ATTORNEY · WRITER · EDUCATOR
Member of the Justice Entrepreneurs Project (JEP), a network of independent lawyers who are committed to making quality legal services accessible and affordable for regular people by using set fees, offering flexible representation options, and leveraging technology to increase efficiency.
My practice focuses primarily on work for individuals, small businesses, and nonprofits with a special interest serving those in the creative arts and food systems communities.
Services for Nonprofit Organizations
Forming a new nonprofit
Filing for IRS tax exempt determination, such as 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4), etc.
Drafting, reviewing, negotiating contracts, such as with independent contractors, vendors, nondisclosures, commercial leases
Fiscal sponsor agreements
Mergers/acquisitions
Protecting your intellectual property (copyright, trademarks) & advising on use of others’ IP (fair use vs obtaining a licensing agreement)
Social media legal issues
Nonprofit governance and compliance documents
Nonprofit consulting, including board development, board trainings, and strategic planning
Affordable mediation
Services for Small Businesses
Advising on choice of business entity (partnerships, LLCs, corporations, L3Cs, etc.)
File documents to form business entity
Draft or review corporate governance documents/operating agreements
Buying/selling a business
Dissolving a business
Drafting, reviewing, negotiating contracts such as with independent contractor, vendors, nondisclosures, commercial leases
Licensing and permits
Regulatory compliance (FDA/USDA/state and local agencies)
Protecting intellectual property (trademarks, copyright, trade secrets, nondisclosure agreements) and advising on use of others’ intellectual property (fair use, licensing agreements)
Affordable mediation
Services for Writers and Other Creative Professionals
Providing advice on defamation, invasion of privacy, rights of publicity, fair use
Protecting your intellectual property (IP): copyright, trademark, nondisclosure agreements, cease-and-desist letters
Vetting manuscripts for legal issues prior to publication
Affordable mediation (with publishers, co-authors, etc.)
Drafting/reviewing contracts:
Publishing
Author-Agent
Author-Illustrator
Joint Authors
Ghostwriters
Licensing agreements
Nondisclosures
Photographers
Graphic Designers
This is a favorite quote because it characterizes how I see my relationship with my clients: The clients are the star of the show. My job is to work behind the scenes to help you grow your professional life and reach your highest potential. Working with me frees up your time to focus on your work, and provides you peace of mind that you’re on legally solid ground.
Freeing your time, providing peace of mind.
I work primarily in the two areas I am most passionate about: the creative arts and those working for a healthy, sustainable, equitable food system for all. Advancing the businesses and professional lives of women, people of color, LGBTQ+, and veterans (like my husband) is of particular interest to me.
In addition to legal work, I have worked in a variety of related areas:
As executive director of a food-related nonprofit, I oversaw all aspects of educational programming, fundraising, and business management.
As a literary agent, helped clients formulate and polish book proposals and negotiate contracts.
As a prolific writer and editor, I have published dozens of articles in national and regional publications. I was Editor in Chief of the Chicago Bar Association magazine, The Record, for four years. During my tenure, we won the National Association of Bar Executives “Best Publication” award. I have also served as an editor or contributing editor for several books on food and legal topics.
In addition to being a frequent contributor to Writer’s Digest magazine, I created and wrote their “Ask the Lawyer” column.
As the founder of the Food Lawyer Network, I helped create a pro bono organization dedicated to providing low-cost or free legal services to business and nonprofits working within the food system.
A frequent speaker to business, nonprofit and writer groups, my recent engagements have included Women’s Small Business Development Center, Chicago Lawyers’ Committee Nonprofit Bootcamp, Chicago Food Policy Action Council Conference, National Home-Based Food Entrepreneur Conference, and San Diego Memoir Writers and San Diego Professional Editors groups.
As an educator, I have taught classes, seminars and served as guest lecturer at Newberry Library, University of Chicago Graham School of Continuing Studies, University of Illinois at Chicago, Loyola University, DePaul University and the Chicago Bar Association, among others.
I have also spent a number of years as a stay-at-home mom to twin boys (…honing my mediation skills).
I hold a law degree and master’s degree in journalism from Drake University and a bachelor’s degree from UCLA. I completed the Mediation Training Program at Northwestern University School of Professional Studies.
Chair, Chicago Bar Association Food Law Committee
Commissioner, Geneva Cultural Arts Commission
Volunteer/Former Board Member, Lawyers for the Creative Arts
Volunteer, Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights
Editorial Board Member/Former Editor in Chief, The Record, Chicago Bar Association magazine
Former Board Member, Slow Food Chicago
“I’m so glad I found Amy. Whenever I was stressed about a legal question, she calmed me down and gave me the confidence I needed to move ahead. Amy rocks!”
“When copyright issues come up for me or my clients, Amy always comes through for me. She’s so knowledgeable, saves me loads of time and, most of all, puts my mind at rest.”
“Amy was great. She made contracts and copyrights exciting and kept me interested.”
“This course was fantastic. I learned so much and feel more equipped to move forward with my project.”
“I only wish the course had been longer!”
