"I structure solutions that align parties' interests to create durable relationships. "
Keith is a senior partner in HMB’s Business and Finance group. He represents larger sized closely-held businesses and their owners in mergers and acquisitions and as outside general counsel.
Keith is well-known as a facilitator for middle-market “deals,” implementing a wide range of tax-advantaged capital structures, shareholder and family-ownership structures and private-equity structures to enhance growth and to provide exit strategies.
Read MoreAs outside general counsel, Keith advises on strategies that help businesses attract and retain key management, minimize risk and maximize opportunities for long-term growth. Keith has also assisted numerous family owned businesses with generational succession planning and creative family dispute resolutions.
A Business Approach to Complex Problems
Keith emphasizes a business approach to the practice of law. Clients value him as a trusted advisor who offers practical solutions to complex issues.
Education
University of Illinois, J.D.
University of Illinois, B.S. with high honors
Licenses
Certified Public Accountant, Illinois
Honors
Board Room Magazine, 2017 Distinguished President of the Year
Professional Memberships
YPO Gold Chicago, Board of Directors
GPF Foundation, Board of Directors and Vice President
Northmoor Education Foundation, Board of Directors
University of Illinois Gies School of Business, Board of Advisors
Publications
- Additional Illinois and Federal Employment Updates Regarding the Families First and Coronavirus Response Act and Other MattersApril 28, 2020
Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission Updates After initially voting 9-0-1 to approve a new emergency rule that created a rebuttable presumption that the workplace is the cause of an employee contracting COVID-19 to the extent such employee works for an essential business, the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (the “Commission”) met yesterday, April 27, to formally withdraw the rule. The Illinois Manufacturers’…
- U.S. Department of Labor Issues Temporary Regulations to Implement Families First Coronavirus Response Act, New OSHA Poster and Updates Regarding Expanded Illinois Unemployment BenefitsApril 8, 2020
Families First Coronavirus Response Act On April 1, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor (“DOL”) issued temporary regulations (the “Rule”) to implement the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”), providing additional guidance to employers and employees on how to provide and take expanded family and medical leave or paid sick leave (collectively, “Leave”) under the FFCRA. A copy of the…
- Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Department of Labor Provides Additional GuidanceApril 1, 2020
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the “FCCRA”) was signed into law on March 18, 2020. Since then, questions as to scope and applicability have been raised by employers and employees alike. The U.S. Department of Labor has and continues to provide guidance as to how employers and employees should interrupt the FFCRA. A summary of the FCCRA can be…
- Notices Required Under the Families First Coronavirus Response ActMarch 26, 2020
On March 18, 2020, the President signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the “Act”). Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Labor provided sample posters for private and public employers to post prior to April 1, 2020. Here is a link to the DOL poster for private employers. Also, the DOL provided guidance regarding the manner of providing notice to employees…
- Are COVID-19 Losses Covered By Business Interruption Insurance?March 23, 2020
Covid-19 is disrupting businesses, their supply chains and their customers and causing major losses. Governors of Illinois, California, New York and Pennsylvania have issued “stay at home” and similar orders impacting employees and many businesses. Are any of these losses covered by insurance? The answer is maybe. The type of insurance a business carries and the specific insurance policy language are critical to determine…
Events
- Keith H. Berk, Shelley H. Koren and Alicia A. Handy Present "Preparing for Employee COVID-19 Claims" to the YPO Chicagoland Chapter - 6/10/20June 8, 2020
As Illinois and other states have begun to roll-back stay at home orders, employers need to be prepared for employee COVID-19 claims. Join YPO Gold Chicago Member and HMB Partner, Keith H. Berk, and his COVID-19 Task Force members Shelley H. Koren and Alicia A. Handy for a discussion on how to prepare your business in managing COVID-19 in the…
- Keith H. Berk, Shelley H. Koren and Alicia A. Handy Present "Preparing for Employee COVID-19 Claims" to the YPO Chicago Gold Chapter - 5/20/20May 13, 2020
As Illinois and other states begin to roll back stay-at-home orders, employers need to be prepared for employee COVID-19 claims. YPO Chicago Gold Chapter member, Keith H. Berk, will be joined by COVID-19 task force members Shelley H. Koren and Alicia A. Handy to discuss how to prepare your business to manage COVID-19 in the workplace. This YPO Chicago Gold…
