Chad J. Richter

For businesses across Wisconsin, from dynamic startups to long-established enterprises, navigating the complex landscape of corporate law, transactions, and daily operational legalities is a constant challenge. Having an experienced and pragmatic legal advisor is not just an advantage; it’s a necessity for sustainable growth and mitigating risks. In Milwaukee, one of the respected names in business law is Chad J. Richter, a shareholder at O'Neil, Cannon, Hollman, DeJong & Laing S.C.

Chad J. Richter is known for his dedication to working with privately held businesses and their owners, offering comprehensive legal guidance on a wide array of issues they encounter. His practice isn't just about providing legal answers; it's about developing an intimate understanding of his clients' operations to ensure their continued success. This client-centric approach, combined with his extensive experience in areas like mergers and acquisitions, franchise law, and general business structuring, makes him a valuable asset to the Wisconsin business community.

Businesses often face critical junctures, such as significant growth, ownership transitions, or disputes with partners, vendors, or even employees. In these moments, sound legal advice can mean the difference between a smooth transition and a costly setback. Chad J. Richter prides himself on delivering efficient, practical legal advice, focusing on finding solutions that allow deals to get done while protecting his clients' interests. His ability to foster long-lasting relationships speaks volumes about the trust and confidence his clients place in him, making him a go-to attorney for recurring legal needs and strategic counsel.

Chad J. Richter practices at O'Neil, Cannon, Hollman, DeJong & Laing S.C., located at 111 E Wisconsin Ave #1400, Milwaukee, WI 53202, USA. This address places the firm in a prime, highly accessible location within downtown Milwaukee, making it convenient for businesses and individuals throughout Wisconsin to reach.

The building at 111 East Wisconsin Avenue is a prominent feature of the Milwaukee skyline, ensuring easy identification for visitors. Its central downtown position means it is well-served by Milwaukee's public transportation system, with numerous bus routes passing through the area. For those traveling by car, ample parking options, including nearby parking garages, are available. The firm also offers parking validation for visitors to their 14th-floor offices, a thoughtful amenity that further enhances accessibility and convenience. Being situated in Milwaukee's central business district also means the office is surrounded by other professional services, making it a convenient hub for all business-related needs. This strategic location underscores the firm's commitment to serving the diverse needs of the Wisconsin business community with ease and professionalism.

Chad J. Richter's practice is deeply embedded in business law, catering primarily to privately held companies and their owners. He offers comprehensive legal solutions for various stages of a business's lifecycle, focusing on both transactional matters and dispute resolution.

• Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A): Guiding businesses through the complex processes of buying or selling companies, including due diligence, negotiation, drafting agreements, and ensuring smooth transitions for deals ranging from $100,000 to $22 million.
• General Business Organization and Structuring: Advising on the formation of new businesses, choosing the appropriate legal structure (e.g., LLCs, corporations, partnerships), and handling ongoing corporate governance matters.
• Commercial Contract Negotiation and Drafting: Assisting with the creation, review, and negotiation of a wide variety of commercial agreements, including those with customers, vendors, suppliers, and employees.
• Franchise and Dealership Legal Matters: Providing specialized counsel to businesses involved in dealership/distribution and franchise models, covering unique contractual issues, regulatory compliance, and dispute resolution. He has extensive experience with over 350 different models.
• Real Estate Matters for Businesses: Handling commercial real estate transactions and disputes that impact business operations.
• Litigation and Dispute Resolution: Representing businesses and franchises in various legal disputes, aiming for practical and efficient resolutions.
• Shareholder Transitions and Disputes: Assisting with the legal aspects of changes in business ownership and resolving disagreements among shareholders.
• Corporate Counsel Services: Acting as an ongoing legal resource for businesses, providing day-to-day advice on operational legal issues.

• Highly Rated Attorney: Chad J. Richter has received numerous accolades, including a Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Rating™ of AV Preeminent (the highest possible rating for legal ability and ethical standards).
• Consistent Recognition: He has been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® for Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) from 2019–2021, and recognized as a Wisconsin Super Lawyer (2014–2025) and a Wisconsin Super Lawyers Rising Star (2008–2013).
• Specialized Expertise in M&A: With significant experience in mergers and acquisitions, he has served as lead counsel on numerous local and regionally based business transactions, handling deals up to $22 million.
• Deep Franchise and Dealership Knowledge: Possesses an area of concentration in assisting corporate clients involved in dealership/distribution and franchise models, having worked with well over 350 different models across the U.S. and internationally.
• Client-Focused and Practical Advice: Clients and peers laud him for providing efficient, practical legal advice and developing long-lasting relationships by striving to gain an intimate knowledge of their businesses.
• Strong Educational Background: Graduated cum laude from Marquette University Law School and Marquette University (B.S. – Business Economics and Philosophy).
• Active Professional Affiliations: A member of the Wisconsin Bar Association, American Bar Association (Forum on Franchising), and a past president and board member of Midwest Business Brokers & Intermediaries.
• Community Involvement: Serves on the Board Member and Chair for the Oak Creek Public Library Foundation.

As a shareholder at a respected law firm specializing in business and corporate law, Chad J. Richter and O'Neil, Cannon, Hollman, DeJong & Laing S.C. do not typically offer "promotions" or "special offers" in the consumer retail sense. Legal services, particularly in complex areas like mergers and acquisitions, corporate structuring, and franchise law, are highly customized to the unique needs and scale of each business client.

However, for Wisconsin businesses considering legal counsel, reaching out to Chad J. Richter's office for an initial consultation is the best way to understand how his services align with your specific needs. During such a consultation, prospective clients can discuss their business goals, legal challenges, and receive a clear overview of the firm's approach, fee structures, and how they tailor their legal strategies. This direct, personalized engagement is often the most valuable "offer" a professional legal service can provide, ensuring transparency and alignment of expectations from the outset. Their commitment to building long-lasting relationships means they focus on long-term value over short-term inducements.

For businesses in Wisconsin seeking expert legal counsel in business law, mergers and acquisitions, or franchise and dealership matters, Chad J. Richter can be reached through his firm, O'Neil, Cannon, Hollman, DeJong & Laing S.C.

Address: 111 E Wisconsin Ave #1400, Milwaukee, WI 53202, USA

Phone: (414) 276-5000

Mobile Phone: +1 414-276-5000 (This number typically routes to the main office, providing comprehensive access to the firm's team)

The firm's website (wilaw.com) offers additional resources, attorney profiles, and contact forms, allowing for convenient communication and scheduling of consultations. Reaching out directly by phone is often the quickest way to connect with the firm and discuss your specific business legal needs.

For businesses and entrepreneurs across Wisconsin, securing astute legal counsel is paramount to navigating today’s complex economic environment. Chad J. Richter, a shareholder at O'Neil, Cannon, Hollman, DeJong & Laing S.C., offers precisely the kind of sophisticated, practical, and relationship-driven legal services that locals in the Milwaukee area and beyond genuinely need. His central location in downtown Milwaukee makes his firm easily accessible, whether you're coming from a local business district or a more distant part of the state.

What truly makes Chad J. Richter suitable for Wisconsin locals is his deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities faced by privately held businesses. His extensive experience in critical areas like mergers and acquisitions and specialized knowledge in franchise and dealership law mean that local businesses receive not just legal advice, but strategic partnership. He is known for actively working to understand the nuances of each client's business, a commitment that translates into more effective and efficient legal solutions.

The high regard in which he is held by peers and clients, as evidenced by his Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rating and consistent inclusion in Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers, underscores his professional excellence and ethical standards. For any Wisconsin business contemplating growth, facing a transaction, or simply needing reliable day-to-day legal support, Chad J. Richter provides the expert guidance and personalized attention essential for navigating the legal landscape and ensuring continued success. Choosing him means choosing a dedicated advocate who is deeply invested in the prosperity of Wisconsin's local economy.