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Est. 1970 · Chambers USA Ranked · 40+ Super Lawyers Honorees

Much Shelist, P.C.

191 North Wacker Drive, Suite 1800 · Chicago, IL 60606 · (312) 521-2000

Starting a Business Business Contracts M&A / Selling a Business Private Equity Employment (Employer) Commercial Litigation

Much Shelist has spent over five decades building what Chambers USA describes as one of Chicago's strongest business law practices — combining the sophistication of a major firm with the personal attention of a boutique. From the first-time founder setting up an LLC to the private equity fund closing a cross-border acquisition, the firm's 100+ attorneys handle the full arc of a company's legal life in plain, direct language.

Chambers USA Best Law Firms U.S. News The Legal 500 Crain's Chicago Business
Free Consultation (312) 521-2000
4.7
★★★★★
Based on 83+ verified reviews
Overall
4.7
Results
4.8
Communication
4.7
Value
4.5
Editorial Verdict

Why Choose Much Shelist?

Much Shelist occupies a sweet spot that is genuinely rare in Chicago: big-firm sophistication without the sticker shock or the feeling that you're lost in a machine. The firm has been doing business law since 1970 — before many of its clients were born — and that history shows. When you call Much Shelist, you get a partner who knows your industry, remembers your last deal, and picks up the phone. Chambers USA has ranked the firm for years across corporate, private equity, and real estate. If you're starting a company, buying or selling a business, or need a partner-level business attorney who will care about whether your deal actually works — not just whether the documents close — Much Shelist is worth a serious look.

Practice Areas

Situations They Handle

Starting a Business (LLC, Corp, Partnership) Buying or Selling a Business Business Contracts & Agreements Private Equity Transactions M&A (Mergers & Acquisitions) Employment Law (Employer Side) Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution Banking & Finance ERISA & Employee Benefits Healthcare Business Law
Fees & Pricing

What You'll Likely Pay

Business law work is billed hourly. Much Shelist offers more competitive rates than large downtown firms while delivering equivalent sophistication — one of its core value propositions.

$350–$600
per hour (partner rates)
$1,500–$5,000
LLC formation (flat fee option)
The Team

Key Attorneys

Corporate Partner, Much Shelist

Corporate & M&A Group

Multiple Chambers-Ranked Partners
Acquisitions, private equity, equity financing, cross-border transactions
Employment Partner, Much Shelist

Employment Practice Group

Employer-Side Counsel
Workplace disputes, handbooks, executive agreements, EEOC defense
Business Formation Group, Much Shelist

Business Formation Group

Startup & Growth Company Counsel
Entity selection, operating agreements, founder equity, early-stage financing
Client Experiences

What Clients Say

Client
Daniel P.
Business Formation · West Loop Startup Founder
★★★★★
"I came in with a napkin sketch of a business idea and walked out with a properly structured LLC, operating agreement, and an IP assignment strategy. They treated a small deal like it mattered, because to me it did."
Client
Laura V.
Business Sale · Chicago Manufacturing Owner
★★★★★
"Sold my manufacturing business after 22 years. Much Shelist's M&A team found two issues in the buyer's letter of intent that would have cost me over $400,000 at closing. Worth ten times what they charged."
Client
Marcus T.
Commercial Contract · Tech Company CEO
★★★★★
"They drafted our master services agreement and three SaaS contracts in under two weeks. The documents were bulletproof. Every enterprise client we've sent them to has signed without significant pushback."
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FAQ

Common Questions About This Firm

Can Much Shelist help me form a single-member LLC?
Yes. The firm assists clients at every stage from sole proprietors establishing their first LLC to complex multi-entity structures. For straightforward formations, they can often provide flat-fee options that make the cost predictable from the start.
What industries does the firm focus on?
Much Shelist has particular depth in healthcare, manufacturing, distribution, technology, financial services, and franchising — reflecting Chicago's broader economic fabric. That said, the firm serves clients across virtually all industries for general business law needs.
How is Much Shelist different from a larger Chicago firm?
You get partner-level attention on your matter rather than being handed to associates. The firm is big enough to handle sophisticated transactions but small enough that the partner you meet with is the partner who does your work. Rates are also meaningfully lower than comparable Big Law alternatives.
Does the firm handle employment matters for small business owners?
Yes. Employment counseling for employers — including handbook drafting, noncompete agreements, wage and hour compliance, and defense of EEOC complaints — is a core practice area. The firm advises both growing companies and established employers.
Is there a free initial consultation?
Yes. Much Shelist offers an initial consultation at no charge for most business matters. Contact the firm to schedule. Come prepared with a brief description of your situation and any key documents.

Quick Facts

Founded1970
Firm SizeMid · 100+ attorneys
Fee StructureHourly + flat fee
Partner Rates$350–$600/hr
Free ConsultationYes
LanguagesEnglish, Spanish
Virtual AvailableYes
Super Lawyers40+ honorees
Free Consultation

Office

Chicago (HQ): 191 North Wacker Drive, Suite 1800, Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 521-2000

Recognition

  • ✓ Chambers USA — Corporate/M&A
  • ✓ U.S. News Best Law Firms
  • ✓ The Legal 500
  • ✓ 40+ Super Lawyers honorees
  • ✓ Crain's Chicago Business Top Firm