Where Restaurant Row meets tech startups. Protecting entrepreneurs, founders, and creatives through Chicago's most complex divorces.
From Alinea Group concepts to single-location gems, we value and divide hospitality businesses fairly. Liquor licenses, lease terms, and brand value all factor in.
1871 alumni, tech founders, and VC-backed entrepreneurs need attorneys who understand cap tables, vesting cliffs, and pre-money valuations.
West Loop condos and converted lofts represent significant marital assets. We handle complex property divisions in Chicago's hottest real estate market.
Restaurant Row, Google offices
Historic dining, UIC proximity
Loft conversions, galleries
United Center, medical district
47-point checklist for restaurant owners and tech founders: business valuation documentation, partnership agreements, equity compensation tracking, and Fulton Market property considerations.
Download Free ChecklistFulton Market has transformed from meatpacking district to Chicago's culinary epicenter. From Randolph Street's Restaurant Row to Halsted's emerging concepts, West Loop divorces often involve complex hospitality business valuations that general practitioners miss entirely.
Chicago licenses have standalone value—often $50K-$400K depending on type and location
Below-market leases add significant value; expiring leases reduce it dramatically
Michelin stars, James Beard nominations, and press coverage create quantifiable value
Executive chefs and GMs with followings affect both value and continuity
Restaurants historically involve cash transactions, creating discovery challenges. We work with forensic accountants who specialize in hospitality to:
The Fulton Market Google office employs thousands. We handle RSU vesting schedules, stock option exercises, and ESPP participation regularly. Google's compensation structure is complex but well-documented.
Chicago's startup ecosystem means pre-revenue companies with speculative equity. We value founder shares, navigate investor rights, and handle SAFEs and convertible notes as marital property.
Liquidation preferences, anti-dilution provisions, and board control affect true equity value. We analyze cap tables and investor documents to determine actual founder stake value.
Stock options granted during marriage are marital property, even if they vest after divorce. Illinois uses the "coverture fraction" to determine the marital portion:
West Loop condos and lofts have seen explosive appreciation. What you paid in 2015 may be worth 3x today. But high values create high stakes in divorce:
Former industrial buildings have unique HOA considerations, assessment risks, and resale challenges
Valuation timing matters—use current values, not purchase price, for equitable division
Deeded parking in West Loop buildings can add $40,000-$75,000 to unit value
Many buildings limit rentals—affects buyout options if one spouse wants to keep the unit
We've handled divorces in many West Loop developments:
Each building has unique HOA financials, assessment history, and resale patterns we analyze for proper valuation.
West Loop's success has spawned restaurant empires—operators with 3, 5, or 10+ concepts across Chicago. Divorcing a restaurant group owner involves:
Equipment, fixtures, inventory, licenses. Floor for profitable operations.
Typically 2-4x adjusted EBITDA for profitable restaurants.
Recent restaurant sales in similar markets and concepts.
Comprehensive guides and checklists specifically designed for your neighborhood's unique divorce considerations.
In-depth legal guide covering property division, asset protection, and strategic considerations specific to West Loop.
Read the Full GuidePrintable checklist to track your divorce preparation progress. Covers documents, assets, and timeline considerations.
Get Your Free ChecklistWest Loop entrepreneurs deserve an attorney who speaks their language. Let's discuss your situation confidentially.