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Chicago Business Attorney

As a Chicago business attorney, James works hand-in-hand with clients to understand the unique needs, goals, pain-points, and dreams of their businesses, many of whom have been loyal clients for his entire career.  He represents and advises entrepreneurs, business start-ups, closely held and family owned businesses, multi-national companies, and non-profit associations spanning dozens of industries.

James has structured, negotiated, drafted or otherwise handled thousands of business transactions. Examples include matters ranging from customer and vendor contracts, employment and contractor agreements, and intellectual property protection to regulatory compliance audits and certification, national and international market expansion, and private equity financing.

As a business attorney, he practices in areas such as new business formation and reorganization, contract drafting and negotiation, business purchases and sales, business succession planning, business funding solutions, defending employers before the IDES, construction law, healthcare, trucking and brokering, merchant services/credit card processing, arbitration, and hundreds of other legal matters.

312-789-5676

Chicago Corporate Attorney

James is an experienced Chicago business attorney, serial entrepreneur and frequent lecturer on various corporate law issues. James understands that no two businesses are alike and that success in business requires a deep understanding of the business industries and clients in which he serves as legal counsel.
312-789-5676

Personal Profile

James Stark, Esq
James Stark, EsqOf Counsel
“Business is about people, relationships, and problem solving. Setting a strong foundation is key. The more we invest in cultivating solid relationships, the greater the short and long run returns will be. I enjoy working with clients that want to teach me about and help me understand their business needs and goals, so both the client and I can continue to grow during the process. One of the biggest differentiators between an average business and a market leader is that the best companies actively and preemptively use the law as a tool for business protection and growth. As an entrepreneur, this is why I became an attorney.”

My History

Before joining this firm, he was one of the original members of and Chief Legal Officer for C&H Financial Services, Inc. During his tenure with C&H, James structured, negotiated, drafted or otherwise handled thousands of matters for the company. Under his leadership and guidance, the company grew from $0 net income in 2013 to a multinational firm processing over $1.2 billion annually in 2016 – ranked the 21st fastest growing company in the U.S. and #1 overall in Illinois (according to IncMagazine 500/5000 – 2016).  As of 2018, C&H is now one of the biggest U.S. players in e-commerce, credit card processing, and merchant cash advance.  He carries with him a wealth of knowledge and experience from his former success at C&H, and to this day continues to act as outside general counsel for numerous clients.

Prior to his legal career, he was an active carpenter, founded and executive director of a 501(c)(3) non-profit that provided free education and mentoring services to economically disadvantaged children in the Chicago area, and founded numerous startup businesses, ranging from construction to a couture fashion brand.  Aside from his professional activities, he enjoys spending time with his family, fishing, hockey, coaching football, and rooting for the Cubs, Bears, and Blackhawks.

  • Saint Xavier University (BBA. – Management & Marketing, Summa Cum Laude)
  • DePaul University Kellstadt Graduate School of Business (MBA – Entrepreneurship, Highest Honors)
  • DePaul University School of Law (J.D. – Summa Cum Laude, Order of the Coif)
  • Illinois Supreme Court
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
  • New York Supreme Court
  • Illinois
  • New York
  • Washington DC