Balough Law Offices LLC

In the dynamic and often complex world of business, legal guidance isn't just a luxury; it's a necessity for growth, protection, and success. For entrepreneurs, startups, and established small to medium-sized businesses across Illinois, navigating legal requirements, protecting intellectual property, and ensuring smooth operations can be challenging. This is where a dedicated and highly experienced legal partner like Balough Law Offices LLC in Chicago truly makes a difference.

Balough Law Offices LLC, led by the experienced team of Richard C. Balough and Cheryl Dancey Balough, has built an outstanding reputation for providing top-tier legal services tailored to the unique needs of businesses. With a deep focus on intellectual property, internet/cyberspace law, and serving as outside general counsel for numerous companies, they offer comprehensive support from formation to ongoing operations. Clients consistently praise their thoroughness, attention to detail, and genuine care, regardless of the size of the company. As one satisfied client stated, "They truly care for their client’s needs with no regard for how big or small of a company they are working with and they went above and beyond my expectations." This commitment to client success and a proactive approach to legal challenges make Balough Law Offices LLC an invaluable resource for any Illinois business owner seeking reliable legal counsel.

Location and Accessibility

Balough Law Offices LLC is strategically located in the vibrant heart of downtown Chicago, offering exceptional accessibility for businesses and individuals throughout Illinois. The firm's address is 20 N Clark St Ste 3300, Chicago, IL 60602, USA. This prime location in the Loop places it within easy reach of various transportation options, making it convenient for clients commuting from across the city and surrounding suburbs.

The 20 N Clark Street building is a well-known commercial address in Chicago's central business district, easily identifiable and professionally situated. For those relying on public transportation, the office is within close proximity to numerous CTA 'L' train lines (including stations like Clark/Lake, Washington/Wells, and Lake) and multiple bus routes, providing seamless access. While downtown Chicago parking can sometimes require advance planning, the central location ensures connectivity to major expressways for clients traveling by car. This commitment to a highly accessible location underscores Balough Law Offices LLC's dedication to serving the diverse needs of Illinois businesses and individuals efficiently and conveniently.

Services Offered

Balough Law Offices LLC provides specialized legal services primarily focused on the needs of small to medium-sized businesses, startups, and established companies. Their expertise centers on protecting intellectual property, guiding business formation and operations, and navigating the complexities of internet and technology law. Key services include:

• Counseling Businesses / Outside General Counsel: Serving as external general counsel for closely-held companies and startups, offering ongoing legal advice, answering questions, and addressing various contractual and legal issues cost-effectively.
• Starting a Business / Business Formation: Guiding new entrepreneurs through the entire business formation process, helping them determine the appropriate legal entity (e.g., LLC, corporation) and make vital initial decisions to set up for long-term success.
• Intellectual Property Protection: Assisting businesses in protecting their valuable intellectual property assets. This includes:
  • Trademark and Copyright Evaluation & Registration: Registering trademarks and copyrights to secure brand names, logos, creative works, and other proprietary materials.
  • Licensing Agreements: Drafting and negotiating agreements for the licensing of intellectual property, enabling businesses to monetize their creations.
  • Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) and Trade Secret Protection: Implementing strategies and preparing documents to safeguard confidential information and trade secrets.
• Internet / Cyberspace Law: Advising on the constantly evolving laws and regulations related to the internet and cyberspace, including issues concerning privacy, e-commerce, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
• Document Review and Editing: Thoroughly reviewing and editing legal documents on behalf of clients, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and protection of interests.
• Contract Negotiation and Preparation: Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating various types of contracts essential for business operations, including vendor agreements, client contracts, and partnership agreements.
• Legal Counseling: Providing strategic legal advice on a wide range of business matters, helping clients address current challenges and plan for future growth and risk mitigation.

Features / Highlights

Balough Law Offices LLC stands out due to its specialized expertise, client-focused approach, and the impressive backgrounds of its principals, Richard C. Balough and Cheryl Dancey Balough:

• Deep Industry Knowledge: Both Richard and Cheryl Balough possess unique backgrounds that enhance their legal practice. Richard's master's degrees in intellectual property law and information technology/privacy law, coupled with his journalism background, allow him to distill complex technical issues into understandable legal solutions. Cheryl's MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management and 20 years as a marketing executive provide practical insight into business challenges.
• Expertise in Emerging Technologies: The firm is at the forefront of legal issues concerning the internet, cyberspace, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the Internet of Things, making them highly relevant for modern businesses. Richard Balough is a frequent lecturer and author on these topics.
• Client-Centric Philosophy: As highlighted in client reviews, the firm truly "cares for their client’s needs with no regard for how big or small of a company they are working with." They are praised for their "attention to detail, communication, and timeliness."
• Thorough and Meticulous Work: Clients emphasize that the firm is "thorough and do not take any shortcuts when reviewing things on your behalf," providing confidence in the quality of their legal counsel.
• Accessibility and Responsiveness: Richard and Cheryl are noted for being "efficient and always available if I am in need of advice or assistance," fostering long-term client relationships, some spanning over 15 years.
• Educational Approach: Cheryl Dancey Balough's passion for teaching extends to her client interactions, where she endeavors to not only solve legal issues but also provide guidance to help businesses succeed. She is an adjunct professor at Chicago-Kent College of Law and a guest lecturer at The Hatchery Chicago.
• Proactive Protection: The firm helps clients proactively protect valuable intellectual property, positioning businesses for long-term success through strategic licensing, copyrights, trademarks, and non-disclosure agreements.

Promotions or Special Offers

For specialized business and intellectual property law firms like Balough Law Offices LLC, traditional "promotions" or "discounts" are generally not offered. However, the firm's true value proposition and ongoing "special offer" lies in its commitment to delivering cost-effective and efficient legal services. As noted by clients, they are "a cut above the rest" with their attention to detail and timeliness, which ultimately translates to efficient use of client resources. The firm's willingness to serve as outside general counsel for small and closely-held companies in a "cost-effective manner" is a significant benefit for local businesses. Prospective clients in Illinois are encouraged to reach out to Balough Law Offices LLC for a consultation to discuss their specific legal needs. This initial discussion allows them to understand the firm’s tailored approach and how their expertise can provide a clear return on investment by protecting assets, facilitating growth, and mitigating legal risks.

Contact Information

For businesses and individuals in Illinois seeking expert legal guidance in business law, intellectual property, and internet law, you can contact Balough Law Offices LLC using the following information:

Address: 20 N Clark St Ste 3300, Chicago, IL 60602, USA

Phone: (312) 499-0000

Mobile Phone: +1 312-499-0000 (This number typically serves as a direct line to the main office or a primary contact)

Website: www.balough.com (for more detailed information on their services and attorney profiles)

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For entrepreneurs, startups, and established small to medium-sized businesses across Illinois, Balough Law Offices LLC in Chicago is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended legal partner. What makes them particularly well-suited for locals is their profound understanding of business needs, coupled with a rare specialization in intellectual property and internet/cyberspace law – areas critical for modern enterprises. Richard and Cheryl Balough bring not just legal expertise, but also practical business insight and a deep commitment to their clients' success, regardless of company size.

Client testimonials consistently highlight their thoroughness, prompt communication, and genuine care, proving that they go "above and beyond expectations." This level of personalized service, combined with their ability to distil complex legal issues into understandable advice, is invaluable for Illinois business owners who often wear many hats. Their convenient downtown Chicago location offers easy accessibility, ensuring that expert legal counsel is always within reach. In a legal landscape where precision and foresight are paramount, Balough Law Offices LLC provides the trusted, efficient, and forward-thinking legal partnership that Illinois businesses need to protect their innovations, grow their operations, and navigate the digital age with confidence.