Learn Why the Opel Bash Group are Your Trusted Small Business Attorneys in Southern Illinois

At the Opel Bash Group we understand that navigating the legal landscape can be challenging for small businesses and startups in Madison, St. Clair, Montgomery, Clinton, and Macoupin counties. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand, our goal is to be your trusted legal partner, providing the support and guidance you need to succeed.

Our Approach

As experienced small business law attorneys, we believe the key to effective legal support is strong and transparent communication in a friendly, approachable environment. Our initial consultation is always free and takes place in a comfortable setting designed to put you at ease.

Our conversational and relatable approach means that we’re easy to talk to and ask questions of, and we make it a point to explain complex legal concepts in a way that’s easy to understand. Our goal is to partner with you while fostering a collaborative relationship built on trust and mutual respect.

Schedule your appointment with Kathie Opel or Erica Bash today!

Our Small Business Law Services

We offer a comprehensive range of legal services tailored to meet the unique needs of local small businesses and startups in Madison, St. Clair, Montgomery, Clinton, and Macoupin counties. Here’s a closer look at what we provide:

Outside General Counsel

Acting as your outside general counsel, we provide ongoing legal advice and support that covers a wide array of business needs. This includes:

  • Business Formation: The process of forming a business can be daunting, with numerous legal requirements to consider. We guide you through every step, from selecting the appropriate business structure (LLC, S-Corp, corporation, partnership, etc.) to filing the necessary paperwork and ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal guidelines. Our goal is to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible, so you can focus on what you do best—running your business.

  • Contract Review: Contracts are the backbone of any business relationship, and it’s crucial to ensure they are fair and protect your interests. We review contracts between you and various stakeholders, such as developers, landlords, partners, and clients, to identify potential risks and ensure your rights are safeguarded. Our thorough contract review process helps prevent disputes and fosters stronger business relationships.

Employment Law

Navigating employment laws can be tricky, especially for small businesses and startups in that may not have dedicated HR departments. We’re here to help with:

  • Compliance: Employment laws are constantly evolving, and non-compliance can lead to serious legal issues. We’ll help you stay up-to-date with the latest regulations in Illinois and Missouri to ensure your business adheres to all relevant laws. This includes advising on wage and hour laws, anti-discrimination policies, employee classification, and more.

  • Policies and Procedures: Developing robust employment policies is essential for preventing legal issues and fostering a positive workplace culture. We assist in creating comprehensive employee handbooks, drafting employment contracts, and establishing procedures for handling grievances and disciplinary actions. Our goal is to help you build a fair and compliant work environment that attracts and retains top talent.

  • Drafting Employee Contracts: A well-drafted employee contract is crucial for establishing clear expectations and protecting both your business and your employees. We’ll help you create comprehensive contracts that outline key terms such as job responsibilities, compensation, benefits, confidentiality agreements, and termination conditions. Our contracts are designed to minimize legal risks and ensure clarity in the employer-employee relationship.

  • Writing Human Resource Policies: Clear and well-structured HR policies are essential for managing your workforce effectively. We assist in drafting policies that cover a wide range of topics, including workplace conduct, anti-harassment measures, leave policies, performance evaluation processes, and disciplinary procedures. These policies not only help maintain a harmonious work environment but also ensure compliance with employment laws and reduce the risk of legal disputes.

Proactive Legal Strategies

We don’t just react to legal issues—as trusted small business attorneys in Illinois, we help you prevent them. Our proactive strategies include:

  • Regular Legal Checkups: Just as you would schedule regular checkups with a doctor to maintain your health, regular legal checkups are essential for maintaining your business’s legal health. We offer periodic reviews of your business practices and documents to ensure ongoing compliance and identify potential legal issues before they become problems.

  • Educational Resources: We believe in empowering our clients with knowledge. That’s why we provide a wealth of educational resources, including guides, FAQs, and informative articles, to help you understand complex legal concepts. Our goal is to demystify the legal process and give you the tools you need to make informed decisions.

Why Partner with the Opel Bash Group as Your Small Business Law Team?

Choosing the right legal partner is crucial for the success of your business. Here are a few reasons why the Opel Bash Group stands out among small business attorneys in Southern Illinois:

Relatable and Approachable

We pride ourselves on being relatable and easy to talk with about your small business and ideas. Our goal is to create an inviting environment where you feel comfortable sharing your concerns and asking questions. We emphasize a partnership approach, working alongside you to build a relationship grounded in trust and mutual respect.

Industry Expertise

We work with clients from all industries in Madison, St. Clair, Montgomery, Clinton, and Macoupin counties and llinois, from tech startups to retail businesses. Our extensive experience as a small business law attorney team means we understand the unique challenges and opportunities each sector presents. We tailor our services to meet your specific needs, whether you’re navigating the complexities of intellectual property law, negotiating a commercial lease, or ensuring compliance with industry-specific regulations.

Success Stories

We’ve helped numerous clients and local business overcome significant legal challenges and achieve their business goals. Here are a few examples of how our intervention has positively impacted our clients:

  • “Erica was a key part of providing the proper legal framework for our agency as we work through succession and growth planning. She listened to our concerns and provided advice from many different angles to prepare us for every scenario. Their office also has a very calming ambiance that helps get the clients settled in. Thanks again and we highly recommend Erica & this firm's services!"

    Mike Babcock

  • “Love, Love, Love them. They have helped our business in so many ways. It is nice to know you can always depend on them to help.”

    222 Artisan Bakery & Cafe

  • “Erica is professional , informative and took the time to listen and give advice and counsel based on what was best for me and my business. Highly recommend.”

    Adrienne Schaeffer

  • “These ladies are rockstars!! They are instrumental parts of our family business and estate planning. Always helpful and ready to assist. I refer them to family, friends and clients. We feel well protected with them in our corner."

    Karen Luster

Get in Touch

Ready to partner with a legal team that truly understands your needs? Schedule your free initial consultation today. We look forward to sitting down with you and helping your business thrive. As your dedicated small business attorneys in Madison, St. Clair, Montgomery, Clinton, and Macoupin counties, we're here to support you every step of the way.