Union Contract Negotiations
Preparing for and handling all collective bargaining negotiations. We prepare economic and language presentations as approved by the Company; act, pursuant to the companies' desire, either as chief spokesperson at the bargaining table or as a consultant on any and all issues, and draft the collective bargaining agreement.
A. Grievances
Handling all grievances prior to arbitration and attending, whenever necessary, grievance meetings. Also, we are available for advice and consultation regarding any grievance.
B. Labor-Management Committees
Chairing periodic labor-management committee meetings with the Union's representative, when this is desirable.
C. Contract Interpretation
Advising and consulting with management on any questions of interpretation under the collective bargaining agreement.
D. Labor Relations Audit
Prior to negotiations, all supervisors are interviewed confidentially as part of a complete supervisory audit to determine employee complaints and/or personnel problems. The results of the audit are submitted to the Company in writing, with recommendations, where appropriate. Potential Wage and Hour, EEOC, and NLRB problems, if any, are discussed and recommendations to resolve such problems are submitted.
E. Supervisory Training
Supervisory seminars are held, during which supervisors are provided with an overview of the collective bargaining agreement and the underlying reasons for various clauses. The supervisors are also instructed in the basics of handling employee complaints and grievances, cutting costs, improving productivity, giving instructions and orders, using progressive discipline, reducing absenteeism, avoiding EEOC complaints, and otherwise effectuating the Company's policies. Supervisory seminars also stress the need to increase employee productivity by treating employees with dignity and respect, identifying and “weeding out” malcontents and marginal employees, carefully screening new applicants, and “selling” the Company positively to employees.
F. Communications with Employees
Improving employer-employee communications is an important step in preventing costly employment issues. To achieve that goal, we will assist the Company in drafting or reviewing communications with employees. Some or all of the following methods could be used:
- Letters to the home of each employee. These letters are used to communicate important facts such as productivity information, operational goals, news about employees who have excelled, etc.
- A regular series of short “speeches” to small groups of employees regarding operations, goals, recent achievements, etc.
G. Review and Revision of Plant Rules, Employment Applications, Personnel Forms and Hiring Procedures
Employee plant rules, employment application forms, and other personnel instruments are drafted and/or reviewed and revised to ensure legality and to incorporate practical screening inquiries.
H. Employee Review Committee
Upper-level management is lead in bi-monthly meetings in which employees are reviewed on an individualized basis. The goal of the sessions is to create individualized employee action plans that promote exceptional employee performance.
Corporate Legal Services
Comprehensive Corporate Legal Services
Our firm is proud to maintain one of the largest full-service legal teams in the Chicago suburbs, uniquely equipped to address a wide range of corporate legal matters for our clients. We deliver integrated solutions across the spectrum of corporate needs to help organizations thrive in today’s complex business environment.
3.1 Corporate Governance
We provide expert guidance to directors and leadership teams on establishing effective board and committee structures, fostering productive collaboration between management and the board, and developing a strong organizational “tone at the top.” Our services further extend to creating and enhancing employee engagement strategies, which are essential for strengthening a robust risk culture within organizations. Our team is experienced in drafting comprehensive codes of conduct, advising on whistleblowing and anti-retaliation protocols, implementing anti-discrimination policies, and preparing employee handbooks that address the unique needs of each client’s workforce.
3.2 Corporate Litigation
Our accomplished legal team has successfully represented clients across virtually every area of litigation, including both state and federal courts. We handle commercial litigation involving real estate, contractual disputes, shareholder disagreements, bankruptcy, foreclosures, business torts, catastrophic claims, employment matters, and product liability. Our attorneys are also adept at managing class action lawsuits, multi-jurisdictional litigation, administrative proceedings, and other complex disputes. We take pride in litigating efficiently while also advising clients on preventative measures and alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation and arbitration, to resolve conflicts outside of court. Whether managing high-stakes or routine business disputes, our seasoned litigators are prepared to advance and protect our clients’ interests.
3.3 Business Transaction Planning
We guide business owners through selecting the most effective strategies for ownership transition, whether that means preserving family succession, transferring stakes to partners or employees, or facilitating sales to third parties. Our approach is inherently client-centered; we collaborate closely with each client to define their priorities and develop tailored solutions that align with their unique goals.
3.4 Economic Incentives
Our attorneys are skilled in identifying, negotiating, and obtaining economic incentives from all levels of government—federal, state, city, and county. Drawing on extensive experience in the government sector, we are adept at securing specialized incentives for a variety of industries, including high-tech development, enterprise zones, green technologies, and workforce advancement. We conduct thorough analyses of all available alternatives to maximize financial benefits for our clients, while simultaneously fostering strong, collaborative relationships with the community. Throughout every project, we maintain a client-focused approach to vet all options and secure the most advantageous incentive package possible.
3.5 Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
We routinely partner with middle-market companies and their stakeholders to execute critical transactions, such as capital funding, partner buyouts, ownership transitions, acquisitions, and divestitures. Our comprehensive M&A services include acquisition strategy development, due diligence, integration planning, joint ventures and alliances, and strategic divestitures. Through careful analysis and precise execution, we empower our clients to capture growth opportunities, adapt to evolving markets, and sustain long-term financial performance.
3.6 Public-Private Partnerships
Public-private partnerships are integral to driving economic development initiatives. Our firm facilitates effective collaboration between government and private sector stakeholders, structures innovative funding models, and develops consensus-driven financial plans. We guide clients through feasibility studies, stakeholder engagement, and program implementation to ensure that projects maximize their positive impact on the community. These efforts help mitigate risks, distribute responsibilities, and stimulate economic activity in areas where it might not occur independently.
3.7 Real Estate
Our attorneys have decades of experience assisting developers, businesses, and investors with a broad array of real estate matters. We provide counsel on structuring, developing, leasing, financing, and selling both single-purpose and mixed-use properties. Our services encompass transactional, environmental, land use, and dispute resolution needs. With a proven history of managing projects exceeding a billion dollars in aggregate value, we frequently help clients navigate complex regulatory matters, including environmental compliance, historic preservation, aviation, agriculture, and zoning issues. We also have considerable expertise in forming sophisticated debt and equity partnerships, representing both borrowers and lenders in transactions involving securitized financing, mezzanine loans, REITs, leveraged buyouts, and private capital raising. Our support extends to real estate projects facing financial challenges, where we advise on restructuring, bankruptcy, and workout planning. Through collaboration and innovative solutions—such as new equity infusions, subordinated mortgage debt, and multi-party agreements—we remain focused on maximizing value and minimizing risk for our clients.
3.8 Client Commitment
Our reputation is built on technical excellence, deep project experience, and unwavering commitment to long-term client relationships. We dedicate time to understanding each client’s culture, objectives, and vision, collaborating closely to address routine and complex issues that may pose risks or create opportunities. When necessary, we coordinate with additional experts to ensure every aspect of a client’s project is managed with the utmost professionalism and care.