For trade associations and similar organizations to succeed in today’s increasingly competitive and cost-conscious environment, which is subject to greater governmental scrutiny and regulation, it takes knowledge, productivity, and an efficient pooling of limited resources. SFBBG is a leader in representing organizations formed for a common interest to further the goals of an industry and/or its members. SFBBG has extensive experience in guiding both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations from incorporation through operation and expansion. Most importantly, SFBBG can suggest the very best structure to meet an organization’s goals and objectives while steering clear of adverse governmental action.
Our years of experience working with trade associations, foundations, buying groups, and cooperatives assures that our organization clients will be ideally structured to meet the needs of their members. Once the organization is established, we can assist in expanding the benefits to members through the formation of a Legal Defense Fund, a Political Action Committee, a Scholarship Foundation, and other member benefit programs and activities with the most efficient tax benefits.
Services Include
We have vast experience in the presentation of high impact seminars designed specifically for specialized industries. As attorneys, we are also steeped in answering challenges posed by legislative or regulatory issues and we have extensive experience representing and preparing organizations to effectively present their positions on an array of issues vital to their respective industries.
Incorporation, Organization, By-Laws, obtaining Tax Exempt status.
Buying Group and Cooperative Agreements to pool purchases and obtain maximum savings for members.
Meeting programs specifically formulated for member needs.
Governmental and regulatory matters.
Hotel, convention center, management support, and related services for meetings or trade shows.
Preparing employee manuals for the organization and its members.
Preparing newsletters, columns, and articles for trade publications.
We provide legal counsel to the associations listed below, and offer our Expert Access program to members of any rep association that is a sponsor of the Manufacturers’ Representatives Educational and Research Foundation (MRERF). Expert Access provides a complimentary 20-minute telephone consultation to answer legal questions related to rep issues.
Get Started
Choose your point of contact.
We have a few staff members who specialize in this service. To learn more about them, click their profiles below!
Trade Associations We Represent
Incentive Manufacturers Representatives Association
Manufacturers Agents Council of the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals
Our Practice Areas
Business
Our team will give efficient counsel for your business and the various things that affect businesses like employment, sales reps, intellectual property, etc.
Finance
SFBBG is leading the industry in providing excellent counsel for financial services such as banking & creditor rights, estate planning, probate, and trust.
Litigation
We zealously litigate, arbitrate and mediate. Nothing drives a favorable outcome more than readiness for a smooth and successful trial. We're here to help!
Real Estate
Our attorneys are trusted counsel and business advisors with a broad range of real estate expertise to serve the firm’s sophisticated clientele.
Ready to hire strategic counsel?
“One of the best features of SFBBG is the emphasis placed on establishing long-term relationships with clients, relationships that will often lead to our serving as outside, inside counsel.”
News & Updates
Illinois Supreme Court Rules in Favor of SFBBG Client in Defamation Case
On November 21, 2024, the Illinois Supreme Court issued its decision in the case Glorioso v. Sun-Times Media Holdings, LLC, (2024 IL 130137). SFBBG and its attorney Phil Zisook represent the Plaintiff in the case, Mauro Glorioso, the former Executive Director and General Counsel of the Illinois Property Tax Appeals Board (“PTAB”).
Appellate Court Holds That Lawsuit Filed by SFBBG Should Proceed and Is Not a SLAPP Suit
On May 8, 2023, SFBBG attorneys Phil Zisook and Bill Klein prevailed in an Illinois Appellate Court defamation case, Mauro Glorioso v Sun-Times Media Holdings, LLC, and Tim Novak. In the case, Zisook and Klein argued that Sun-Times’ articles defamed Mauro Glorioso and constituted false light invasion of privacy.
SFBBG Prevails in Illinois Appellate Court
On August 9, 2022, SFBBG attorneys, Phil Zisook and Bill Klein, prevailed in an Illinois Appellate Court case where our clients were sued concerning a failed real estate transaction. The proposed transaction involved the transfer of three parcels of real estate consisting of a golf course in Michigan, a Chicago office building, and a River North condominium.