Areas of Practice

We represent businesses, property owners, and entertainment venues in regulatory, zoning, and licensing matters that directly affect operations and property rights. Our practice includes navigating complex permitting processes, defending against enforcement actions, and advising on transactional and leasing matters. Clients work directly with an attorney at every stage—from strategy and negotiation to hearings and litigation—ensuring responsive, informed, and effective representation.

• Administrative & Regulatory Litigation: We represent clients in contested administrative proceedings and regulatory enforcement actions at the municipal, county, and state levels. Our practice is focused on defending rights, challenging adverse agency action, and advocating aggressively in hearings where licenses, permits, and livelihoods are at stake.

• Building & Regulatory Enforcement Defense: We guide property owners, developers, and businesses through Chicago’s zoning and land use process—from violations to approvals. Our services include permit expediting, zoning changes, special uses, variations, and regulatory coordination to keep projects moving forward and avoid costly delays.

• Commercial Agreements & Regulatory Risk: We negotiate and draft commercial contracts, sponsorship agreements, and business arrangements with an eye toward enforceability, regulatory exposure, and dispute avoidance. When conflicts arise, we are prepared to enforce or defend contractual rights.

• Entertainment Venues & Special Events Compliance: We represent operators of entertainment venues and special events in licensing, zoning, and regulatory matters involving live music, sporting events, experiential activations, pop-ups, and DCASE Special Events. Our work focuses on securing approvals, responding to enforcement actions, and addressing compliance issues that could disrupt operations.

• Food, Beverage & Hospitality Defense: We counsel and defend bars, restaurants, and hospitality operators in licensing, inspection, and enforcement matters. Our representation includes responding to violations, administrative hearings, and regulatory disputes that may result in fines, suspensions, or closure.

• Licensing & Compliance Disputes: We assist clients with license applications, renewals, audits, and contested compliance matters. When agencies raise objections or pursue enforcement, we advocate on behalf of clients to address deficiencies and defend against adverse action.

• Real Estate, Leasing & Possession Actions: We represent property owners, landlords, and businesses in real estate-related disputes, including lease drafting and enforcement, eviction actions, and regulatory matters affecting residential and commercial properties. Our work extends to shopping centers, mixed-use properties, and multi-tenant developments.

• Zoning & Regulatory Matters: We represent clients in zoning violations and administrative enforcement actions, special use permits and zoning variations, permit denials and occupancy disputes, business and liquor license proceedings, and municipal code violation defense. Our practice also includes handling administrative appeals and pursuing judicial review when agency decisions adversely impact property rights or business operations.