Business attorneys offer assistance for nearly all aspects of company operations. Their knowledge in tax law ensures compliance with all relevant regulations.
Finding the ideal business lawyer is often a challenging endeavor, so it is key that you select a representative with whom you feel at ease communicating and trusting their judgement.
Business Formation
Business attorneys provide vital assistance on various legal matters related to business. From selecting the appropriate legal structure for your company and drafting internal governing documents to helping meet ongoing legal obligations like filing annual reports and meeting IRS regulatory requirements – often overlooked by new business owners who can lead to costly mistakes and even legal problems if these tasks go neglected.
Lawyers can also assist businesses with other matters that arise while running them, including contract disputes, employment matters and mergers or acquisitions. A good attorney will often help resolve disputes more cost effectively than going to court; their services could save both time, money and headaches by helping prevent costly errors from ever taking place in the first place.
Selecting the ideal legal entity for your business can have a profound effect on personal liability, costs and tax liabilities – having an experienced attorney guide this process is essential in setting up your company for success.
As part of starting up a new business, selecting an appropriate legal structure is vital to meeting all applicable state and federal laws. A business attorney can assist in selecting an ideal structure based on reviewing both short-term goals as well as benefits and drawbacks of each option available to you.
Partnership is an unincorporated business structure typically comprised of two or more people. A lawyer can help draft a legal agreement outlining each partner’s percentage ownership interest and how profits will be shared between partners. A partnership allows you to share risks associated with operating a business with someone else while protecting you against personal liability more adequately than other structures might.
An LLC is an ideal way for new businesses to start out, as its advantages combine those of corporate governance with limited owner liability. An experienced attorney can assist in the formation process by preparing legal documents, verifying your name is available, and paying any necessary fees. As an LLC is classified as a pass-through entity, profits or losses reported individually rather than to the corporate level.
Contracts
No matter whether your business is small, a start-up, or tech, all agreements and contracts should be legally enforceable and upholdable. Consulting with an experienced business attorney is key in order to memorialize your needs while assuring any agreements or contracts will provide essential protections to your firm.
Contracts may be written or oral; however, documenting them can reduce the chance of legal disputes later. When working with customers it is particularly essential that all terms are clearly written so there can be no confusion over what each party has agreed to – business attorneys are an invaluable asset in creating contracts which are understandable by everyone involved.
Business lawyers can also help with other types of general business contracts, such as leasing commercial space or equipment, employment contracts, service agreements (outlining which services your business will offer and how they’ll be paid for), nondisclosure agreements (protecting confidential information from being shared outside your business), or nondisclosure agreements (protecting confidential data from being released outside your company). Your attorney will guide the creation of these types of agreements so they meet your company’s specific needs).
An experienced business law attorney can also help your company navigate any complex legal issues that might arise as your business expands and evolves, such as disputes with competitors or changing laws that necessitate revising current operations. A specialized attorney in your company’s type can develop strategies that anticipate such issues and reduce their impact on operations.
Your attorney can also assist in selecting the ideal entity for your company depending on its type and function, to maximize tax efficiency and liability protection. They’ll advise you about all of the available entities as well as their advantages and disadvantages before working closely with your accountant on this endeavor.
Intellectual Property
Intellectual property (IP) can add significant value to any business. IP consists of intangible creations made by human minds – inventions, works of art, symbols and designs, trademarks – which are protected under copyright, patent and trade mark laws against infringement, dilution and imitation.
Business attorneys provide clients with help for all aspects of protecting and enforcing their intellectual property rights, from filing applications for protection to defending against actions brought by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, as well as litigation when necessary. Proactive measures taken by businesses can help decrease any chances of intellectual property infringement occurring; for example using only royalty-free media in ads or ensuring all work produced by employees or contractors is properly marked can significantly lower this risk.
Intellectual property protection can be more challenging than protecting physical assets such as cars or buildings, due to its intangibility. However, protecting intellectual property should remain an integral task for all businesses regardless of size or industry in which they operate – or else someone could steal your valuable ideas or inventions and leave your company struggling financially.
No matter the nature of your business, its ideas and innovations are among its most prized assets. Securing these ideas requires legal expertise if applying for protection; be sure to speak with an experienced attorney if this process interests you.
Bowles & Verna attorneys provide assistance for clients facing business law matters related to intellectual property law in Walnut Creek and throughout the Bay Area. To discover how a business attorney may help, reach out today; free consultations are offered for new clients! Additionally, visit the Practical Law resource library for additional forms, templates and checklists that can assist in understanding intellectual property topics such as trademarks, copyrights and patents.
Litigation
Legal disputes in business are unavoidable; whether with vendors, employees, or another business. While in some instances they can be resolved through negotiation and problem solving between parties involved, when court action becomes necessary it’s essential that you retain an experienced firm with business litigation experience in your corner.
Businesses require attorneys with diverse skillsets in order to effectively represent businesses and companies, including business litigation (also referred to as commercial litigation). This area of law encompasses everything from contract disputes to class action suits; covering intellectual property rights, labor and employment practices and corporate governance among others.
Litigation can consume both time and resources, which is why having a professional team on your side when facing legal matters is vital. A savvy business attorney knows how to work efficiently while keeping costs under control while producing incredible results.
Some business attorneys specialize in specific forms of litigation, like wrongful death, medical malpractice or real estate disputes. Others may focus on general business law issues like bankruptcy, mergers and acquisitions, investments licensing contracts taxes zoning regulations. A business lawyer should be knowledgeable in all these areas as issues can affect them all at the same time.
Are You Needing A Business Attorney For Your Company? Reach Out Now To A Professional
Search the Super Lawyers directory to easily find a qualified business attorney near you. Using their patented selection process, this directory ensures you receive top-tier legal representation. Each attorney listed has been recognized for their professional achievements and peer influence – making it easier for you to locate someone suitable to meet your legal needs.
