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Sherry L. Harlan

Partner, Attorney at Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP

Rockford, IL Website 815-490-4934
Rockford Chamber of Commerce, Lead 360, Selected Memberappointed lawyer-to-lawyer trained mentor for the 17th Judicial Circuitarbitrator for the 17th Judicial Circuit Mandatory Arbitration ProgramRockford Garden Club, Communications Board MemberTransform Rockford 815 Choose Civility, Co-FounderDean’s Action Council for the University of Illinois Rockford School of Medicine, Board MemberRockford Public Library Foundation, Former Board Member; Vice-PresidentKlehm Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, Former Board MemberStepping Stones of Rockford, Inc., Former Board MemberWorks with buyers & sellers

About

Sherry L. Harlan handles the corporate needs of small and medium-sized businesses, from growing the business to buying or selling it. Many family-owned businesses rely on her as their principal counsel. She also handles the real estate that moves with a business when it is bought or sold. Sherry L. Harlan earned her JD from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1987 and her B.A. from Illinois Wesleyan University in 1983. The Best Lawyers in America® recognized her for Real Estate Law from 2025 to 2027. Her real estate work also takes in leasing, zoning, annexation, and contract questions. She has served as co-counsel on asset and stock sales of family-owned businesses.

Who is a good fit for Sherry L. Harlan

  • Owners of family-owned companies planning the sale of the business.
  • Buyers acquiring a small or medium-sized business.
  • Owners buying or selling a business together with its real estate.

Education and admissions

Education
  • University of Wisconsin Law School, JD, 1987
  • Illinois Wesleyan University, B.A., 1983
Bar admissions
Illinois

Recognition

  • The Best Lawyers in America®, Real Estate Law, 2025 – 2027
  • Rockford Register Star, 75 People You Should Know, 2018
  • Martindale-Hubbell, Distinguished® Peer Review Rating

Specialties

Buy-side M&A representationSell-side M&A representation

Representative matters

As described on the firm’s website.

  • Served as co-counsel for the asset/stock sale of three family-owned businesses ranging from $4 million to $24 million in assets, including real estate.

Deal profile

Typical deal size
Any deal size
Remote work
In-person / regional

Frequently Asked Questions

Sherry L. Harlan holds Martindale-Hubbell's Distinguished® Peer Review Rating. She received the Rockford Register Star's 75 People You Should Know recognition in 2018.

The 17th Judicial Circuit appointed Sherry L. Harlan as a lawyer-to-lawyer trained mentor.

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