More about Business Law

A skilled attorney is a critical part of any business owner's advisory team. Business attorneys are equipped to assist you in handling a variety of tasks that can protect you from potential legal and business pitfalls, in addition to solving existing legal issues.   From concept, planning and selecting a name, to operation or upon the sale of your business, having a trusted attorney in your corner can provide vital assistance and incredible value to your business by protecting your interests and reducing your liability.  This allows you to focus on the growth and success of your business.  

Starting a New Business

The expertise that an attorney will bring to a business comes at a cost that not all entrepreneurs can afford when establishing their businesses.  Further, many of the of the steps of starting a business can be performed without a lawyer.  Your decision to retain an attorney must be balanced against the amount of time and effort you are willing to expend to independently research the necessary steps to get your business off the ground and potential expense of addressing costly mistakes down the road.  

Whether you are creating a new business or purchasing an existing business, you will need to consider what type of entity to organize.  An attorney can help you to understanding the differences between each type of entity, so that you can properly evaluate the tax implications, liability and compliance issues.  Your business will also need properly drafted organizing documents which will govern how your business will operate, allow for change, and terminate.  Properly drafted these documents can limit exposure to liability and may also affect profit.

Contracts and Agreements

Review and preparation of Contracts is crucial to most businesses.  Having an attorney review and prepare your Contracts is a cost today that may avoid the cost of litigation tomorrow.  A contract should always be drafted to protect your interest and make clear the terms of the agreement entered into.  Whether you require the preparation of a Letter of Intent and Purchase Agreement, a lease agreement, a joint venture agreement, a vendor contract, an employment contract, or some other form of contract, a properly drafted agreement will help ensure your rights, and help avoid liability and costly litigation.  It is important to have an attorney review or prepare any documents binding your company so that terms and exposure are known and understood.

Buying and Selling a Business

Buying and Selling businesses are often complex.  The terms of the agreement may contain clauses that will control the allocation of the purchase price, what kind of sale is contemplated,  whether or not any contingencies will be included, and the terms of performance.  Almost all will include a period of due diligence that will govern whether or not the transaction will proceed, and may include specific items available for review under the agreement.  Having an attorney who can help you understand the options available to your business and the terms proposed in any agreement is essential.   

Frequently Asked Questions

Hartmann Law Can Help your Business

Hartmann Law helps businesses avoid and, if necessary, solve problems. From the outset of your planning and formation, to day to day operation and growth, through succession planning and sale, Hartmann Law is here to help.  Whether you require advice for a limited and specific matter or you wish to engage in an on-going corporate relationship, at almost any aspect of your business existence, Hartmann Law is ready to guide you through business matters and help you reach your potential as the owner of a business. Contact Hartmann Law today.

Hartmann Law provides trusted counsel to individuals, families, businesses and corporations help navigate matters that require legal services  including residential and commercial real estate, estate planning and business law.