Schiff Hardin attorneys help private company clients determine how their new business should be structured to achieve their goals in the most efficient and effective manner, so that the legal structure best serves the needs of the business enterprise. Our corporate attorneys have extensive experience in forming, and counseling how to maintain:

• Corporations
• Partnerships
• Limited liability companies
• Limited liability partnerships
• Joint ventures

In addition, we advise clients as to the appropriate state for organization or incorporation, and whether to elect to report as an S corporation or C corporation for tax purposes.

We also assist clients in determining the capital structure of their business: the issuance of capital stock, securities or other ownership interests to achieve the client's goals for ownership of the business enterprise, including planning for the transition or expansion of that ownership. Our counseling includes advice with respect to holding stockholder meetings and preparing stockholder voting agreements, and on-going corporate governance matters that are presented to the company's board of directors or managers.

For many of our private company clients we serve as outside general counsel, working closely with owners and senior management regarding a wide variety of questions or issues they may face. With one phone call our clients know they will quickly have the full spectrum of our firm's capabilities available to them, and that the advice they receive will be thoughtful, prompt and efficient.