Results-oriented | Practical | Responsive
I advocate relentlessly for my clients, accompanying them through every twist and turn of their business journey. From startup ventures to established companies, my mission is to navigate the intricate realm of business contracts, leases, non-competes, and the vital protection of trade secrets. As my clients grow and thrive, our partnership only strengthens.
Every business, whether in its infancy or enjoying sustained success, confronts its own unique challenges. I’ve dedicated my practice to guiding clients through all phases of their business maturity, including startup, growth, financing, and even mergers & acquisitions. My expertise ensures a clear path through complex business contracts, leases, and more, ensuring that your enterprise is fortified at every stage.
More than just offering legal advice, I make it my mission to partner with my clients. Understanding your goals and aspirations is paramount. Whether it’s helping a budding startup determine the right corporate structure, crafting pivotal operational documents, or establishing robust employment policies, my approach is always tailor-made. I immerse myself in understanding your business, preempting potential legal roadblocks, and mitigating risks before they become daunting hurdles.
To me, the practice of law isn’t just a profession – it’s a partnership. As a result, every case is a testament to the relationships I forge and the trust I earn. My passion stems from a genuine desire to see businesses thrive, and I’ve dedicated my career to ensuring that they do. What sets me apart? A relentless drive, a meticulous approach, and an unwavering commitment to my clients.
Growing up, I had the unique experience of moving frequently, which gave me the opportunity to live in various parts of the United States. From Long Island, NY, to Dallas, TX, and Charleston, SC, my journey eventually brought me to the Chicago area, where I completed high school. At the same time, my father’s career in business, where he rose to the position of President and CEO, had a profound influence on me. His dedication and drive left a lasting impression, while my mother’s incredible ability to manage our home and keep up with me and my three brothers shaped my perspective on hard work and perseverance.
During my freshman year of high school, I interned with a solo attorney who practiced criminal, family, and some business law. Looking back, this experience was great because it exposed me to the inner workings of a law office and the impact it can have on its clients. Later, I interned at my father’s company, learning more about the practical side of business. After graduating from high school, I attended Loyola University Chicago, followed by Chicago Kent College of Law. While my interest in law initially grew out of the popular legal TV shows of my youth, such as L.A. Law and Matlock, it truly blossomed during my time at these fine institutions.
During law school, I had an incredible opportunity to work as a law clerk at one of Chicago’s most well-known and prestigious personal injury law firms. During this time, I was fortunate to experience everything from the daily grunt work of personal injury law all the way up to trial practice and everything in between. For two years in law school, I worked side by side with some of the best personal injury lawyers in the United States. I would not trade that experience for anything. By the time I graduated from law school, I wasn’t yet set yet on one specific legal path. After graduating law school, I landed my first associate position at a boutique firm that focused on both business law and litigation. This hands-on experience helped solidify my decision to eventually pursue business law, combining my legal interests with my appreciation for the business world that had been cultivated throughout most of my life.
There were about 15 lawyers at the boutique firm where I first started out. They were split between business transactions and litigation—a pretty common practice in Chicago. Starting out, I was fortunate to learn from some incredibly talented attorneys who encouraged a certain degree of independence. This environment allowed me to handle my own cases, even when it meant learning through my own mistakes. I initially focused on litigation, but over time, I worked more closely with the transactional side, realizing that many disputes could be prevented with sound work upfront. This blending of perspectives taught me the true importance of a comprehensive approach to client issues.
As I progressed, I became increasingly aware of the challenges within traditional law firms, where differing work styles, priorities, and areas of focus could complicate things. As I got older and started my own family, I began to think more seriously about the kind of work environment I wanted and realized my real desire: I ultimately wanted to build my own practice.
Are you ready for a legal ally who truly understands your business and anticipates your needs? Reach out to Donnelly Law LLC at (630) 608-2124. Let’s craft a brighter, more secure future for your enterprise together.
