Trusted by startups and small businesses since 2007. Guiding growth and protecting innovation at every step.
About Ryan
Working with businesses at all stages, from new startups to scaling ventures and beyond
I provide integrated legal representation and business strategy consulting to startups and small businesses, helping my clients protect innovation, navigate complex negotiations, and forge strategic partnerships. My approach combines the quality and depth of big-firm legal expertise with the flexibility and cost-efficiency of working directly with a dedicated attorney. This allows me to deliver tailored, high-value solutions without the unnecessary overhead of larger firms.
The core of my practice is aligning my legal services with each client’s commercial strategy. I maintain a deep curiosity about the unique characteristics of every business I represent, striving to thoroughly understand their products, services, customers, and competitors. By syncing my efforts with each client’s goals, I enhance the quality and effectiveness of the legal advice and strategic guidance I provide. This is why I describe my services as “integrated” with business strategy—it's a goal-oriented approach that my clients trust and value.
With over 17 years of experience, I’ve advised companies across a wide range of industries, with a particular focus on businesses pursuing ecommerce and technology-driven strategies. My expertise includes complex commercial negotiations and contracts, corporate transactions and investments, technology commercialization, internet law, business entity formation, and government grants and partnerships. Whether you're negotiating a transformative deal, securing investment, or navigating the complexities of technology transactions, I strive to be a trusted partner in your success.
I maintain an active license in both Illinois and New York, having spent much of my career practicing in Manhattan and Chicago. My offices are located on the north side of Chicago, where I also reside.
Founding Partner, Replogle Legal Group
Ryan is the principal lawyer and equity owner of Replogle Legal Group LLC, where he solves legal challenges facing small businesses. Ryan founded Replogle Legal Group in 2025 after nearly two decades of experience in senior corporate leadership and law firm roles.
Previous Experience:
Manhattan-based M&A, securities and corporate governance lawyer
Represented publicly listed and privately held companies, hedge funds, and strategic investors at a leading private law firm in New York City
Legal Leadership in Carbon Capture Technology
• Chicago based in-house lawyer for Nasdaq-listed clean tech company
• Responsible for major commercial deals, SEC filings and compliance, corporate policies, and government affairs matters
Legal Advisor for Energy Innovation
Senior in-house lawyer for a Chicago-based research and development institute specializing in energy infrastructure
17+ years total legal experience
• 5 years M&A, securities and corporate law at a leading New York City law firm
• 3 years commercial and business law at a regional firm in Indiana
• 8 years as a senior legal executive at two Chicago-based technology companies with global reach
Washington University School of Law
JD, 2007
Kelley School of Business at Indiana University
BS, 2003
Licensed in the States of New York (2008) and Illinois (2017)
Our focus
Areas of expertise for technology-focused companies
We regularly assist startups, technology-driven businesses, and small enterprises with a wide variety of contracts, including:
- Asset acquisitions and dispositions
- Technology licensing agreements for patents, data, copyrights, trademarks, and other IP
- Project development agreements
- Terms and conditions for products and services
- Government and university grants and collaborations
- NDAs and non-compete agreements
- Consulting and professional services agreements
- Employment agreements
- Joint ventures, teaming agreements, and strategic alliances
With nearly two decades of experience negotiating and drafting complex contracts, Ryan brings a deep understanding of the unique needs of growing businesses. Our services span the full spectrum of contracting requirements, from strategic negotiation of high-stakes agreements to efficient execution of routine contracts.
For major agreements, we focus on drafting and negotiating terms that secure revenue and protect your business interests. For routine contracts, we can help streamline frequently used forms and templates to ensure consistency and operational efficiency.
We advise technology startups and research-driven enterprises on licensing and commercialization matters, including:
- Technology licensing and IP transfer agreements
- Joint development and research collaboration agreements
- Intellectual property assignment agreements
- Software licensing and SaaS agreements
- Government and university grant agreements
- Strategic alliance and partnership agreements
- Manufacturing and supply agreements
- Commercialization plans and go-to-market strategies
Bringing innovative technology to market requires more than expertise in intellectual property law. It demands strategic insight and practical solutions to address challenges like scaling, market entry, and competition. With years of experience collaborating with scientists, engineers, and business leaders, we provide forward-thinking advice and create frameworks that help clients commercialize their innovations while protecting their IP.
From negotiating complex licensing deals to structuring research collaborations, we focus on aligning legal strategies with business objectives to accelerate growth and long-term success. Our goal is to help you transform groundbreaking ideas into commercial impact.
We advise businesses on a wide range of matters arising in our online world, including:
- Website and e-commerce terms and conditions
- Privacy policies and compliance reviews for state and federal data privacy laws (CCPA, GDPR, etc.)
- Data processing agreements, data retention policies, and vendor management
- Data breach response and notification procedures
- Cookie policies and consent mechanisms
- Online marketing and advertising compliance, including email and wireless marketing regulations
- International data transfer issues and compliance
Companies operating online must navigate agreements and customer interactions in the context of rapidly evolving ecommerce and data privacy laws. These considerations are most relevant when developing online terms and conditions, handling customer data, and when expanding into new digital markets.
With extensive experience across diverse business models and industries, and a technical background in information and network technologies, Ryan can provide detailed and actionable advice on how to align your commercial strategy with legal requirements.
We help entrepreneurs, emerging companies, and early investors on the critical legal and strategic decisions that shape early-stage ventures, including:
- Entity formation and structuring in New York, Delaware, and Illinois
- Angel and seed-stage investments, including SAFEs and securities law compliance and exemptions
- Shareholder and operating agreements
- Board governance and entity management
- Due diligence and investor readiness support
- Regulatory and industry compliance
- Founder and executive compensation planning
- Employment and contractor agreements
Building a successful venture starts with making informed, strategic decisions during its earliest stages. With nearly two decades of experience working with business leaders, Ryan can deliver pragmatic advice that balances legal considerations with real-world business priorities. From structuring investments and governance frameworks to navigating regulatory hurdles, we focus on delivering tailored solutions that foster growth and reduce risk.
Unlike larger firms, our approach emphasizes personalized service and practical guidance, ensuring that nothing essential gets overlooked. Together, we can establish a strong foundation that safeguards your venture today and supports its success in the future.
We offer specialized support for federal awards, university subawards, and other assistance agreements, with expertise in:
- CRADAs (Cooperative Research and Development Agreements)
- Grants and assistance awards with the Department of Energy
- Subawards and collaborative agreements with universities
- Flow-down provisions for subcontractors
- Intellectual Property Management Plans (IPMPs)
- Collaborative research and funding agreements
Engaging in government-funded projects presents unique legal and compliance challenges, particularly in safeguarding intellectual property and managing data rights. To fully leverage federal funding, companies must navigate complex regulations while ensuring proprietary rights are protected and obligations are met.
With deep experience in drafting, negotiation, compliance, and strategic guidance, we help clients optimize their participation in government-funded initiatives. Our approach ensures compliance with federal requirements, clarifies the implications of IP and data rights clauses, and safeguards proprietary technologies, patents, and data. From initiating new collaborations to managing existing awards, we work to align your operational and legal strategies with federal standards, driving success in these critical partnerships.
Working together
Creating value through results-focused legal solutions and transparent billing practices
When working together, we want you to have a clear understanding of what work is required to address your matter effectively and how you will be charged. Our guiding principle is simple: we only charge for work that adds meaningful value and that you’ve asked us to perform. No surprises, no unnecessary tasks—just practical, targeted legal support.
Discuss your expectations
For any new matter, we will start by discussing your needs, goals, and budget. You will have a clear understanding of timing for your matter and the work product to be delivered.
Fees and timing
We will provide a fee estimate, fixed fee or not to exceed fee, as appropriate for your matter. Our rates are a small fraction of what larger firms charge, allowing you to access sophisticated legal services without overextending your budget.
We Get to work
Once we sign an engagement letter, we'll begin working on your matter right away. You can contact Ryan directly via phone, text, or email for updates or to discuss your case.
Get in Touch
Contact Ryan
Send Ryan an email or give him a call on a completely confidential basis.
(224) 344-3343
Meet in Downtown Chicago
Schedule a free consultation
Use the link below to schedule completely free and confidential consultation with Ryan.