Joel T. Cooper, Business Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Over 45 years of legal practice · focused on Business, M&A, and Real Estate · 2.9/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratHahn Loeser Parks Llp
Chicago, IL
Practicing business in Chicago since 1981.
- 45+
- Years practicing
- 2.9 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Joel T. Cooper?
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Quick answer
Joel T. Cooper is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, M&A, and Real Estate. Joel has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hahn Loeser Parks Llp. Rated 2.9 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Chicago, IL
- Experience
- over 45 years
- Known for
- Business · M&A · Real Estate
- Handles Business, M&A, and Real Estate matters from Chicago, IL.
- Over 45 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with CV Notable.
About Joel T. Cooper: Joel T. Cooper is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, M&A, and Real Estate. Joel has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hahn Loeser Parks Llp. Rated 2.9 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Joel's practice areas in Chicago
Joel concentrates on business, m&a, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Joel handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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M&A
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Real Estate
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Business cases in Chicago, Illinois
Joel takes business matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Joel agrees to represent you.
M&A cases in Chicago, Illinois
Joel takes m&a matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Joel agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Chicago, Illinois
Joel takes real estate matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Joel agrees to represent you.
Biography
Joel T. Cooper, business attorney serving Chicago
Joel T. Cooper is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, M&A, and Real Estate. Joel has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hahn Loeser Parks Llp. Rated 2.9 out of 5 from 1 client review. Joel works from Chicago, Illinois and takes on business matters across the region.
Joel T. Cooper focuses his practice on transactions including acquisitions, dispositions, development and partnership and joint venture formation, with a special emphasis on private equity fund formation and private equity investment. As a partner in Hahn Loeser’s Chicago office, Joel is a part of the Business Practice Area, focusing in corporate and real estate law.
Joel represents institutional sponsors of private equity funds, major money center banks, life insurance companies and other lenders and investors in connection with direct investment (including portfolio and fund-to-fund investment) and/or lending transactions. Joel represents full service real estate organizations, commercial owners and developers, local and national construction companies as well as individual owners, developers and property managers and counsels clients in connection with strategic initiatives and governance matters.
Experience
• Represented institutional real estate company in the formation of two real estate private equity funds totaling $1 billion formed for the purpose of making investment in general real estate asset classes, including timber and energy-related real estate assets.
• Represented a series of affiliated real estate private equity funds sponsored by an institutional life insurance company (with each fund having committed capital in excess of $500 million) in fund-to-fund investments in third-party real estate private equity funds. Aggregate investment by the client exceeds $650 million in various third-party funds ranging in size from $200 million to more than $1 billion.
• Represented institutional real estate company in the formation and on-going governance of multiple complex joint ventures with institutional equity partners (with each such joint venture partner contributing capital in excess of $200 million) for the acquisition of retail properties located throughout the United States.
• Represented institutional real estate company in acquisition, disposition, financing, leasing and management (for its own account and third parties) of retail properties (both on an individual and on a portfolio basis), throughout the United States, including regional malls, power centers, community centers and big box centers.
• Represented institutional client in acquisition, development, leasing and financing of a 1,600-acre air-industrial park (including development and leasing of an overnight air cargo sortation facility) and related Foreign Trade Zone matters located at a decommissioned United States Air Force base.
• Represented market leader bakeware manufacturer in the acquisition and leasing of manufacturing, warehouse and distribution industrial facilities aggregating in excess of 1 million square feet, and related land use entitlements and economic incentives.
• Represented institutional sponsor of a $1 billion(+) equity fund in connection with acquisitions, sales and financings of numerous portfolio investments comprised of niche manufacturing and/or financial services companies having an aggregate enterprise value exceeding $1 billion.
• Represented an institutional real estate developer in connection with the acquisition, development, financing, leasing and sale of suburban office buildings aggregating in excess of 3.5 million square feet located throughout the United States.
• Represented prime exhibit and show-element contractor with respect to various high-profile construction matters, including the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, the observation decks and visitor centers of the Empire State Building and Willis Tower, and "Battle Stations 21" simulator located at United States Navy Great Lakes Training Center.
• Represented multinational packaging company in connection with general real estate matters, including $900 million Real Estate component of a $3 billion credit facility and sale of $200 million short line railroad.
• Represented an institutional finance company in connection with a $60 million participating first mortgage loan to refinance a commercial and recreational development in San Francisco.
• Represented an owner in connection with the acquisition and financing of an 850,000-square-foot office/retail component of a downtown Chicago mixed-use building.
Publications & Speaking Engagements
Congress Reopens the Paycheck Protection Program
January 21, 2021
Coronavirus and Commercial Leases
March 31, 2020
Awards & Distinctions
Illinois Super Lawyers, Real Estate, 2020-21
The Best Lawyers in America®, Real Estate Law, 2013-21
AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell
Illinois Leading Lawyers, 2017
Joel's approach to business cases
Joel T. Cooper focuses his practice on transactions including acquisitions, dispositions, development and partnership and joint venture formation, with a special emphasis on private equity fund formation and private equity investment. As a partner in Hahn Loeser’s Chicago office, Joel is a part of the Business Practice Area, focusing in corporate and real estate law. Joel represents institutional…
The kind of cases Joel takes
Joel reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, m&a, and real estate matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Joel studied and practices
DePaul University College of Law
J.D. · 1981
Purdue University
B.A. Phi · 1977
Jurisdictions
Joel's state bar admissions
Illinois
1981 · ACTIVE
Joel studied at J.D. in DePaul University College of Law and B.A. Phi in Purdue University.
Law school and academic background
Joel completed J.D. in DePaul University College of Law and B.A. Phi in Purdue University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Joel runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Joel's legal honors and published work
Joel has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
CV Notable
Legal awards and honors
CV Notable.
Locations
Joel T. Cooper's office in Chicago
Joel's primary office is at 200 West Madison Street, Suite 2700, Chicago, IL, 60606. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Hahn Loeser Parks Llp
200 West Madison Street, Suite 2700
Chicago, IL 60606
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Joel T. Cooper — 2.9/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Joel. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Chicago.
2.9
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Joel T. Cooper claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Joel T. Cooper — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Joel usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Joel charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Joel's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Joel will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Chicago, Illinois
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Joel
Joel discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Joel confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Joel's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Joel T. Cooper
How much does it cost to hire Joel for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Joel walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Joel offer a free consultation?
Joel charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Joel's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Joel's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Joel gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Joel take my case if I'm outside Chicago?
Joel is licensed in Illinois. Matters governed by Illinois law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Joel will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Joel?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Joel will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Joel accepting new business clients right now?
Joel's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois
Joel handles business matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
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