Business Law for Founders and Growing Companies

Clear, strategic legal support for entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses who want to build with confidence and clarity.

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SPECIALIZED IN

Entity Information

SPECIALIZED IN

Entity Information

Currently representing 25+ entrepreneurs and small businesses

Illinois Bar 2021

Featured in US Reporter

Featured in US Business News

Featured in The Chicago Journal

Featured in US Insider

Business law, built around the realities of running a company

Christopher R. Martin works with founders, entrepreneurs, and businesses who need practical legal guidance, not unnecessary complexity. After gaining experience across litigation, corporate law, and governance, Chris chose to focus his practice on helping business owners build properly from the start and protect what they are growing.

He understands that entrepreneurs do not need long memos or vague answers. They need clarity, direction, and solutions that move their business forward. His approach is straightforward, responsive, and aligned with how modern companies actually operate.

Whether you are forming a new entity, hiring employees, filing a trademark application, or reviewing a critical contract, the goal is simple: protect your business, reduce risk, and support long-term growth.

0+

years in practice

0+ entrepreneurs and small businesses

have worked with

Business and entrepreneurial law

Focused On

why work with us

Legal guidance that matches where your business is

Whether you are launching your first company or managing a growing team, your legal needs change as you scale. We work with founders and business owners at different stages and provide support that fits the reality of your business.

We service a range of industries, including professional services, technology startups, health and wellness businesses, and other growth focused companies.

If you are just getting started

Starting a company comes with big decisions and real risks. The structure you choose, the contracts you sign, and the protections you put in place early on can shape everything that follows.

we help you:

Form the right entity from the start

Create clear operating agreements and core documents

Protect your brand with proper trademark strategy

Put contracts in place that prevent future disputes

If you are a growing business

As your company expands, legal complexity increases. Hiring employees, negotiating larger contracts, protecting intellectual property, and maintaining compliance all require careful planning.

we help you:

Structure employment agreements and policies properly

Review and negotiate important contracts

Maintain regulatory and digital compliance

Reduce risk as revenue and responsibility grow

Navigate licensing and government filings

why work with us

Core legal services for growing businesses

Your legal needs evolve as your company grows. We provide practical, business focused legal support that adapts with you, from formation to expansion and beyond.

Startups & Entrepreneurial Law

Build your company on the right foundation. Entity formation, LLC structuring, operating agreements, compliance strategy, and essential contracts designed to support long term growth.

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IP, Trademarks & Branding

Protect what you are building. Trademark filings, intellectual property strategy, brand protection, and formalization to secure your business assets.

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Employment & Contract Law

Hire and grow with confidence. Employment agreements, contractor and third-party vendor relationships, contract drafting and review, and compliance support as your team expands.

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Digital Compliance & Web

Stay compliant in a digital world. Terms of service, privacy policies, data compliance, copyright considerations, and required documentation for online businesses.

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services

Legal support, simplified

LLC Entity Formation

Full-service LLC/PLLC formation including consultation, Articles of Organization filing, EIN registration, operating agreement drafting, organizational minutes, and registered agent services.

FROM

$1,250.00

+ Additional Member

FROM

$150.00

ADD ONS:

Startups & Entrepreneurial Law Add-Ons

+ LLC/PLLC Formation with Client Service Agreement

Formation of an IL LLC/PLLC (without trademark add-ons) with a client service agreement add-on

FROM

$2,750.00

+ LLC/PLLC Formation with a Lease Agreement

Formation of an IL LLC/PLLC (without trademark add-ons) with a lease agreement add-on

FROM

$2,750.00

+ LLC/PLLC Formation with Web Compliance

Formation of an IL LLC/PLLC (without trademark add-ons) with a Terms of Use and Privacy Policy add-on

FROM

$2,250.00

IP, Trademark & Branding Add-Ons

+ Knockout Name Search

A preliminary name search and screening of the USPTO database, social media platforms, and internet sources to identify obvious conflicts before pursuing full trademark clearance.

FROM

$250.00

+ Knockout Trademark Logo Search

A preliminary logo search and screening of the USPTO database, social media platforms, and internet sources to identify obvious conflicts before pursuing full trademark clearance.

FROM

$500.00

+ Trademark Name Search with Memorandum

A comprehensive federal and common law trademark investigation, with a written memorandum assessing legal risk, registration likelihood, and recommended next steps.

FROM

$1,500.00

+ Trademark Logo Search with Memorandum

A comprehensive federal and common law trademark investigation, with a written memorandum assessing legal risk, registration likelihood, and recommended next steps.

FROM

$1,500.00

Employment & Contract Law Add-Ons

+ Lease Agreement

A contract governing the terms, conditions, and obligations between a landlord and tenant for the rental and use of a property.

FROM

$1,500.00

+ Client Service Agreement

A contract governing the terms, scope, responsibilities, and expectations between a service provider and their client.

FROM

$1,500.00

+ Independent Contractor Agreement

A contract defining the scope of work, compensation, and obligations between a client and contractor, confirming the contractor's non-employee status.

FROM

$1,500.00

Digital Compliance & Web Add-Ons

+ Privacy Policy & Terms of Service

Legal agreements governing website usage and explaining how user data is collected, stored, and protected.

FROM

$1,500.00

Subscriptions

+ Recurring Contract Reviews

+ Communications & Client Portal Access

+ Board of Director Meetings

+ Scheduled Called (15 Mins p/Month)

Extensive research billed separately

FROM

$100.00 p/Month

Schedule a Consultation

testimonials

Trusted by business owners who take their companies seriously

Monica P.

Small Business Owner

Physical Therapy

“Working with Chris made my life so much easier !! I didn’t have to worry about a thing when registering my PLLC and finalizing my lease. I loved that I was able to trust his attention to detail, thoroughness, and expertise. I recommended him to my husband who is now starting his own business too! 10/10 recommend!!”

5.0

Blair

Business Owner

Practice Owner

“Chris Martin is a highly knowledgeable and trustworthy attorney, and just an overall great guy! I consistently send him business and my clients are happy to work with him.”

5.0

Evelyn R.

Small Business Owner

Retail

“Having my own baking small business has been a goal of mine for a few years now. But fear has always kept me from taking steps until I met Christopher. His knowledge on business formation and all the details I could never bring myself to actually do or even research, he already knew and some. With that reassurance, he made the decision and journey to open my LLC so smooth. I appreciated the support but mostly the patience. I recommend Chris because he knows what he is doing and he keeps you in the loop the entire time and will be as resourceful and practical as needed.”

5.0

Daniel T.

Small Business Owner

Pet Services

“Chris Martin is a highly knowledgeable and trustworthy attorney, and just an overall great guy! I consistently send him business and my clients are happy to work with him.”

5.0

Monica P.

Small Business Owner

Physical Therapy

"Working with Chris made my life so much easier!! I didn't have to worry about a thing when registering my PLLC and finalizing my lease. I loved that I was able to trust his attention to detail, thoroughness, and expertise. I recommended him to my husband who is now starting his own business too! 10/10 recommend!!"

‍

5.0

Blair M.

Practice Owner

Trust and Estates Attorney

"Chris Martin is a highly knowledgeable and trustworthy attorney, and just an overall great guy! I consistently send him business and my clients are happy to work with him."

5.0

Evelyn R.

Small Business Owner

Retail

"Having my own baking small business has been a goal of mine for a few years now. But fear has always kept me from taking steps until I met Christopher. His knowledge on business formation and all the details I could never bring myself to actually do or even research, he already knew and some. With that reassurance, he made the decision and journey to open my LLC so smooth. I appreciated the support but mostly the patience. I recommend Chris because he knows what he is doing and he keeps you in the loop the entire time and will be as resourceful and practical as needed."

‍

5.0

Daniel T.

Small Business Owner

Pet Services

"We contacted Chris when we were in the very first steps of starting an LLC and wanted a consultation with an expert. From the very beginning, Chris was extremely professional, resourceful, and attentive. Chris made the process of starting our LLC easy and extremely smooth. He explained everything in extreme detail (which we highly appreciated) and always made sure we understood what we were signing before hand. He is quite knowledgeable in his field of practice and I couldn't recommend anyone else."

5.0

Megan M.

Small Business Owner

Wealth Management

"I recommend the Law office of Christopher Martin. From the moment I contacted him to the successful conclusion of my case he demonstrated a level of professionalism and expertise that truly set them apart. The Law Office of Christopher R. Martin, LLC is incredibly knowledgeable and willing to do research on your behalf to ensure the best service. Their attention to detail and comprehensive approach left me with complete confidence in his abilities. In addition to adding value through his knowledge set what really impressed me was the level of personalized attention and care that I received.

He took the time to listen attentively to my concerns and objectives. Furthermore, the fees charged were fair and transparent. I was provided a clear and detailed breakdown of options for compensation upfront. No hidden surprises and delivered exceptional value for services provided. I highly recommend them for contractual services!"

5.0

Daniel W.

Wealth Management

"I highly recommend Chris Martin's "IL Single Member LLC Handbook" to both aspiring entrepreneurs and veteran business owners.

For those contemplating starting a business, the guidebook offers a clear roadmap that includes everything from formation and registration to tax considerations and compliance. It simplifies complex legal jargon and allows the individual to feel confident in establishing an LLC. Even for seasoned LLC owners, this guidebook remains a resource as to protecting personal assets and optimizing operations. Overall, the guidebook is a fantastic resource for anyone wishing to navigate the world of limited liability companies."

5.0

Will G.

Wealth Management

"Chris is helpful and professional. Highly recommend him."

‍

5.0

Ramiro R.

Business Supervisor

Delivery Services

"The best guy to go to. 5/5. Totally recommend."

‍

5.0

Dan M.

Small Business Owner

Trailer Rentals

"Great experience working with Chris setting up my LLC!"

5.0

Schedule a consultation

Get clear, practical legal direction for your business

Book a 30 minute consultation to review your situation, identify risks or opportunities, and receive clear next step recommendations tailored to your business.

This session is designed for founders, entrepreneurs, and business owners and operators who want focused legal guidance without unnecessary complexity.

what the consultation includes:

Form the right entity from the start

Draft clear operating agreements and core documents

Protect your brand with proper trademark strategy

Put contracts in place that prevent future disputes

what the consultation includes:

Form the right entity from the start

Draft clear operating agreements and core documents

Protect your brand with proper trademark strategy

Put contracts in place that prevent future disputes

Schedule a Consultation

$100

30 minute strategy session

how it works

1. Submit your email

2. Complete the intake form

3. Pay the consultation fee

4. Select a date and time

Who do you typically work with?

We primarily work with founders, entrepreneurs, and small to mid sized businesses in Illinois. Whether you are forming a new company or managing a growing team, we provide practical legal guidance tailored to your stage.

What happens during the 30 minute consultation?

We review your business situation, identify legal risks or opportunities, and provide clear next step recommendations. The goal is to give you actionable direction, not generic advice.

How quickly can I expect a response?

Responsiveness is a priority. Timeline depends on the scope of your matter, but we aim to communicate clearly and provide updates throughout the process.

Can you help with trademarks and intellectual property?

Yes. We assist with trademark filings, brand protection strategy, and intellectual property considerations to help secure what you are building. We work with national and international businesses

Do you handle employment related legal matters?

Yes. We assist with employment agreements, contractor relationships, compliance questions, and related documentation as your team grows.

Do you only work with startups?

No. While many of our clients are early stage founders, we also support established and growing companies that need ongoing legal guidance, contract review, employment support, and compliance oversight.

Is the consultation fee credited toward future services?

In many cases, the consultation fee can be credited toward a defined project engagement if we move forward within 30 days of your session. Consultation fees are not applicable to ongoing retainer or larger strategic engagements.

Do you offer ongoing legal support?

Yes. We offer subscription based legal support for small businesses that need consistent guidance, contract review, and compliance assistance on a recurring basis. This is not currently available for businesses operating in multiple states or with employees.

Do you draft and review contracts?

Absolutely. We draft, review, and negotiate contracts to ensure your agreements are clear, enforceable, and aligned with your business goals.

What industries do you serve?

We work with a range of industries, including professional services, technology startups, health and wellness businesses, and other growth focused companies.

The Law Office of Christopher R. Martin, LLC

Business Law for Founders and Growing Companies

LOCATION

50 S. Wacker Dr., Ste. 2400, Chicago, IL 60606

phone number

+1 630-450-8683

Contact Us

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