Keith H. Berk

Direct: 312-606-3205 |  Email:  | vCard

Professional Bio

KEITH H. BERK devotes his practice to serving middle-market businesses, oftentimes acting as part-time general counsel.  Keith emphasizes a business approach to the practice of law focusing on growth strategies, plans to attract and retain key management, designing organizational structures that minimize risk and allow flexibility for growth and serving as an ongoing resource to assist clients in making legal decisions that maximize the opportunity for long-term success. 

Keith is a well-known facilitator of middle-market "deals," having counseled clients on mergers and acquisitions for more than 20 years.  He has successfully implemented a wide range of tax-advantaged capital structures, shareholder and family-ownership structures, and private-equity and venture-capital structures to enhance growth and to provide exit strategies. 

Keith has significant experience with offshore manufacturing, particularly with China, India and Mexico and with U.S. distribution to big-box retailers as well as numerous specialty retailers.

His skills enable him to apply innovative, practical business solutions in a cost-efficient manner to a wide range of legal issues encountered by the middle-market business and in many cases the entrepreneurial owner.

Keith has served as the legal representative to the Illinois CPA Board of Examiners for six years and is a former chairman of the Chicago Bar Association's Corporate Law Committee.  Keith has been a frequent speaker at corporate seminars sponsored by the Chicago Bar Association and by the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education and has written several articles, including "Transitioning the Ownership of Closely Held Businesses Through Leveraged ESOPs," "The Competitive Edge: Creating Alternative Incentive Compensation Plans for Privately Held Entities," "Fiduciary Duties of Shareholders of A Closely Held Corporation," "The Legal Aspects of Acquiring an Automotive or Truck Division" and "Motor Vehicle Manufacturer Licensing."

 

Industries Served

  • Automotive Manufacturing & Dealerships
  • Banking
  • Entrepreneur/Start-Up Companies
  • Financial Services
  • Food/Beverage Services & Hospitality
  • Manufacturing & Distribution
  • Service Companies
  • Shipping & Logistics
  • Specialty Finance
 

Presentations

     

    Cases

      • Bar Admissions
        • Illinois  (1983)
      • Education
        • University of Illinois, J.D., 1983
        • University of Illinois, B.S. with high honors, 1980
      • Licenses
        • Certified Public Accountant, Illinois
      • Peer Review Rating
        • AV Rated

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