- Consumer's Choice Award 2019
- Consumer's Choice Award 2020
- Consumer's Choice Award 2021
- Consumer's Choice Award 2022
- Consumer's Choice Award 2023
- Consumer's Choice Award 2024
Frankfort Law Group provides outside general counsel services to businesses in University Park and throughout Will County, Illinois. Our approach emphasizes long‑term relationships, predictable fees, and practical legal solutions for corporate needs. We advise on contracts, compliance, corporate governance, and risk management while coordinating with in‑house teams and other advisors. Clients choose outside counsel to gain ongoing legal support without the overhead of a full internal legal department, helping businesses operate with more confidence.
Outside general counsel engages with a company across routine transactions and strategic decisions, becoming a trusted legal partner over time. In University Park, businesses receive timely counsel on employment matters, regulatory compliance, contract drafting and negotiation, mergers and acquisitions, and dispute prevention. The goal is to reduce legal surprises, streamline decision making, and protect company value through proactive legal planning tailored to the unique needs of local companies and industries.
Engaging outside general counsel brings continuity and practical legal oversight to businesses that lack full in‑house departments. This role supports day‑to‑day operations, major transactions, and compliance programs while helping to prevent disputes and regulatory issues. For University Park companies, outside counsel offers access to experienced attorneys who understand Illinois law and local business conditions, providing consistent guidance that aligns with company strategy and supports long‑term growth and operational stability.
Frankfort Law Group serves businesses across Illinois, including University Park, offering practical corporate and transactional legal services. Our attorneys have handled a broad range of matters from contract negotiation and corporate governance to regulatory compliance and transactional support. We focus on clear communication, cost transparency, and solutions that keep companies moving forward. Clients benefit from attorneys who are familiar with local courts and business practices and who prioritize timely, business‑minded legal counsel.
Outside general counsel functions as the legal advisor for a business, handling a spectrum of matters that would otherwise fall to internal counsel. This includes drafting and reviewing contracts, advising on employment and vendor issues, ensuring regulatory compliance, and coordinating outside litigation counsel if disputes arise. For many University Park businesses, this arrangement provides the benefits of ongoing legal support and institutional knowledge without the cost of maintaining a full internal legal team.
The relationship with outside counsel is often adaptive, designed to scale with company needs. Services can be delivered on a retainer basis, hourly engagements, or project fees depending on the scope required. This flexibility lets businesses plan legal budgets and receive prioritized attention when unexpected issues arise. Effective outside counsel acts as a consistent legal presence, helping companies address routine concerns and prepare for growth, regulatory changes, and transactional opportunities in Illinois.
Day‑to‑day duties of outside general counsel include contract drafting and negotiation, policy and compliance advice, corporate governance guidance, and transactional support such as mergers, acquisitions, or financing. Counsel also helps manage risk, review marketing and licensing agreements, and coordinate responses to employment or regulatory matters. The aim is to provide practical, timely legal input so business leaders can make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes that arise from unmanaged legal exposure.
A strong outside counsel relationship includes clear engagement terms, an agreed communication protocol, defined scopes of work, and consistent billing practices. Initial assessments identify legal priorities and risk areas, followed by a plan for ongoing advice, document templates, and preventive measures. Regular check‑ins and reporting help keep the legal strategy aligned with business objectives. This framework enables efficient handling of routine matters and rapid response when important transactions or disputes require attention.
Understanding common legal terms helps business leaders make better decisions and collaborate more effectively with outside counsel. This glossary covers frequently used concepts in corporate practice, from governance vocabulary to transactional language. Knowing these definitions helps demystify legal processes and clarifies expectations during negotiations, compliance reviews, or corporate restructurings. Familiarity with these terms improves communication and leads to faster, more effective legal outcomes for companies in University Park and beyond.
Corporate governance refers to the system of rules, practices, and processes by which a company is directed and controlled. It includes board responsibilities, shareholder rights, officer duties, and internal policies that guide decision making. Sound governance supports accountability, transparency, and legal compliance, reducing risk for owners and management. Outside counsel helps create and maintain governance documents, advise on fiduciary duties, and implement practices that meet regulatory expectations and stakeholder needs.
Regulatory compliance involves adhering to laws and regulations that apply to a business’s operations, industry, and geographic locations. Compliance efforts include assessing applicable rules, implementing policies and training, and monitoring ongoing obligations. Outside counsel assists companies in identifying regulatory requirements, developing compliance programs, and responding to inspections or enforcement inquiries. Maintaining compliance reduces the risk of fines, litigation, and reputational harm while supporting stable business operations.
Contract lifecycle management covers the creation, negotiation, execution, storage, and renewal or termination of contracts. Effective management ensures that agreements reflect business objectives, protect company interests, and are monitored for critical dates and obligations. Outside counsel can draft standardized templates, negotiate favorable terms, and establish procedures for review and approval. This reduces contractual risk and ensures consistency across relationships with vendors, customers, and partners.
Risk assessment is the process of identifying and evaluating potential legal and business risks that could affect operations or value. Counsel helps prioritize risks, develop mitigation strategies, and implement controls such as policies or contract clauses. Regular risk assessments enable management to make informed decisions about investments, compliance steps, and dispute avoidance. Proactive assessment supports resilience and helps businesses navigate regulatory and commercial challenges with greater confidence.
Businesses can choose limited transactional counsel for one‑off projects or retain outside counsel for ongoing support. Limited engagements suit narrow tasks like a single contract review or discrete filing, while a comprehensive arrangement covers a broader range of needs including governance, regular compliance checks, and strategic planning. The right choice depends on company size, transaction volume, risk tolerance, and desired level of ongoing legal involvement. A candid evaluation of company needs helps determine the best model for legal services.
A limited legal approach often fits very small companies or startups that encounter occasional legal matters such as drafting a single vendor agreement or handling a minor employment issue. If legal needs are predictable and infrequent, project‑based counsel can be cost effective. This model keeps immediate expenses low while providing targeted support for specific transactions or issues without the ongoing commitment of a retainer arrangement.
When a company faces a clearly defined, one‑time project such as a single acquisition, formation filing, or licensing negotiation, limited counsel focused on that task may be the best fit. This allows businesses to secure specialized help for a short period and return to internal handling afterward. It is important to ensure that the scope, timeline, and fee structure are well documented to avoid misunderstandings and to preserve continuity if follow‑up work is needed.
Comprehensive outside counsel is appropriate when a business needs continuous legal guidance across multiple areas, including employment, contracts, compliance, and strategic transactions. This model offers consistent advice, quicker turnaround, and a deeper understanding of the company’s priorities. For growing companies or those operating in regulated industries, ongoing counsel helps manage recurring issues, streamline operations, and prepare for larger transactions or financings with informed legal support.
A retained outside counsel relationship often provides predictable budgeting through agreed fee structures and reduces the need to vet outside firms repeatedly. Continuity builds institutional knowledge about the company, enabling counsel to offer more efficient, tailored advice. This continuity is especially valuable when rapid response is needed for compliance issues, contract disputes, or time‑sensitive transactions, helping management focus on business priorities while legal matters are handled proactively.
Retaining outside counsel brings several benefits including streamlined communications, consistent legal strategies, and reduced administrative burden for leadership. Counsel who knows your business can draft reusable contract templates, anticipate common issues, and coordinate efficiently with other advisors. This reduces delays and minimizes the risk of oversight. For University Park companies, a steady legal relationship supports both routine operations and long‑term planning while promoting regulatory and contractual consistency.
Another key benefit is faster response times when urgent matters arise. Outside counsel familiar with a business can triage issues quickly, advise on immediate steps, and prepare for escalation if needed. This preparedness reduces the likelihood of costly disruptions and helps preserve relationships with employees, customers, and vendors. A comprehensive arrangement also makes it easier to budget legal spend and to align legal priorities with corporate objectives over time.
A consistent legal presence enables ongoing risk identification and mitigation through regular reviews of policies, contracts, and processes. Counsel can recommend contract clauses, compliance measures, and governance updates that reduce exposure and help avoid disputes. Proactive legal work often prevents small problems from becoming major issues, preserving company resources and reputation. This preventive mindset supports steady operations and reduces the frequency and severity of legal emergencies.
Outside counsel that works closely with leadership gains a clear view of business goals and can align legal strategies with growth plans. Whether negotiating strategic partnerships, navigating regulatory changes, or supporting mergers and acquisitions, this alignment improves decision quality and execution. Counsel provides practical options and helps assess legal tradeoffs, enabling management to pursue opportunities with greater clarity about risks and rewards.
Begin any relationship with clear engagement terms that outline scope, billing practices, communication channels, and response expectations. Documenting these basics reduces misunderstandings and speeds resolution of routine matters. Include preferred points of contact, approval procedures for spending, and processes for escalating urgent issues. Clarity upfront helps both the business and the law firm work together productively and keeps legal costs predictable and manageable over time.
Maintain regular check‑ins with outside counsel to review legal priorities, upcoming initiatives, and compliance issues. Scheduled meetings help surface risks early and align legal work with business planning cycles. Use these touch points to update counsel on strategic goals, planned transactions, and internal policy changes so legal advice remains timely and relevant. Ongoing communication strengthens the relationship and improves counsel’s ability to provide practical legal support.
Consider retained outside counsel when your company needs consistent legal advice across a variety of matters, wants to control legal expenses, or lacks in‑house resources. Companies facing regular contract negotiations, employment issues, regulatory obligations, or growth events benefit from having a dedicated legal partner. Outside counsel can assist with immediate operational needs and long‑term strategic projects, offering continuity and legal knowledge that helps management make informed decisions without the overhead of hiring internal staff.
Another reason to engage outside counsel is to prepare for upcoming transactions or changes that will require coordinated legal work. Whether pursuing acquisitions, entering new markets, or reorganizing business structures, outside counsel provides planning assistance and implementation support. This reduces surprises during critical business events and gives leadership a reliable resource to evaluate options, negotiate terms, and handle regulatory filings in a timely manner.
Typical circumstances include frequent contract negotiations, the need to establish governance documents, recurring employment or vendor disputes, regulatory inspections, and strategic transactions like mergers or capital raises. Growth or changes in business model often reveal gaps in compliance and process that outside counsel can address. Companies also hire retained counsel to manage litigation relationships and to ensure consistent handling of disputes while protecting commercial relationships and business continuity.
Businesses that enter numerous vendor or customer contracts benefit from counsel who can streamline agreements, create standard templates, and handle negotiations. This reduces turnaround time, ensures consistent protections, and minimizes risks related to payment terms, liabilities, and termination clauses. Efficient contract management saves administrative time and prevents disputes by clarifying expectations and responsibilities upfront.
When companies operate in regulated industries or face evolving state and federal requirements, outside counsel helps interpret obligations and implement compliance programs. Counsel can assist with policy drafting, employee training, and responses to regulatory inquiries. Proactive compliance work reduces the chance of fines and operational disruptions and demonstrates good governance to stakeholders and regulators.
During planned growth, such as expansions, mergers, or fundraising, businesses need coordinated legal support for due diligence, deal documents, and closing logistics. Outside counsel ensures that legal risks are identified early, contracts are negotiated to reflect business goals, and regulatory or tax impacts are addressed. This integrated approach helps transactions proceed smoothly and protects company value throughout the process.
Frankfort Law Group is ready to provide practical outside general counsel services to businesses in University Park and across Will County. We offer responsive legal support, clear billing, and a focus on solutions that align with company objectives. Whether you need ongoing counsel or help with a single project, our team can step in to provide reliable legal guidance so business leaders can focus on operations and growth while legal matters are handled professionally.
Frankfort Law Group brings deep transactional and business law experience to clients in University Park, delivering attentive service and pragmatic advice. We prioritize clear communication, practical solutions, and cost transparency so leadership can make confident decisions. Our attorneys work collaboratively with management to understand business objectives and deliver legal strategies that support growth and risk management in the Illinois legal environment.
Clients benefit from a law firm that is familiar with local courts, regulatory agencies, and commercial norms across Will County. Our approach emphasizes proactive planning, template development, and regular legal audits to keep companies compliant and prepared. We coordinate with accountants, brokers, and other advisors to ensure legal work supports overall business plans and transaction goals without unnecessary friction.
We also focus on responsiveness and timely delivery so business leaders receive the information they need when they need it. With predictable billing options and a commitment to practical guidance, Frankfort Law Group supports companies at every stage of growth, from formation through expansion and transaction execution. Our goal is to help businesses operate smoothly while protecting their interests under Illinois law.
Our process begins with an initial consultation to understand your business, priorities, and existing legal documents. From there we propose an engagement scope and fee arrangement that fits your needs. We perform assessments of contracts and compliance, recommend immediate actions, and develop ongoing support plans. Communication is organized around regular check‑ins, written summaries of key issues, and clear next steps so leadership stays informed and in control.
The first phase involves a comprehensive review of key documents, contracts, and policies to identify immediate risks and long‑term priorities. We prioritize matters that pose the greatest legal or business impact and create a roadmap for addressing them. This assessment provides a foundation for building templates, updating governance materials, and setting up monitoring systems to reduce future legal surprises and improve compliance practices.
We examine vendor agreements, customer contracts, employment policies, and corporate records to identify gaps and exposure. This review highlights common problem areas such as indemnity clauses, termination provisions, and ambiguous obligations. Based on findings, we recommend revisions, standard clauses, and operational changes to reduce liability and clarify responsibilities across business relationships and internal processes.
Following document review, we propose governance and policy updates that reflect current operations and regulatory expectations. These recommendations may include board and shareholder document adjustments, conflict of interest policies, and internal approval processes. Implementing these measures strengthens oversight and supports consistent decision making across management and ownership.
The implementation phase focuses on putting revised documents and procedures into practice, creating templates for recurring transactions, and training key staff on new processes. This stage reduces administrative burdens, improves contract turnaround, and ensures compliance tasks are assigned and tracked. Standardization helps maintain consistency across business units and provides a reliable basis for future growth or transactions.
We develop standardized contract templates, approval checklists, and playbooks for recurring activities such as vendor onboarding and client engagements. These tools accelerate negotiations, ensure consistent protections, and reduce the need for repeated legal reviews. Templates are tailored to the company’s commercial needs and updated as law or business practices evolve.
Training key personnel on new templates, approval protocols, and compliance responsibilities ensures that legal practices are embedded in day‑to‑day operations. Clear internal processes reduce errors, speed decision making, and help staff recognize when legal input is required. Ongoing training supports adherence to policies and improves coordination between management and counsel.
Ongoing support includes regular legal check‑ins, monitoring of compliance obligations, and rapid response to new issues. We track key contract dates, regulatory deadlines, and changes in law that may affect operations. This continuous engagement helps businesses stay aligned with legal obligations, anticipate changes, and respond proactively to issues before they escalate into disputes.
Periodic reviews of contracts, policies, and corporate records ensure that legal documents remain current and effective. We recommend updates as business activities evolve and as laws change, helping clients avoid gaps that can create liability. These reviews also identify opportunities to improve legal protections and operational efficiency across the organization.
We establish clear escalation protocols to address urgent matters such as contractual breaches, regulatory inquiries, or potential litigation. Rapid response procedures allow management to quickly secure legal guidance and take protective steps while preserving options for resolution. Having a defined process minimizes delays and supports coordinated action when time‑sensitive legal issues arise.
At the Frankfort Law Group, we take great pride in our commitment to personal service. Clients come to us because they have problems, and they depend upon us to help them find solutions. We take these obligations seriously. When you meet with us, we know that you are only doing so because you need help. Since we started our firm in northeast Illinois, we have focused on providing each of our clients with personal attention. You do not have to be afraid to tell us your story. We are not here to judge you or make you feel ashamed for seeking help. Our only goal is to help you get results and move past your current legal problems.
At the Frankfort Law Group, we take great pride in our commitment to personal service. Clients come to us because they have problems, and they depend upon us to help them find solutions. We take these obligations seriously. When you meet with us, we know that you are only doing so because you need help. Since we started our firm in northeast Illinois, we have focused on providing each of our clients with personal attention. You do not have to be afraid to tell us your story. We are not here to judge you or make you feel ashamed for seeking help. Our only goal is to help you get results and move past your current legal problems.
Outside general counsel provides ongoing legal advice on everyday business matters including contract review, employment issues, compliance guidance, and corporate governance. For a small business, counsel helps create templates and policies that reduce future legal work and protect business interests. Counsel also advises on transactional matters and can coordinate with other advisors as needed. By focusing on practical legal solutions, counsel helps leadership manage risk while supporting growth and operations. The relationship may include regular check‑ins, document maintenance, and quick responses to questions so management has reliable legal input. This continuity improves negotiation outcomes, shortens contract cycles, and reduces the frequency of urgent legal crises by addressing issues proactively and providing consistent legal direction.
Fee arrangements vary based on scope and client preferences. Common models include monthly retainers that cover a set level of service, hourly billing for discrete projects, and fixed fees for defined transactions. Retainers provide predictable budgeting and prioritized access to counsel, while project fees offer clarity for one‑time assignments. Discussing fee expectations and defining included services at the outset helps avoid surprises and keeps both parties aligned. Transparent billing practices, such as detailed invoices and periodic budget reviews, help clients manage legal spend. We work with businesses to design fee structures that match their needs and volume of legal work, balancing cost efficiency with the level of ongoing support required.
Yes, outside counsel can manage litigation by coordinating with litigation firms or handling disputes directly when appropriate. Counsel often evaluates the matter, recommends strategy, oversees discovery and settlement negotiations, and retains trial counsel if specialized courtroom representation is needed. Managing litigation includes protecting evidence, assessing exposure, and aligning legal strategy with business objectives to preserve reputation and value. When outside counsel oversees litigation, they serve as a single point of contact for the client, ensuring consistent communications and integration with broader corporate strategy. This approach streamlines decision making and provides continuity from pre‑litigation advice through resolution, whether by settlement or trial.
Response times depend on the engagement terms and the urgency of the matter. Retained counsel typically provides faster response windows for clients under active agreements, enabling quicker advice for time‑sensitive issues. For emergencies, escalation protocols are established to ensure immediate attention and rapid guidance to preserve options and meet critical deadlines. Clear communication about priorities and expected turnaround allows counsel to allocate resources effectively. Establishing preferred contact methods and escalation steps during onboarding helps ensure urgent concerns receive prompt and appropriate attention.
Companies that benefit most include those without an in‑house legal team, businesses with frequent contracting needs, regulated industries, and growing firms planning transactions or expansion. Startups, family businesses, and small to mid‑sized companies often find retained counsel provides the right balance of legal availability and cost control. The relationship helps these companies implement consistent policies and avoid ad hoc decision making. Organizations that value predictable legal budgeting, continuity of advice, and proactive risk management will find retained outside counsel particularly beneficial. Counsel becomes a trusted resource that understands the company’s operations and can respond quickly to evolving needs.
Outside counsel assists with compliance by identifying applicable laws and regulations, drafting policies, and creating monitoring processes. Counsel can conduct audits to assess adherence, recommend remedial steps, and prepare documentation for inspections or audits. These activities reduce the risk of enforcement actions and help ensure that operations meet legal requirements. Counsel also advises on training and internal controls so staff understand obligations and reporting procedures. Ongoing monitoring and updates ensure the compliance program adapts to changes in law and business activities, supporting continuous adherence to regulatory standards.
Yes, outside counsel routinely collaborates with accountants, brokers, insurance brokers, and other advisors to coordinate legal work with financial and operational planning. Integrated collaboration ensures legal strategies support broader business objectives and that transactional documents align with accounting, tax, and regulatory considerations. Counsel can lead or participate in multi‑disciplinary teams depending on the project’s needs. Open communication and defined roles help avoid duplicated effort and ensure tasks are completed efficiently. Counsel will work to integrate legal advice into the overall plan so clients receive cohesive guidance across disciplines.
To start an engagement, schedule an initial consultation to discuss your business, priorities, and current legal needs. During that meeting, we review key documents, outline potential solutions, and propose an engagement structure and fee arrangement. This initial phase clarifies expectations and sets the foundation for an effective working relationship that meets your timing and budget requirements. Once terms are agreed, we begin with an assessment of priority issues and a plan for implementation. Clear onboarding steps include identifying company contacts, sharing critical documents, and setting a schedule for regular check‑ins and deliverables.
Prepare basic corporate documents such as formation papers, bylaws or operating agreements, important contracts, recent financial statements, and any current compliance or employment policies. Also compile a list of pending transactions or legal concerns you want counsel to address. Providing this information in advance allows counsel to assess priorities and recommend the most effective next steps during the initial meeting. Be ready to discuss business goals, pain points, and budget expectations so counsel can tailor a service plan to your needs. Clear articulation of objectives helps prioritize legal work that will deliver the most immediate value.
Outside counsel adds value beyond dispute handling by improving contract efficiency, implementing risk mitigation measures, and advising on strategic deals. Counsel helps craft agreements that protect company interests, develops compliance programs, and advises on governance changes that support growth. These proactive services prevent problems and create consistency across operations, which often reduces the need for costly dispute resolution. Counsel also supports business development by reviewing partnership opportunities, structuring transactions, and providing legal input during negotiations. This involvement helps leadership pursue opportunities with clearer understanding of legal tradeoffs and implementation steps.