Securities Lawyers for Illinois

Looking for a securities lawyer in Illinois?

ContractsCounsel helps businesses across Illinois hire vetted securities lawyers, offering fixed-fee quotes with the first proposal typically arriving in just a few hours.

Hire a Lawyer for 60% Less than Traditional Law Firms

1
Post your project.
Create a project posting in our marketplace. We will ask you the questions lawyers need to know to provide pricing.
2
Receive multiple bids.
Receive multiple bids from vetted lawyers in our network that have the experience to help you with your project.
3
Review and hire.
Compare multiple proposals from lawyers and arrange calls through our platform. Securely make payment to hire your lawyer.

Meet some of our Illinois Securities Lawyers

Billy Joe M. - Securities Lawyer in Illinois
View Billy Joe
5.0 (3)
Member Since:
October 26, 2021

Billy Joe M.

Partner Attorney
Free Consultation
Chicago, IL
17 Yrs Experience
Licensed in IL
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

I graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2006 with a degree in Political Science, Finance, and Economics. I stayed around Champaign for law school and graduated in 2009. I then worked at a big law firm in downtown Chicago. It was boring, so I quit in early 2011. I thought that I could not be happy practicing law - I was wrong. After I quit the traditional law firm life, I began representing my own clients. I realize now that I love helping normal people, small business owners, and non-profits address a variety of legal issues. I hope to hear from you.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Billy Joe was great to work with on a demand letter related to a HOA dispute. He was understanding of my situation, thorough in communication, and worked with me through a complex situation. I'm not a lawyer and he was very personable, as well as responsive. Highly recommended!"

Mathew K. - Securities Lawyer in Illinois
View Mathew
5.0 (3)
Member Since:
February 1, 2022

Mathew K.

Founding Attorney
Free Consultation
Illinois
11 Yrs Experience
Licensed in IL
DePaul University College of Law

Mathew Kerbis is The Subscription Attorney. He’s on a mission to affordably serve clients at scale via the subscription model and inspire attorneys to abandon the billable hour. He founded the law firm Subscription Attorney LLC after working for private practice law firms for nine years. His firm leverages automations and artificial intelligence to offer more accessible and reasonable prices like legal advice starting at $19.99/month and $49.99/page.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Mathew was pleasant and professional. He passed along great legal knowledge and provided an excellent service at a reasonable rate. I would definitely use his services again."

Zachary J. - Securities Lawyer in Illinois
View Zachary
5.0 (398)
Member Since:
May 27, 2022

Zachary J.

Principal
Free Consultation
Crown Point, IN
7 Yrs Experience
Licensed in IL
The University of Michigan Law School

I am a solo-practitioner with a practice mostly consisting of serving as a fractional general counsel to growth stage companies. With a practical business background, I aim to bring real-world, economically driven solutions to my client's legal problems and pride myself on efficient yet effective work.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Zack was excellent throughout the entire transaction process. He was thorough, responsive, detail-oriented, and did a great job protecting my interests in the agreements. His guidance and professionalism gave me confidence through a complex deal. Highly recommend working with him."

Dan "Dragan" I. - Securities Lawyer in Illinois
View Dan "Dragan"
5.0 (36)
Member Since:
September 21, 2022

Dan "Dragan" I.

Principal Attorney
Free Consultation
Chicago, Illinois
27 Yrs Experience
Licensed in IL
University of Illinois College of Law

I received a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Northwestern University in 1996 and then got my JD at University of Illinois College of Law in 1999. I have been a lawyer helping people with legal issues in the United States and Internationally since then. That includes drafting and reviewing contracts. I am also passionate about helping small and medium businesses with trademark registration and trademark-related legal projects. The law can be confusing and complicated for people, and I am passionate about providing professional legal services to my clients while simultaneously making the legal process less confusing and stressful for them. My goal is to help clients navigate through both good and difficult times by tailoring my skills, experience, and services to their specific needs.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Extremely helpful and prompt with responses. Offers unlimited advice even after the project ends."

Curt B. - Securities Lawyer in Illinois
View Curt
5.0 (4)
Member Since:
March 25, 2023

Curt B.

Managing Partner
Free Consultation
Los Angeles, California
12 Yrs Experience
Licensed in IL CA, CO, FL, WA
UCLA School of Law

Curt Brown has experience advising clients on a variety of franchising, business litigation, transactional, and securities law matters. Mr. Brown's accolades include: - Super Lawyers Rising Star - California Lawyer of the Year by The Daily Journal - Pro Bono Attorney of the Year the USC Public Interest Law Fund Curt started his legal career in the Los Angeles office of the prestigious firm of Irell & Manella LLP, where his practice focused on a wide variety of complex civil litigation matters, including securities litigation, antitrust, trademark, bankruptcy, and class action defense. Mr. Brown also has experience advising mergers and acquisitions and international companies concerning cyber liability and class action defense. He is admitted in California, Florida, D.C., Washington, Illinois, Colorado, and Michigan.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"I was very impressed with the responsiveness and knowledge brought to my situation."

Tina R. - Securities Lawyer in Illinois
View Tina
4.9 (18)
Member Since:
February 17, 2022

Tina R.

contracts lawyer and websites
Free Consultation
Arlington, VA
19 Yrs Experience
Licensed in IL DC, VA
Loyola University Chicago

15 years for legal experience; expertise in contracts, healthcare, ERISA, physicians, financial services, commercial contracts, employment agreements, etc. I am adept at all contracts and can provide you with efficient and quality services. I have worked at a law firm, financial services company, consulting ,and non-profit.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Tina was great! She responded immediately and professionally and completed my project better than I had even hoped!"

Ryenne S. - Securities Lawyer in Illinois
View Ryenne
4.9 (590)
Member Since:
October 11, 2022

Ryenne S.

Principal Attorney
Free Consultation
Chicago, Illinois
16 Yrs Experience
Licensed in IL
DePaul University College of Law

My name is Ryenne Shaw and I help business owners build businesses that operate as assets instead of liabilities, increase in value over time and build wealth. My areas of expertise include corporate formation and business structure, contract law, employment/labor law, business risk and compliance and intellectual property. I also serve as outside general counsel to several businesses across various industries nationally. I spent most of my early legal career assisting C.E.O.s, General Counsel, and in-house legal counsel of both large and smaller corporations in minimizing liability, protecting business assets and maximizing profits. While working with many of these entities, I realized that smaller entities are often underserved. I saw that smaller business owners weren’t receiving the same level of legal support larger corporations relied upon to grow and sustain. I knew this was a major contributor to the ceiling that most small businesses hit before they’ve even scratched the surface of their potential. And I knew at that moment that all of this lack of knowledge and support was creating a huge wealth gap. After over ten years of legal experience, I started my law firm to provide the legal support small to mid-sized business owners and entrepreneurs need to grow and protect their brands, businesses, and assets. I have a passion for helping small to mid-sized businesses and startups grow into wealth-building assets by leveraging the same legal strategies large corporations have used for years to create real wealth. I enjoy connecting with my clients, learning about their visions and identifying ways to protect and maximize the reach, value and impact of their businesses. I am a strong legal writer with extensive litigation experience, including both federal and state (and administratively), which brings another element to every contract I prepare and the overall counsel and value I provide. Some of my recent projects include: - Negotiating & Drafting Commercial Lease Agreements - Drafting Trademark Licensing Agreements - Drafting Ambassador and Influencer Agreements - Drafting Collaboration Agreements - Drafting Service Agreements for service-providers, coaches and consultants - Drafting Master Service Agreements and SOWs - Drafting Terms of Service and Privacy Policies - Preparing policies and procedures for businesses in highly regulated industries - Drafting Employee Handbooks, Standard Operations and Procedures (SOPs) manuals, employment agreements - Creating Employer-employee infrastructure to ensure business compliance with employment and labor laws - Drafting Independent Contractor Agreements and Non-Disclosure/Non-Competition/Non-Solicitation Agreements - Conducting Federal Trademark Searches and filing trademark applications - Preparing Trademark Opinion Letters after conducting appropriate legal research - Drafting Letters of Opinion for Small Business Loans - Drafting and Responding to Cease and Desist Letters I service clients throughout the United States across a broad range of industries.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Ryenne was wonderful to work with: very knowledgeable, reliable and responsive to our concerns."

Clara D. - Securities Lawyer in Illinois
View Clara
Member Since:
October 8, 2021

Clara D.

Principal
Illinois
23 Yrs Experience
Licensed in IL
University of Chicago

Clara Duffield is a seasoned financial services, technology, privacy, business, intellectual property, and real estate lawyer, with in-house and large firm experience. She currently represents a range of clients, from start-ups to large, heavily-regulated companies, in a wide variety of transactional matters. After graduating from The University of Chicago Law School, Clara spent eight years in private practice representing clients in complex commercial real estate, merger and acquisition, branding, and other transactional matters. Clara then worked as in-house counsel to a large financial services company, handling intellectual property, vendor contracts, technology, privacy, cybersecurity, licensing, marketing, and otherwise supporting general operations. She opened her own practice in September of 2017. Duffield Law provides strategic and flexible representation to businesses of all sizes. Its clients include entrepreneurs and early-stage startups to Fortune 100 companies. From outside general counsel or volume work to discreet assignments, our small firm model allows us the flexibility to provide only the legal services a client needs, without sacrificing the quality all clients deserve. With a depth of in-house and large law firm experience, we work with clients to thoughtfully assess risk, identify and engage subject matter experts, and manage legal spend.

Neilson B. - Securities Lawyer in Illinois
View Neilson
Member Since:
March 26, 2022

Neilson B.

Managing Attorney
Free Consultation
Charlotte, NC
7 Yrs Experience
Licensed in IL MO, NC
Shepard Broad School of Law

Hi, I am the founding member of Son of Brown Law Firm, based in Charlotte North Carolina. Our firm practices in the areas of Business Transactions, Cannabis/Hemp, Personal Injury and Immigration Law.

David A. - Securities Lawyer in Illinois
View David
Member Since:
August 30, 2022

David A.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Chicago, Illinois
21 Yrs Experience
Licensed in IL
Chicago Kent College of Law

David Alexander advises clients on complex real estate transactions, including the acquisition, disposition, construction, financing and leasing of shopping centers, office buildings and industrial buildings throughout the U.S. An experienced real estate attorney, David reviews, drafts and negotiates all manner of retail, office and industrial real estate agreements, including purchase and sale agreements, construction contracts, leases and financing documentation.

Wendy C. - Securities Lawyer in Illinois
View Wendy
Member Since:
September 12, 2022

Wendy C.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Chicago
27 Yrs Experience
Licensed in IL WI
University of Wisconsin Madison

Business Advisor and Real Estate Consultant: Small boutique firm working to assist entrepreneurs, business start-ups, property investors, new home buyers, and distressed owners Wendy Calvert began her career as a corporate attorney focusing on complex commercial litigation, primarily in construction, property and casualty, and contractor liability. Through this experience, Wendy has managed and successfully litigated cases in Illinois and Wisconsin. In 2004, Wendy relocated to Illinois to work as an insurance litigation counsel and later as an executive sales consultant and insurance expert. Wendy now utilizes her skills as a contract negotiator, litigator, and sales consultant to negotiate real estate deals and help entrepreneurs create and grow the businesses of their dreams. EDUCATION Wendy earned her Juris Doctor in 1999 from the University of Wisconsin Madison. In 1989, Wendy graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Communications from Marquette University.

Jingjing L. - Securities Lawyer in Illinois
View Jingjing
Member Since:
October 14, 2022

Jingjing L.

Attorney
Free Consultation
London, UK
9 Yrs Experience
Licensed in IL
University of Chicago Law School

I am a dual qualified (Illinois; England & Wales) transactional lawyer with about 6 years of legal experience. I'm very commercial and pragmatic in my approach, and I provide clear and timely service. I have worked in two of the top international "big law" firms focusing on corporate, private equity, insurance and financial services work. I'm now working in-house at a Fortune 500 company and have a wide range of experience with commercial and corporate contracts as well as legal and regulatory research.

Find the best lawyer for your project

Browse Lawyers Now

Securities Legal Questions and Answers

Securities

LLC Operating Agreement

Texas

Asked on Aug 24, 2021

Can an LLC buy stocks for a fee?

I'm forming an LLC in order to manage some money investing in the stock market, (Friends and family only) I will be charging a percentage fee on the profits. Can an LLC be formed to invest in stocks and charge a performance fee? Thank you.

Forest H.

Answered Aug 25, 2021

Generally, if you are "advising others regarding investment decisions for compensation" you are regulated by the SEC as an investment advisor and subject to oversight and registration with the SEC. There are exemptions, for example, a "Family Office" is not required to register. However, all investors and owners in a Family Office must be actual family and friends would be excluded.

Read 1 attorney answer>

Securities

Private Placement Subscription Agreement

New York

Asked on Nov 10, 2024

Can you please explain the key provisions and considerations in a Private Placement Subscription Agreement?

I am in the process of investing in a private placement offering and have been asked to sign a Private Placement Subscription Agreement. While I understand that this agreement outlines the terms and conditions of my investment, I would like to have a better understanding of the key provisions and considerations that I should be aware of before signing. I want to ensure that I am fully informed about my rights, obligations, and any potential risks associated with this investment opportunity.

Danny J.

Answered Dec 26, 2024

Here are the top 5 most important provisions in a Private Placement Subscription Agreement: 1. Investment Details (number of shares/units, price, total amount) 2. Investor Representations and Warranties (accredited investor status, risk understanding, etc.) 3. Company Representations and Warranties (accuracy of information, compliance, etc.) 4. Transfer Restrictions (limitations on selling or transferring securities) 5. Use of Proceeds (how the company will use the invested funds) It's important to note that there are at least up to 12 key provisions to consider in a comprehensive Private Placement Subscription Agreement. In addition, each agreement can have unique terms that require careful consideration unique to the deal or industry it's for. The specific language used in these clauses can significantly impact your rights and obligations as an investor. Given the complexity of these agreements and the potential risks involved in private placements, it would be prudent to have a thorough legal review before signing. As an experienced securities attorney, I could: 1. Analyze the specific terms of your agreement 2. Explain how each provision may affect your investment 3. Identify any unusual or potentially unfavorable terms 4. Advise on negotiating more favorable conditions, if necessary 5. Ensure the agreement complies with relevant securities laws Would you like to discuss your specific Private Placement Subscription Agreement in more detail to ensure you're making a fully informed decision about this investment opportunity?

Read 1 attorney answer>

Securities

Stock Option Agreement

California

Asked on Jul 8, 2023

Stock option agreement and stock splits?

I am an employee of a company that is planning to offer stock options as part of my compensation package. I am trying to understand what would happen if my company does a stock split. Would my stock options be affected by the split, and if so, how? I want to make sure I understand the implications of a stock split before I accept the stock options as part of my compensation.

Thaddeus W.

Answered Aug 11, 2023

Good question! Typically, a stock split will result in an appropriate adjustment to an option award so that, after the adjustment, the option holder (you, in this case) is "made whole" -- that is, you are effectively in the same place economically (as far as this option is concerned) after the split with the option as you were before. If you look at your company's Stock Plan (the plan under which your options were authorized and granted to you), you will probably find a section called "Changes in Capitalization." (Or, you can search to document for the word "split" and may be able to find the governing provision that way.) The provision might be included in your Stock Option Agreement, but typically it is covered in the Plan. Anyway, the provision (wherever it is located in your documents) would normally say something along the lines of the following: "In the event of a stock split (and other events), the following will occur: (i) the numbers and class of shares covered by your option award, (ii) the exercise price per share of each outstanding option, and (iii) any applicable repurchase price per share issued under any option award, will be automatically proportionately adjusted in the event of a stock split (or other event)." (Usually the language is even more "legalesey" but that's pretty much the jist of it.) Of course, its impossible to say for sure in your situation (or in any other specific situation) without seeing the relevant documents and knowing all other relevant details, but that would be the typical approach.

Read 1 attorney answer>

Securities

SAFE Note

California

Asked on Jul 13, 2023

SAFE Note interest accrual?

I am a business owner who recently completed a Series A round of funding. As part of this funding round, I issued SAFE Notes to my investors. I am now trying to understand the implications of these notes, specifically regarding interest accrual. I want to make sure I am compliant with all the terms of the SAFE Note agreement and understand the effects of interest accrual on my company's finances.

Thaddeus W.

Answered Aug 11, 2023

Thanks for the interesting question. There may be some conflation of issues here. A few points may help to clarify -- 1. A SAFE and a Note are different animals. Notes are debt instruments and, accordingly, usually have an interest component. SAFE's are not debt and so do not accrue interest. Convertible Notes and SAFE's are similar in that they both typically convert into preferred stock when the company **later** issues preferred stock. Also, Convertible Notes and SAFE's are often issued without regard to a company's then-current valuation. 2. You said your company issued SAFEs / Notes "as part of" a Series A funding. That's not legally impossible, of course, but it would be unusual, so it would be helpful to make sure we are using the same "glossary" of terms. Typically, the phrase "Series A funding" refers to a company's issuance of Series A Preferred Stock; such transactions involve putting a value on the company so that the Series A stock can be priced. Series A rounds often are preceded by the company issuing Convertible Notes or SAFE's without a valuation of the company (that is, the company and investors "kick the can down the road" to a later time when the company's operating history can justify a valuation). Then, when the Series A round occurs and shares of Series A are priced based on the company valuation, any pre-existing Convertible Notes and SAFE's convert into shares of Series A preferred stock at a conversion price that is equal to the price paid by the Series A purchasers, minus the discount that the Convertible Notes or SAFE's give to their holders. (NOTE: these days, often there is a round of preferred stock sold BEFORE Series A, called Series Seed. This is not required, but common. Sometimes SAFE's or Notes are issued between Series Seed and Series A, but, again, it would be the odd investor who purchased a SAFE or a Note in the same financing round in which preferred stock is sold.) 3. The implications of SAFE's and notes can be several. One of the biggest is their impact on the company's capitalization table ... that is, on the ownership interests of other shareholders, especially the founders. The terms of each Note or SAFE will determine their impact when they convert, especially if they have a "valuation cap" ... which is a provision by which an effective discount is given to the holder of the SAFE / Note. Valuation caps can result in more dilution to the founders and other pre-existing shareholders than they might expect, depending on the actual valuation of the company when these Convertible Notes and SAFE's do convert. 4. If you issued Convertible Notes or SAFE's as part of a Series A preferred stock round, the investors purchasing the Series A would have to have known about and approved of it. Their lawyers would have certainly raised eyebrows and asked questions. If these Convertible Notes / SAFE's were issued outside of the knowledge of the Series A investors, this would be expected to be problematic for the company, and possibly a breach of the Series A investment documents, or even a violation of certain securities laws. But, if all was approved by the investors, no problem. 5. Another implication worth noting is that since Convertible Notes are debt, they typically would be carried on (shown in) the company's balance sheet. Investors in Series A round always or nearly always have Information Rights to see the company's financial statements and be kept current on changes. Normally the company would have a contractual obligation to provide quarterly, if no monthly, financial reports and updates to Series A investors. These reports should include all information about SAFE's and Notes. 6. It should also be noted that Series A investment documents typically restrict the company from issuing many types of new securities without the approval of what these docs often call the "Requisite Holders." This is a defined term in the Series A investment docs (normally in the company amended and restated Charter), and is defined as the Series A holders that hold at least a stated number (e.g., a majority) of all of the Series A shares sold in the round. Note that these answers are not and should not be taken as legal advice for your particular situation. You should retain qualified legal counsel to have a formal lawyer-client relationship and your lawyer should review all relevant information. But, these concepts here are pretty fundamental. ~Thaddeus Wojcik, Wojcik Law Firm, PC

Read 1 attorney answer>

Securities

Subscription Agreement

California

Asked on Jun 10, 2025

Is it possible to modify a Subscription Agreement after it has been signed?

I recently entered into a Subscription Agreement with a company to purchase shares in their business. However, since signing the agreement, I have come across some unexpected financial circumstances that may prevent me from fulfilling my obligations under the original terms. I am wondering if it is possible to modify the Subscription Agreement to accommodate these changes, or if I am legally bound to the original terms of the agreement.

Christopher N.

Answered Jun 13, 2025

The short answer, as with all legal questions, is: it depends. You can certainly propose modify or be reased from your obligations, and depending on the company, your circumstances, your relationship, and their financial position, the company may be willing to entertain accomodations. It doesn't hurt to ask. Be prepared, however, for "penalties," which could mean the loss of your entire investment, significant reductions in the amount of your investment, etc. You may want to consider approaching other investors to see they would be willing to purchase some or all of your stake -- perhaps at a greater value than the company would offer. We highly recommend you consult with a business or securities attorney to be advise you the specifics of your agreement and explore exit or other strategies. Good luck!

Read 1 attorney answer>
See more legal questions…

Quick, user friendly and one of the better ways I've come across to get ahold of lawyers willing to take new clients.

View Trustpilot Review

How It Works

Post Your Project

Get Free Bids to Compare

Hire Your Lawyer

Clients Rate Lawyers 4.9 Stars
based on 19,774 reviews
Securities lawyers by top cities
See All Securities Lawyers
Securities lawyers by nearby cities

Contracts Counsel was incredibly helpful and easy to use. I submitted a project for a lawyer's help within a day I had received over 6 proposals from qualified lawyers. I submitted a bid that works best for my business and we went forward with the project.

View Trustpilot Review

I never knew how difficult it was to obtain representation or a lawyer, and ContractsCounsel was EXACTLY the type of service I was hoping for when I was in a pinch. Working with their service was efficient, effective and made me feel in control. Thank you so much and should I ever need attorney services down the road, I'll certainly be a repeat customer.

View Trustpilot Review

I got 5 bids within 24h of posting my project. I choose the person who provided the most detailed and relevant intro letter, highlighting their experience relevant to my project. I am very satisfied with the outcome and quality of the two agreements that were produced, they actually far exceed my expectations.

View Trustpilot Review

How It Works

Post Your Project

Get Free Bids to Compare

Hire Your Lawyer

Clients Rate Lawyers 4.9 Stars
based on 19,774 reviews

Want to speak to someone?

Get in touch below and we will schedule a time to connect!

Request a call

Find lawyers and attorneys by city