Illinois LLC and business formation attorney in Elmhurst
McGregor Dunn Law LLC helps entrepreneurs and small business owners in Elmhurst, DuPage County, Cook County, and throughout Illinois form their businesses correctly and stay in good standing with registered agent service.
- Attorney-prepared documents
- Your formation paperwork and governing documents are prepared and reviewed by a licensed Illinois attorney.
- Clear, up-front pricing
- You receive a fee estimate before any work begins.
- Ongoing support
- One firm for formation, contracts, employment questions, and compliance as you grow.
Formation services
Filing with the Secretary of State is only the first step. We make sure the documents behind your company protect you.
LLC Formation
Preparation and filing of Articles of Organization with the Illinois Secretary of State, including single-member, multi-member, and series LLCs.
Corporation Formation
Articles of Incorporation, bylaws, initial board resolutions, and share issuance for businesses that need a corporate structure.
Operating Agreements & Bylaws
Custom governing documents covering ownership, management, voting, profit distribution, and what happens when an owner leaves.
Buy-Sell & Partner Agreements
Clear terms among co-owners for buyouts, deadlock, death, disability, and transfer of ownership interests.
EIN & Startup Setup
Obtaining a federal Employer Identification Number and an organized checklist for banking, licensing, and initial filings.
Assumed Names (DBA)
Registering a trade name so your business can operate under a name other than its legal entity name.
Registered Agent Service
The firm serves as your Illinois registered agent, receiving lawsuits and official state notices on your behalf.
Annual Compliance
Reminders and assistance with annual reports, amendments, and changes so your company stays in good standing.
Which entity is right for you?
The right choice depends on liability exposure, ownership, taxes, and long-term plans. Here is a general overview; we will walk through your specific situation before you file.
| Structure | Liability Protection | Taxation (General) | Often a Fit For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sole Proprietorship | None. The owner is personally responsible for business debts. | Reported on the owner's personal return. | Very low-risk side work being tested. |
| LLC | Generally shields owners' personal assets. | Flexible. Taxed as a sole proprietorship or partnership by default, or may elect corporate treatment. | Most small businesses, real estate holdings, and professional services. |
| S Corporation Election | Same as the underlying LLC or corporation. | Pass-through taxation with potential payroll tax planning opportunities. | Profitable businesses with owners on payroll. |
| C Corporation | Generally shields shareholders' personal assets. | Taxed at the entity level; dividends taxed again to shareholders. | Businesses seeking outside investors or planning to issue stock. |
Tax consequences vary. We coordinate with your accountant or tax professional on elections and tax planning.
Registered agent services
Every Illinois LLC and corporation must maintain a registered agent with a physical address in Illinois. The registered agent receives service of process, meaning lawsuits and legal papers, along with official correspondence from the state.
Many owners list themselves or their home address. That puts your residence on the public record and means a missed delivery can turn into a default judgment. Using your attorney as registered agent puts those papers directly in the hands of someone who knows what to do with them.
- PrivacyKeep your home address off public state filings.
- Prompt notificationYou are notified promptly when documents are received for your business.
- Legal review on arrivalIf you are served with a lawsuit, an attorney already has it and can advise you on deadlines and next steps.
- Compliance remindersHelp staying ahead of annual report deadlines to avoid penalties or administrative dissolution.
- Easy switchAlready formed? We can file the change of registered agent for an existing Illinois company.
Our process
Most formations are handled without an office visit.
Consultation
We discuss your business, ownership, and goals, and recommend a structure.
Fee Estimate
You receive a written fee estimate and engagement letter so the cost is clear before we start.
Drafting & Filing
We prepare your documents, review them with you, and file with the State of Illinois.
Delivery
You receive your filed documents, governing agreements, and a checklist for next steps.
Frequently asked questions
Can't I just form an LLC online myself?
You can, and the state filing itself is simple. The risk is in what online services leave out: a generic or missing operating agreement, no plan for disputes between owners, and no guidance on taxes or personal liability. Those gaps usually surface at the worst possible time.
Do I really need an operating agreement for a single-member LLC?
Illinois does not require you to file one, but a written operating agreement helps show that the business is separate from you personally, which supports your liability protection. Banks and lenders also frequently ask for one.
How long does it take to form a business in Illinois?
Timing depends on the Secretary of State's processing at the time of filing and how quickly we finalize your documents together. We will give you a realistic estimate during your consultation.
What does a registered agent do?
A registered agent is the official contact for your company. It accepts lawsuits, subpoenas, and state notices on the company's behalf and must be available at an Illinois address during normal business hours.
Can you help with a business I already formed?
Yes. We regularly review existing companies, draft missing operating agreements or bylaws, add or remove owners, file amendments, and take over registered agent service.
Do you work with businesses outside the Chicago area?
Yes. We are based in Elmhurst and assist businesses throughout Illinois. Most formation work can be handled by phone, video, and email.