Business / Corporate Law
Corporate law addresses a wide and varied range of issues which impact everything a business entity (whether corporation, limited liability company, partnership or some variation of the foregoing ) may, and in many situations certainly will, face during its existence. Whether it is the initial meeting to discuss choice of entity and minimization of corporate or personal taxes, preparation of formation and governance documents, agreements between owners to restrict the sale and transfer of stock or to provide liquidity in the event of death, disability or other triggers (e.g., Buy-Sell Agreements), resolution of disputes between directors or shareholders, contracts with employees, vendors and customers, financing matters, employment issues, the sale and purchase of divisions, assets or entire companies, a “corporate lawyer” should be consulted and involved in reviewing the options available to achieve your objectives.
We work proactively in bringing our years of experience in business not only to provide guidance in choosing which entity makes smart sense both from a tax and operational perspective, but explaining why a particular entity is preferable over others.
If partners, or other investors, are involved, additional documentation is advisable to memorialize the amount of investment, expectations concerning distribution, governance issues and management rights. Important to consider early on in the company’s existence is the advisability of a Buy-Sell Agreement, either where the company buys, or the other owners buy, the shares or interests upon a shareholder’s or partner’s death, disability or other separation from service with the company.
Experienced attorneys will provide you with comprehensive, personalized corporate law services whether incorporating a new business or counsel on any of the myriad of legal matters that come up during business life. Specializing in helping small business owners and the owners of medium-sized businesses, our business attorneys will guide you through the maze of laws and regulations that govern your business industry.
Start Ups
We assist entrepreneurs and new business owners in understanding and selecting the appropriate type of company, or “entity,” they wish to form, whether it be a standard “C” corporation, a Subchapter “S” corporation, limited liability company, partnership, or other entity, each type having its own tax consequences. We advise on all legal requirements for their chosen entity type.
Established Companies
Once a business is established, providing ongoing counsel for matters of financing, buy-sell agreements, contracts, governance issues, mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and more, are at your disposal.
Non-profits
Advising non-profit organizations, including obtaining federal tax-exempt status under Section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code and counseling clients on legal matters unique to non-profit organizations, is also available.
Some of the corporate law services available to small- and medium-sized businesses:
- Affordable Care Act
- Annual Meetings, Special Meetings
- Asset Acquisitions
- Board of Directors/Member Relations
- Buy-Sell Agreements
- “Choice of Entity” Considerations
- Corporations
- Covenants Not-to-Compete (Non-Competition Agreements)
- Divestiture
- Employment Agreements
- Financing
- Governance Issues
- Limited Liability Companies
- Mergers
- Non-Profit Corporations
- Partnerships
- Redevelopment Corporations
- Registered Agent Services
- Shareholder Disputes
- Shareholder Rights and Issues
- Tax Free Reorganizations
- Tax Issues
- Transfer of Interests
Corporate Law Articles
My Partner is WHO? – Shareholder Duties and Minority Oppression
It is a nightmare scenario for any small business owner: your partner in business falls through, and you're stuck working with someone you never intended to. It could happen in a variety of scenarios. Maybe your partner decides they would rather vacation in the...
Rolling the Dice: Business Plans for Start-Ups or, To Be or Not To Be
As small business attorneys for almost 25 years, we have seen many trends, heard many business ideas and have been pitched countless "business opportunities." During the course of that time, we have consulted on literally thousands of new start-up companies, and we...
LLC or S-Corp? (Or, Why The Barber May Not Be Right)
Many individuals embarking on starting their own businesses have a preconceived idea that they want to form a limited liability company (LLC ) instead of an S-Corporation. Often, and I am not making this up, their opinions arise from conversations with barbers!...
Dinner, Drinks and a Game—How Deductible Is It?
On a recent business trip to Indianapolis, you decide to take a client out for dinner, drinks and to a Pacers' game. It’s win-win: you have a good time and you use the opportunity to earn some goodwill to promote your business. It's a no-brainer that that expense is...