Donnelly Law LLC

10/20/2026

What Types Of Business Information Qualify As A Trade Secret Under Illinois Law?

Many things, under the right circumstances, can qualify as a trade secret. Technical data, non-technical data, formulas, recipes, programs, or software could all be considered a trade secret. Unique production or manufacturing methods can also be considered trade secrets. It’s a very broad category.

Learn more here: https://www.donnellylawllc.com/what-qualifies-as-a-trade-secret-under-illinois-law/

10/13/2026

What Is A Business Divorce And When Should Business Owners Consider One?

A business divorce is the legal separation, restructuring, or dissolution of a business that results from a professional or personal breakdown between owners or partners. Much like a personal divorce, a business divorce focuses largely on the separation of ownership stakes, assets, responsibilities, management, etc.

Learn more here: https://www.donnellylawllc.com/planning-a-business-divorce-in-2026-legal-strategies-for-illinois-business-owners/

10/07/2026

Are Oral Agreements Legally Enforceable Under Illinois Contract Law?

In many cases, oral agreements may be legally enforceable, but it depends on the type of agreement. In Illinois, based upon the Statute of Frauds, there are certain kinds of contracts or agreements that have to be in writing. For example, a contract for the sale of goods over $500 must be in writing.
Learn more here: https://www.donnellylawllc.com/oral-agreements-in-illinois-when-a-handshake-deal-becomes-a-lawsuit/

09/29/2026

Why Do Automatic Renewal Clauses Frequently Lead To Business Contract Disputes?

Automatic renewal clauses may be disputed as they are frequently buried within a contract, and a customer may not even realize the clause is there. Legally, these clauses are required to be clear and conspicuous within the agreement. If they are not and violations of the notice of upcoming renewal occur, this could cause legal issues for the party that provided the contract.

Learn more here: https://www.donnellylawllc.com/contract-renewal-clauses-that-create-unexpected-legal-problems-for-business-owners-in-illinois/

09/23/2026

What Types Of Insurance Should I Consider For My New Business?

Every single business owner should have at least a general liability policy. Assuming that you are incorporated or organized as an LLC, the policy should be in the name of the LLC or the corporation.

Beyond the general liability, any additional insurance would be dictated by the nature of your business and the liabilities that you might incur.
Learn more here: https://www.donnellylawllc.com/top-6-things-you-need-to-know-when-youre-starting-a-business/

09/16/2026

Closing Thoughts: Your Initial Consultation - During an initial consultation, a business law attorney will ask you several key questions to gain a deeper understanding of your background and goals. They will want to hear your story. They may ask whether you’ve been dreaming about starting a business for years or whether it’s just a fresh idea you’re eager to develop further and get a sense of what realizing it might entail in the meantime. Understanding your vision helps an attorney in their ability to provide you with tailored legal advice that aligns with your ambitions.

Learn more here: https://www.donnellylawllc.com/closing-thoughts/

09/07/2026

How Do I Prepare For Negotiations With The Other Party?

Preparation is a strategic process that must be discussed thoroughly with your attorney prior to any mediation. In my practice, I always require my clients to meet with me in person a week or more in advance of the mediation to assess the strengths and weaknesses of our position versus the other party’s. In this way, we can have an understanding and a framework for how the negotiations may go and avoid surprises when we get to mediation. Learn more here: https://www.donnellylawllc.com/resolving-contract-disputes-out-of-court/

08/24/2026

Arbitration And Litigation - Litigation is the process of resolving disputes through the formal court system, usually at the state or local level. Arbitration, on the other hand, is where the parties agree in advance, often within a contract, to avoid traditional courts. Instead, they select a single arbitrator or panel of arbitrators to review the dispute privately. While arbitration is sometimes perceived as more affordable than litigation, this isn’t necessarily always the case. Costs can easily pile up, especially if the arbitration award must be converted into a court judgment to be enforceable. In these circumstances, your case would end up requiring the involvement of the court system anyway.

Learn more here: https://www.donnellylawllc.com/business-litigation-101/

08/12/2026

Why Confidentiality Clauses Matter In Vendor Contracts | An Illinois Business Lawyer Shares Insights

Watch here: https://vimeo.com/1066846295

donnellylawllc.com Donnelly Law LLC 1100 Jorie Boulevard, Suite 255 Oak Brook, IL 60523 (630) 274-6196 A confidentiality clause protects sensitive business information from being shared with competitors or the public. Vendors may have access to proprietary business processes or pricing that should r...

08/03/2026

Defining Delivery Deadlines In A Vendor Contract | An Illinois Business Attorney Explains

Watch here: https://vimeo.com/1066846203

donnellylawllc.com Donnelly Law LLC 1100 Jorie Boulevard, Suite 255 Oak Brook, IL 60523 (630) 274-6196 Clearly defined delivery deadlines will include precise delivery schedules and any penalties for later deliveries. The vendor contract should specify delivery schedules, including exact dates and f...