Arnstein & Lehr understands the many hurdles facing corporations and business executives in today’s difficult economy.  Fortunately, we are uniquely positioned to assist you in working through these challenges. 

The current economic environment is affecting most corporations in a broad spectrum of industries.  Corporations demand financial accountability from their law firms and now realize that a high-rate law firm does not make financial sense when revenues are plummeting.  More and more businesses realize the value that mid-market firms such as Arnstein & Lehr offer them. 

With a 116 year history of service to Fortune 500 corporate clients and start-up businesses, we understand the ever changing needs of both. 

Our Commercial Solutions Service Group provides assistance in navigating the increasingly complex legal and financial issues that have emerged in the past few months.  The service group is comprised of attorneys from our offices in both Chicago and Florida, including our:

                                    •  Banks & Financial Institutions Group

                                    •  Bankruptcy & Creditors’ Rights Group

                                    •  Condominium & Community Associations Group

                                    •  Construction Group

                                    •  Litigation Group

                                    •  Real Estate Group

                                    •  Tax Group

“The formation of this group is not an attempt to provide lip service to an emerging business opportunity as we have witnessed law firms do so often in the past,” said Dino Armiros, an Arnstein & Lehr partner and Chicago co-chair of the service group. “Rather, this service group is a reflection of the complex business issues facing companies and financial institutions in today’s economy. Clients increasingly require legal counsel that understands the intersecting spheres of decisions and considerations that exist when faced with a foreclosure or other financial hardship. It is designed to appreciate those challenges and help clients both protect and maximize the value of their assets in a contracting economy.”

The new service group anticipates aiding clients in a variety of situations, including:

• Builders and developers facing construction issues and financial difficulties as a result of the housing collapse.
• Banks weighing their legal options when faced with the possibility of taking over management of a property that is partially-built.
• Protecting contractors and developers with enforcement of mechanics’ liens on real estate subject to foreclosure
• Aiding lenders and borrowers in avoiding lengthy Chapter 11 proceedings.
• Navigating the myriad tax concerns that emerge during workouts.
• Aiding retailers and landlords of retail properties during bankruptcy proceedings.
• Counseling condo associations whose funding has been impacted and limited by foreclosure proceedings.

 ”In many ways, banks, contractors, landlords and other organizations have entered uncharted territory in this economy,” explained Samuel Levine, the group’s co-chair. “This service group is designed to help companies explore every option and opportunity as opposed to the traditional ‘silo’ approach in which every problem requires the same solution. Today’s volatile market conditions present unique situations that require unique and creative legal solutions,” he added.

For assistance or questions please contact Messrs. Armiros and Levine at (312) 876-7100.