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Steven “Steve” Blumenthal is an adept business lawyer, who guides clients through all the legal complications of buying, running, and selling businesses.

Steve listens closely to his clients to develop strategies to make the impossible possible. In doing so, he draws on both a deep familiarity of multiple disciplines of business law and a keen understanding of his clients’ needs. Steve’s experience in this field has earned him the designation of Leading Lawyer by the Leading Lawyers Network for excellence in Real Estate, Commercial Real Estate, and Financial Transactions.

Education

J.D., Washington University School of Law, St. Louis, Missouri
B.A., University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin

Recognitions

Rated “AV” by Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings, reserved for attorneys reaching the highest degree of professional excellence and recognition for skill and integrity

Named a Leading Lawyer in Chicago by Leading Lawyers℠ (2023- 2024)

Memberships

American Bar Association

Illinois State Bar Association

Chicago Bar Association

State Bar Licenses

Illinois

Real Estate & Business Acquisition and Financing

Steve represents both owners, operators, developers and lenders in transactions of all types and sizes. He structures and negotiates numerous real estate and business acquisitions from initial contract through to closing. Steve puts together developments, joint ventures, dispositions, and financing transactions. Recent examples include guiding the acquisition of a company which manufactures various home improvement and infrastructure products, a distribution company and a commercial production company, and in certain of these cases, included negotiating the senior loan, mezzanine financing and inter-creditor agreements.

Steve advises owners and developers on all aspects of commercial real estate and development.  As part of this practice, Steve works with both lessors and lessees in drafting provisions of and negotiating commercial, industrial and office leases. Recently, after helping an investment group to acquire property for a mixed-use business park, he represented the group through all the challenges of developing, navigating the entitlement process, negotiating leases with multiple parties and ultimately selling the portfolio of buildings in the park.

Steve also structures and negotiates real estate and commercial loan documents, loan modification and workout agreements for real estate loans, loan portfolios, and operating business for both borrowers and lenders.

Business Disputes

When disputes arise among business partners, Steve works with his clients to navigate conflicts and find a beneficial resolution. Should litigation occur, Steve works closely with the litigation team to develop plans and strategies that protect clients’ business interests. He also serves as an independent expert witness in numerous lawsuits around the country.

Other Matters

  • Steve represents multiple artists and entertainers in contract negotiation and licensing agreements.
  • Steve works closely with estate planning professionals in drafting and administering trusts to protect the legacy of private clients.
  • In addition to legal experience, Steve has been involved in managing several operating companies. He is currently a managing member of an investment company which owns interests in a multi-parcel mixed use real estate portfolio.