"I structure solutions that align parties' interests to create durable relationships. "
Keith is a senior partner in HMB’s Business and Finance group. He represents larger sized closely-held businesses and their owners in mergers and acquisitions and as outside general counsel.
Keith is well-known as a facilitator for middle-market “deals,” implementing a wide range of tax-advantaged capital structures, shareholder and family-ownership structures and private-equity structures to enhance growth and to provide exit strategies.
Read MoreAs outside general counsel, Keith advises on strategies that help businesses attract and retain key management, minimize risk and maximize opportunities for long-term growth. Keith has also assisted numerous family owned businesses with generational succession planning and creative family dispute resolutions.
A Business Approach to Complex Problems
Keith emphasizes a business approach to the practice of law. Clients value him as a trusted advisor who offers practical solutions to complex issues.
Education
- University of Illinois, J.D.
- University of Illinois, B.S. with high honors
Licenses
- Certified Public Accountant, Illinois
Honors
- Best Lawyers in America, 2024
- Leading Lawyers, 2023
- Board Room Magazine, 2017 Distinguished President of the Year
Professional Memberships
- YPO Gold Chicago, Board of Directors
- GPF Foundation, Board of Directors and Vice President
- Northmoor Education Foundation, Board of Directors
- University of Illinois Gies School of Business, Board of Advisors
Publications
- Additional Illinois and Federal Employment Updates Regarding the Families First and Coronavirus Response Act and Other MattersApril 28, 2020
Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission Updates After initially voting 9-0-1 to approve a new emergency rule that created a rebuttable presumption that the workplace is the cause of an employee contracting COVID-19 to the extent such employee works for an essential business, the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (the “Commission”) met yesterday, April 27, to formally withdraw the rule. The Illinois Manufacturers’…
- U.S. Department of Labor Issues Temporary Regulations to Implement Families First Coronavirus Response Act, New OSHA Poster and Updates Regarding Expanded Illinois Unemployment BenefitsApril 8, 2020
Families First Coronavirus Response Act On April 1, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor (“DOL”) issued temporary regulations (the “Rule”) to implement the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”), providing additional guidance to employers and employees on how to provide and take expanded family and medical leave or paid sick leave (collectively, “Leave”) under the FFCRA. A copy of the…
- Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Department of Labor Provides Additional GuidanceApril 1, 2020
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the “FCCRA”) was signed into law on March 18, 2020. Since then, questions as to scope and applicability have been raised by employers and employees alike. The U.S. Department of Labor has and continues to provide guidance as to how employers and employees should interrupt the FFCRA. A summary of the FCCRA can be…
- Notices Required Under the Families First Coronavirus Response ActMarch 26, 2020
On March 18, 2020, the President signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the “Act”). Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Labor provided sample posters for private and public employers to post prior to April 1, 2020. Here is a link to the DOL poster for private employers. Also, the DOL provided guidance regarding the manner of providing notice to employees…
- Are COVID-19 Losses Covered By Business Interruption Insurance?March 23, 2020
Covid-19 is disrupting businesses, their supply chains and their customers and causing major losses. Governors of Illinois, California, New York and Pennsylvania have issued “stay at home” and similar orders impacting employees and many businesses. Are any of these losses covered by insurance? The answer is maybe. The type of insurance a business carries and the specific insurance policy language are critical to determine…
News
- Attorneys in Action: Keith H. Berk and John R. Wiktor Give Back with Northmoor Education FoundationFebruary 21, 2024
Northmoor Education Foundation awarded $90,000 of college scholarships to 15 outstanding Northmoor employees. The Northmoor Education Foundation (NEF) was founded in 2018 to assist Northmoor Country Club employees, caddies and their children who plan to continue their education in college or vocational school programs. Scholarships are offered each year for full-time or part-time study at accredited institutions of the student’s…
- HMB Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers® in America 2024August 17, 2023
HMB is proud to have 16 attorneys recognized by Best Lawyers in the 2024 editions of The Best Lawyers in America® and the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America. Congratulations to our attorneys!
- Congratulations to HMB Attorneys Named to 2023 Leading LawyersFebruary 21, 2023
Congratulations to Jeralyn H. Baran, Keith H. Berk, Aaron L.Hammer, Jeffrey H. Hechtman, James L. Jerue and Jeffrey A. Zaluda for being named 2023 Leading Lawyers! Only lawyers who are most often recommended by their peers and later approved by the Leading Lawyers Advisory Board are selected.
- HMB Announced as Winner of the 16th Annual Turnaround Awards: Out-of-Court Restructuring Deal of the YearJune 1, 2022
HMB is the recipient of The M&A Advisor Turnaround Award for Out-of-Court Restructuring Deal of the Year. HMB was recognized for its representation of Europa Sports Products, LLC (“Europa”) in its successful sale to Europa Sports Partners, LLC (“ESP”). Congratulations to: Aaron L. Hammer, Keith Berk, Nathan E. Delman, Dan Wen, Casey E. Rivard and Elise Anderson.