Business Lawyer
Why Does a Business Need a Lawyer?
Running a business is fraught with legal risks. The very formation of a business requires careful analysis. Should you form a corporation, a limited liability partnership, an LLC, or operate as a sole proprietor? Which is most advantageous for your new business? A proper employee handbook and HR policies and procedures are necessary when founders begin hiring employees. Another integral part of maintaining a successful business is drafting and negotiating contracts and other agreements. That, too, requires the careful attention of a legal professional, especially in business-to-business agreements.
A merchandise-centered business might face additional obstacles related to product liability, intellectual property protection, and may need a specialized attorney who can ensure the business’s disclosures and warning policies are sufficient. From small businesses and start-ups to closely held corporations, having experienced legal counsel on your side is instrumental for the success of your venture.
Legally Establishing Your Business
Starting a new business is usually an exciting period for founding entrepreneurs. However, determining the type of entity (LLC, corporation, limited partnership) can also be extremely stressful. Many factors ought to be considered. A business law attorney can help you understand your options and describe the long-term effects your choice will have on your business in such areas as taxation, accounting, ownership structure, equity financing, and mergers and acquisitions. At North City Law, our attorneys are experienced in both business and tax law, and can help you make the optimal plan for your operation’s success.
Drafting, Executing, and Reviewing Contracts
At the center of every business are various contractual agreements, and in many ways, they define how efficiently a business runs. Employment contracts determine the terms under which employees are hired and protect your intellectual property and trade secrets, while contracts with third parties (sellers, customers, other companies, and the government) can determine how revenue is distributed and your rights and responsibilities in the event of a dispute. Once a contract is signed, you are bound by law to fulfill its terms. Because of the gravity of such a commitment, it is tremendously important to employ skilled business law attorneys to help prepare and review contracts both within your own operation and those coming from outside parties.
Protecting the Integrity of Your Business in Litigation
As your business continues to evolve, your interactions with the public, the government, and other enterprises can significantly increase – both in volume and in complexity. It is nearly inevitable that at some point, your presence in court will be required to fight a contract that has been breached or respond to a complaint that has been filed against you. In those instances, an effective business law attorney is crucial to making your case. Anything from managing the order in which a case proceeds to making an argument in front of the jury will require nuanced knowledge of your business, local courts, and applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations.
Product Liability
If your business is centered on merchandise, or provides a service to the public, issues with product liability might eventually arise. Such court proceedings not only pose a significant financial risk to your business, they may also result in new limitations for your thriving business and potentially tarnish your product’s otherwise excellent reputation. In many instances, a knowledgeable attorney can help you resolve a complaint before it turns into an adversarial litigation process. If litigation cannot be avoided, strong legal representation is a vital necessity. Knowledgeable attorneys can advocate for you in and outside the courtroom, make comprehensive strategies concerning your product liability case, and determine which guidelines need to be put in place for your business to continue running effectively.
Business Legal Services
- Business Formation
- Legal Entity Selection
- Secretary of State Filings
- Registered Agent
- Limited Liability Company (LLC) Operating Agreement
- Partnership Agreement
- Corporate Charter and Bylaws
- Shareholder Agreement
- Corporate Minute Book
- Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
- Commercial Leases for Tenants
- Commercial Leases for Landlords
- Friends and Family Investment
- Employee Handbook
- Business to Business (B2B) Contracts
- Service Agreements
- Independent Contractor Agreements
- Membership Interest Purchase Agreements
- Franchise Agreement Review
- Asset Purchase and Sale
- Equity Purchase and Sale
- Membership Purchase and Sale
- Mergers
- Spin-offs
- Dissolution, Wind-up, and Final Distribution