D regularly represent corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, joint ventures, proprietorships and other legal entities. We advise our clients regarding how to structure and control their business, including tax ramifications. We prepare shareholder agreements, voting trusts, employment agreements, buy/sell agreements, stock option agreements, as well as trade name, service mark and other intellectual property registrations. We represent sellers and buyers in acquisitions, mergers and corporate reorganizations. We take great pleasure in helping you find solutions to all of your business objectives.

Business Structures
One of the most important aspects of a business is its legal structure. Since our inception, we have become proficient in corporate and general business matters, including the formation, maintenance, and dissolution of corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, and sole proprietorships. We have handled all forms of business purchases and sales, as well as stock and partnership account changes.

Customers
Customers are the lifeblood of your business. They must be treated properly and they must pay for your product or service. We can assist in all aspects of customer relations, including contracts, the Uniform Commercial Code, and collections.

Competitors
We have extensive experience in implementing and enforcing non-competition clauses and protecting trade secrets. We can also safeguard your enterprise from unwanted competitive forces. If you have an idea, we can protect it from unauthorized use and disclosure with registrations and non-disclosure documents. Use the links below to contact the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the Illinois Secretary of State.

Employees
If you’re in business, you have employees, even if it’s only you. Employees are wonderful, but you must follow a myriad of laws if you want to stay ahead. At R&D, we have extensive experience in both union and non-union matters, wage claims, employment contracts, non-competition and trade secret issues, as well as general overtime and discrimination claims. We can also advise you on a plan to limit competition from your sales force, before and after termination.

Government
The lawyers at R&D have long-term and deep relationships with City, County, State and Federal governmental agencies. We represent our clients before boards, commissions, and agencies at all levels of government. Our services cover every aspect of Public Law, including: Legislation; Licenses, Permits, and Other Public Approvals; Taxation Litigation; Zoning and Land Use Regulation; Annexation; Contracts; Labor and Unemployment; Purchasing and Procurement; and other discretionary determinations made by public officials.

Vendors
What business could operate without vendors? The successful ones have great relationships with their suppliers, while the poor businesses don’t. R&D lawyers can help in defining the risks associated with vendors and how to prevent problems in your supply chain through contract terms or insurance clauses.