On March 21, 2025, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”) issued an interim final rule that removes the requirement for U.S. companies and U.S. persons to report beneficial ownership information (“BOI”) under the Corporate Transparency Act.

Residential property tax exemptions in Cook County are due by April 21, 2025. Brianna Golan shares how to access applications and other exemptions you may qualify for.

Jazmine Gonzalez is doing it all. She’s an entrepreneur, mom, and wife, and thriving in all areas.

Initially, Habelo Beauty was a side gig and passion project. But once Whitney Clarke saw the real impact of her product, she knew she had to invest in it—and herself—full-time.

Julie Kollada started Open Arms Solutions out of personal experience. Her once vibrant mother was diagnosed with dementia and from that, Julie’s world was turned upside down.

Sophia Shaw’s list of accomplishments is lengthy. She started two companies (first Sophia Shaw and Associates and now PlanPerfect), served as vice president of The Field Museum, president and CEO of the Chicago Botanic Garden, and worked as an adjunct professor at the Kellogg School of Management teaching board governance of nonprofits.

Authentic, healthy, creative. Three words that AnnaMarie along with her daughters, Arianna, Alessia, and Angelica would use to describe their business.

President Donald Trump has nominated John Squires as the next Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property. With Squires’ more expansive approach to patent eligibility, he is expected to advocate for policy changes. Anthony Wenn explores how Squires’ leadership could shape the future of patent eligibility, the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), and patent enforcement.

Longtime friends Katrina and Mary Kay first opened the doors of their salon, Salon Blue, in 1991. Though they’ve been in business for over 30 years, their mission remains steadfast: To provide modern, personalized hair, skin, and makeup services. This mission has taken them all over the world for their business, including Tuscany, Italy and the Berkshires of Massachusetts. Katrina and Mary Kay have dedicated their lives to helping Chicago land look and feel their best and are devoted to teaching the next generation of stylists by providing professional guidance and training programs. Please take a moment to read more about Katrina and Mary Kay below!

Shea Soucie is the trailblazing co-owner of Soucie Horner, a Chicago based interior design firm. The idea for the business took shape outside a small Parisian café more than 20 years ago with co-owner Martin Horner and has soared to successful heights with offices in Chicago; Naples, Florida; and the Mountain West. Their work has taken the company across the globe, including New York, Mexico, and France. Shea Soucie is redefining what it means to be a working mom and is doing so with grit and grace. As a passionate advocate for women, Shea understands the importance of mentorship and is committed to guiding the next generation of women at every stage of their journey. During the pandemic, Shea helped navigate the business through an unprecedented time helping the business to not only survive but thrive! Please take a moment to read about Shea below!

The Cook County Assessor's Office has officially opened the 2025 assessment year appeals.

Gladys Schanstra got her start as an aerospace/mechanical engineering student. With the fundamentals of design, she started her career at Drury Design in 2002 as the receptionist and through the years advanced in the company, moving up to assistant designer, senior designer, and in 2012 left to open her own design company, Schanstra Design Group.

Nancy Gurney founded Opportunity Services in 1973 when she saw the needs in her community for equal opportunities for all individuals. The company’s mission is to aid people with disabilities to make meaningful and impactful contributions to the community.

In his article, "Bridging Valuation Gaps in M&A Transactions,” Anthony Taglia expounds upon negotiating when selling your company and how to get the best bang for your buck.

At Golan Christie Taglia, Women’s History Month is more than a celebration—it’s a time to recognize the extraordinary women who shape our firm, our profession, and our communities. Throughout March, we are proud to highlight trailblazing women both within GCT and beyond—our clients, colleagues, and attorneys—whose strength, innovation, and leadership continue to break barriers and pave the way for future generations. Their impact is immeasurable, and we are honored to share their stories.

Retirement plans are often the target of cybersecurity criminals. Employers who sponsor retirement plans for their employees should give thought to how they can protect those plans. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has given guidance on how best to protect retirement plans. Andrew Williams gives the basics of the DOL policy and how employers can be proactive in the fight against cyber-attacks.

GCT to host employment webinar on preparing companies for Immigration Enforcement Raids.

Associate Morgan York provides updates on the recent Corporate Transparency Act decision.

Award-winning pianist Claire Huangci is returning to Chicago to perform an intimate concert benefiting FORA: Forging Opportunities for Refugees in America, sponsored by Golan Christie Taglia and partner Margaret Gisch.

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) increasingly becomes a part of our daily lives, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the U.S. Copyright Office are continuingly refining patent and trademark procedures. Anthony Wenn provides insight on the most recent recommendations by the USPTO and the Copyright Office regarding advances in artificial intelligence.

Associate Morgan C. York provides updates for the Corporate Transparency Act and the January 23, 2025 decision made by the Supreme Court.

The resignation of U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Director Kathi Vidal has sparked widespread interest and speculation within the intellectual property (IP) community. Early reports sugges that Vishal Amin, Intel's head of intellectual property policy and formerly appointed USPTO Director under the previous Trump administration, is a frontrunner for the position.

Dear Clients and Friends of the Firm,

We are excited to announce some important changes in the leadership of our Property Tax Group.

A recent study found that average U.S. home prices grew by 6.6% in 2024. Illinois being number 8 on the list with growth of 9.4%. Taxpayers have a right to challenge any assessment they are given. Jim Chipman expounds upon how using the recent sale of a property could help lower your tax bill.