Sherry L. Harlan
Sherry L. Harlan
Partner
"I am a problem solver. I work efficiently and proactively to advance the legal matter at hand."

Sherry L. Harlan
Partner
"I am a problem solver. I work efficiently and proactively to advance the legal matter at hand."
About Sherry
Sherry focuses her practice on real estate and general corporate law. She represents small and medium-sized businesses in their general corporate needs, including the development, acquisition, and sale of the business and its real estate. She serves as principal counsel to many family-owned businesses and focuses her real estate counsel on contracts, annexation, leasing, and complex zoning matters.
Sherry also represents many nonprofit entities in the Rockford region in governance, expansion and development, annexation, zoning, construction contracts, and general matters.
Areas of Focus
Experience
- 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.
Recognition
- The Best Lawyers in America®, Real Estate Law, 2025 – 2026
- Rockford Register Star, 75 People You Should Know, 2018
- Martindale-Hubbell, Distinguished® Peer Review Rating
Credentials
Education
- University of Wisconsin Law School, JD, 1987
- Illinois Wesleyan University, BA, 1983
Bar Admissions
- Illinois
Court Admissions
- US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
Thought Leadership
In The News
Press Releases
Interests
Did you know...
Sherry enjoys botany and landscape design and is an avid skier and cyclist.
Community/Civic Activities
- Rockford Garden Club, Communications Board Member
- Transform Rockford 815 Choose Civility, Co-Founder
- Dean's Action Council for the University of Illinois Rockford School of Medicine, Board Member
- Rockford Public Library Foundation, Former Board Member; Vice-President
- Klehm Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, Former Board Member
- Stepping Stones of Rockford, Inc., Former Board Member
Thought Leadership
In The News
Press Releases
Sherry's Insights

Press Release
Aug 21, 2025
102 Hinshaw Lawyers Recognized in 2026 Editions of The Best Lawyers in America® and Ones to Watch™

Press Release
Aug 15, 2024
105 Hinshaw Lawyers Recognized in 2025 Editions of Best Lawyers in America and Ones to Watch

Press Release
Jul 2, 2012
Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP Announces Election of 7 New Partners