Business Lawyer
Why Does a Business Need a Lawyer?
Running a business is fraught with many potential legal obstacles. First, the very formation of a business requires some careful legal analysis. The new business needs to choose a legal entity under which to be officially recognized by the Secretary of State. A proper employee handbook and HR policies and procedures are necessary when the founders begin hiring employees. Another integral part of maintaining a successful business is drafting and negotiating contracts and other agreements and that, too, requires the careful attention of a legal professional, especially in a business-to-business agreement.
A merchandise-centered business might face additional obstacles related to product liability and may need a specialized attorney who can ensure the business’s disclosure and warning policies are in check, as well as be available to respond to any potential complaints. 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 the founding entrepreneurs. However, the beginning stage of setting up a business can also be extremely stressful. Many factors ought to be considered, not the least among which is the kind of legal entity to choose for your operation. 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, contracts with third-party sellers are executed, revenue is distributed, and can determine how you will be required to act with your customers, other companies, and the government. 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 contracts 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 a nuanced knowledge of both your business and the local legislature.
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
- Series A Investment
- Series B Investment
- Employee Handbook
- Business to Business (B2B) Contracts
- Asset Purchase and Sale
- Equity Purchase and Sale
- Mergers
- Spin-offs
- Dissolution, Wind-up, and Final Distribution