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Portrait of Shelbey N. Vandenbroucke
Attorney

Shelbey N. Vandenbroucke

Shelbey helps franchise companies navigate corporate compliance, acquisitions, and data privacy through strategic counsel.

312.784.1247 Connect

Shelbey is a general corporate and transactional attorney who assists businesses in all stages of maturity. Her practice is primarily focused on franchise law and mergers and acquisitions, where she assists companies ranging in size from established multi-national brands to single-unit franchise systems.

Shelbey assists franchisors in all stages of development with franchise disclosure document preparation, renewal, registrations, and day-to-day system management and compliance, in various industries including hospitality, restaurants, fitness, wellness, and personal services. She is also well-versed in data privacy, corporate transactions, commercial and regulatory compliance, and general corporate governance. Shelbey provides consistent and reliable assistance to her clients through all business and operational matters they may encounter.

Prior to joining Cheng Cohen, Shelbey practiced as a defense litigator in Chicago. Previously, Shelbey served as the Managing Editor of the Loyola University Chicago Law Journal, participated on the American Bar Association Moot Court team, and taught as an instructional assistant for legal writing classes.

Did you know

Shelbey shamelessly enjoys reality TV, especially the Real Housewives and Southern Charm.Shelbey will most definitely order french fries for the table (along with a variety of dipping sauces.Shelbey once rode the Zamboni at the Blackhawks game and has been on every Chicago sports stadium jumbotron.Shelbey loves to travel and has visited 16 countries and counting, including solo trips to Italy, Croatia and Thailand.Shelbey is a moot court coach for the Anderson 7th Circuit team at her law school alma mater, Loyola University Chicago.Shelbey studied journalism at Indiana University – go Hoosiers! – and did a work-study program in London.Shelbey spends her free time going to concerts and doing Pilates.Shelbey believes it is never too cold – even in Chicago – to enjoy an iced coffee.Shelbey loves the Chicago Bears and any team who is playing the Green Bay Packers.Shelbey sang in choirs and took vocal lessons for more than 14 years.

Credentials & Contributions

Education

  • Juris Doctor, Loyola University Chicago Law School
  • Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, Indiana University – Bloomington

Bar Admissions

  • State of Illinois

Associations

  • International Franchise Association
  • American Bar Association Forum on Franchising
    • ABA Forum Young Lawyers Division Committee (2025 to present)
  • Chicago Bar Association
  • Women’s Bar Association of Illinois

Speaking & Publications

  • Host, Thought Leadership Roundtable: R&D and Electronic State Filings for non-lawyers/paralegals, IFA Convention (Feb. 2024)

Awards & Recognition

Chairs Award for Substantial Written Work or Presentation, ABA Forum on Franchising (2025)