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Welcome to MJS Law
and the Website of
Attorney Michael J. Schirger
Successfully starting, purchasing, growing, operating, and selling a business requires vision, creativity, discipline, grit, a strong chin, and, at times, seasoned counsel.
Our mission is to provide that counsel.
Whether you are starting out, growing, acquiring, or working through a succession plan and you have questions, we would like to help.
Sunrise from the office of MJS Law 2/23
All businesses have ongoing legal and compliance concerns, some more than others. A general counsel manages those concerns and risks with the goal of keeping them from transforming from concerns into full-fledged problems. For those businesses who do not need a full-time general counsel, we offer part-time general counsel services. Part-time general counsel work often involves the management, review, and drafting of contracts, compliance work, employment matters, litigation management, and strategic planning. Depending on the circumstances, engagements for part-time general counsel services can be secured through alternative and flat-fee billing arrangements.
When appropriate, we will also lead and coordinate an experienced team of accountants, marketing professionals, insurance professionals, and business consultants to help clients define and reach their strategic goals.
Outside General Counsel
Practice Areas
Business owners have a unique set of concerns when it comes to their estate plans. We understand those concerns and work with business owners and their families to design and execute estate and succession plans that reflect their wishes and preserve the value they have created over a lifetime.
To make estate planning more convenient and affordable for a wider group of clients, we are also developing the online estate planning portal, StartToday.Law. The site is currently in the testing phase and is expected to go live in May of 2023. We are proud of this effort and are excited to offer it to our existing and new clients.
Estate & Succession Planning
"There are a few people that touch your life from all aspects. Mike has been an indispensable part of both my personal and business life. Others come and go with no lasting effect. Working with Mike has had a lasting positive effect in my life and business. In tough times or when I had serious concerns I always felt better and had more confidence after a conversation with him. He is a terrific lawyer who is honest and trustworthy.
A.O. Business Owner
"Mike has represented me and my company for years. He guided us through the beginning stages of the company, a shareholder dispute, acquisitions, and eventually my successful exit from the business. He has become both a trusted advisor and friend.”
G.v.L. Business Owner
“We met Mike sometime around 2010 when he was speaking at a seminar for entrepreneurs. We were just starting out in our business. All these years later, with his help and guidance (and sometimes having to fight against his persistent questioning), we grew our business to include three locations across northern Illinois. A lot of lawyers say they will fight for you, but I don’t know many lawyers who show up the night before your grand opening in a suit and help you wash walls and floors.”
A.D. & J.D. Business Owners
Client Testimonials
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Our Community in Action.
Periodically MJS Law takes a fresh look at the people and businesses in our community that inspire us.
Meet the powerhouse private, non-profit small business champion and economic development agency.
In the summer of 2023, MJS Law will launch "Our Community in Action" with a profile of Rockford Local Development Corporation ("RLDC") and an interview with its CEO, John Phelps. Few organizations do more to help small businesses in our region than RLDC, and there is no greater champion of small businesses than John Phelps.
Attorney
Michael J. Schirger, aka MJS
Licensed to practice in state and federal courts of Illinois
Practice Manager
Jason C. Walker
Master’s in accounting & financial management
Your Team
What is important to us
Trust
Trust must be earned. It is earned not by what we say but by what we do for you, consistently. We look forward to earning your trust.
Communication
Giving sound advice and counsel begins with listening and critical thinking. And not just listening so we can give an answer, but listening so we understand.
Competency & Preparation
Success in the practice of law is the result of competency and preparation. It is not enough to be knowledgeable. One must be knowledgeable and prepared.
Privacy & Security
Who we represent and the specifics of our work is private. Take comfort in knowing our communications, files, and documentation are stored with bank-level security and our processes and procedures audited annually by cyber security experts.