Charles W. Mulaney, Jr., Business Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
focused on Business and M&A
Chicago, IL
Trusted business attorney serving Chicago.
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Quick answer
Charles W. Mulaney, Jr. is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on Business and M&A.
- Based in
- Chicago, ILLINOIS
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Business · M&A
- Handles Business and M&A matters from Chicago, ILLINOIS.
- Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Corporate Governance Law (Chicago) (2014).
About Charles W. Mulaney, Jr.: Charles W. Mulaney, Jr. is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on Business and M&A.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Charles W. Mulaney, Jr.
Charles concentrates on business and m&a. Each area below outlines the kind of case Charles handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business cases in Chicago, Illinois
Charles 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 Charles agrees to represent you.
M&A cases in Chicago, Illinois
Charles 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 Charles agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Charles W. Mulaney, Jr. — Attorney of Illinois business experience
Charles W. Mulaney, Jr. is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on Business and M&A.
Charles W. Mulaney, Jr. focuses on mergers and acquisitions (friendly and hostile), corporate governance and corporate financings. He counsels clients on a broad range of securities and corporate matters, including disclosure issues, the duties of directors and shareholder activism. Mr. Mulaney represents special committees of directors in transactions and internal investigations. He also advises major investment banks on acquisition and financing matters and has represented issuers and underwriters in numerous public and private securities offerings.
Among the many public and private transactions he has been involved in are the representation of:
- Ameritech Corporation in its $60 billion merger with SBC Communications, Inc.;
- Chevron Corporation in its $4.3 billion acquisition of Atlas Energy, Inc.;
- Exelon Corporation in its $7.9 billion stock-for-stock merger with Constellation Energy Group, Inc.;
- Guidant Corporation in its acquisition by Boston Scientific Corporation for $27 billion, after an extended bidding contest with Johnson & Johnson;
- Kinetic Concepts, Inc. in its $6.3 billion acquisition by a consortium of funds advised by Apax Partners, together with controlled affiliates of Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and the Public Sector Pension Investment Board;
- Pactiv Corporation in its $6 billion acquisition by Reynolds Group Holdings Limited;
- Qwest Communications International Inc. in its $22.4 billion merger with CenturyTel, Inc. Mr. Mulaney was named “Dealmaker of the Week” by The Am Law Daily for his work on this transaction;
- Ryerson Inc. in its successful proxy contest with Harbinger Fund and later sale to Platinum Equity for $2 billion;
- Scientific-Atlanta Corporation in its $7 billion acquisition by Cisco Systems, Inc.;
- Stryker Corp. in its $1.65 billion acquisition of MAKO Surgical Corp.;
- the special committee of the board of directors of Tribune Company in its $13 billion going-private transaction involving an employee stock ownership plan and equity infusion from Sam Zell; and
- Waste Management, Inc. in its $14 billion merger with USA Waste Services Inc.
Mr. Mulaney has provided corporate and transactional advice to a number of companies, including Ball Corporation; Baxter International Inc.; Ecolab Inc.; J.C. Penney Company; Mead Johnson Nutrition Company; Navistar International Corporation; Northern Trust Corporation; Stryker Corporation; Wisconsin Energy Corporation; and various private corporations.
He is a member of the Corporate and Securities Law Institute of Northwestern University School of Law and has lectured at institutes for public company directors at the business schools of the University of Chicago, Duke University and Northwestern University. He speaks frequently on mergers, acquisitions and corporate governance.
Mr. Mulaney was named Best Lawyers’ "2014 Chicago Corporate Governance Lawyer of the Year" and "2013 Chicago Mergers & Acquisitions Lawyer of the Year." He repeatedly has been listed in Chambers Global: The World’s Leading Lawyers for Business, Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, The Best Lawyers in America, The International Who’s Who of Corporate Governance Lawyers and Crain’s Chicago’s Who’s Who list. Mr. Mulaney also was named a "Client Service All-Star" by The BTI Consulting Group in its 2014 Client Service All-Stars report.
How Charles handles business matters
Charles W. Mulaney, Jr. focuses on mergers and acquisitions (friendly and hostile), corporate governance and corporate financings. He counsels clients on a broad range of securities and corporate matters, including disclosure issues, the duties of directors and shareholder activism. Mr. Mulaney represents special committees of directors in transactions and internal investigations. He also advises…
The kind of cases Charles takes
Charles reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business and m&a matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Charles W. Mulaney, Jr.'s legal education and bar admissions
Yale University
J.D. · 1974
Georgetown University
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Jurisdictions
Charles's state bar admissions
Illinois, Illinois S
ACTIVE
Charles studied at J.D. in Yale University and — in Georgetown University.
Law school and academic background
Charles completed J.D. in Yale University and — in Georgetown University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Charles runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Charles W. Mulaney, Jr.
Charles has received 8 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Lawyer of the Year — Corporate Governance Law (Chicago)
2014
Lawyer of the Year — Mergers and Acquisitions Law (Chicago)
2013
Lawyer of the Year — Corporate Governance Law (Chicago)
2012
Lawyer of the Year — Corporate Governance and Compliance Law (Chicago)
2011
Lawyer of the Year — Mergers and Acquisitions Law (Chicago)
2010
Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Governance Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Mergers and Acquisitions Law
2026
Legal awards and honors
Lawyer of the Year — Corporate Governance Law (Chicago) (2014). Lawyer of the Year — Mergers and Acquisitions Law (Chicago) (2013). Lawyer of the Year — Corporate Governance Law (Chicago) (2012). Lawyer of the Year — Corporate Governance and Compliance Law (Chicago) (2011). Lawyer of the Year — Mergers and Acquisitions Law (Chicago) (2010). Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Governance Law (2026).
Locations
Charles W. Mulaney, Jr.'s office in Chicago
Charles's primary office is at 320 South Canal Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60606. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Charles W. Mulaney, Jr.
Charles has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Charles W. Mulaney, Jr. — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Charles usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Charles charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Charles'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; Charles 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 Charles
Charles 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. Charles confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Charles'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 Charles W. Mulaney, Jr.
How much does it cost to hire Charles for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Charles walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Charles offer a free consultation?
Charles charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Charles's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Charles'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. Charles gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Charles take my case if I'm outside Chicago?
Charles 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 — Charles 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 Charles?
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. Charles will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Charles accepting new business clients right now?
Charles'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
Charles 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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