A business owner may have a number of decisions to make and obligations to consider that had not initially occurred to him or her when thinking about starting a business venture.
Formation
The various forms under which you can conduct your business – sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company or corporation – each have advantages and drawbacks to consider before launching the new business.
Governance and Compliance
Well-drafted governance documents, such as bylaws, operating agreement, buy-sell agreement, etc., will help ensure that you are legally prepared to address operational issues that may arise from time to time in your business. Besides routine matters such as required annual reporting to the state, or appointing a registered agent, or how profits will be paid out, these documents can address issues important to multi-owner businesses – how are disputes handled, what are the requirements for annual member meetings or shareholder meetings, how will the business be sold or dissolved in future years?
In addition to routine annual reporting or filings to state or local authorities, we will consider whether the nature of your business creates any unique compliance requirements, such as those dealing with Internet sales or maintaining the privacy and security of customers’ personal financial or health information.
Contracts and other Business Relationships
A successful business requires well-crafted contracts with the customers who buy your products or services, and with the vendors who supply your business with the materials and services that you require. I can assist in drafting contracts or in reviewing and revising contracts presented to you by third parties to ensure a clear and fair business relationship.