BUSINESS

We represent established and start-up corporations, partnerships and individuals conducting varied commercial, industrial, technological, professional and entrepreneurial activities. In our representation, we provide counseling and services to form, reorganize or liquidate businesses, to develop and carry out competitive business plans, and to protect businesses from unnecessary legal risks and costs.

• Acquisitions and Sales

We evaluate, plan, negotiate and prepare documents for the purchase and sale of businesses and franchises. We help structure transactions to maximize security and minimize tax effects and other legal risks.

• Contracts and Other Legal Documents

We draft and review contracts and other agreements, including technology transfer agreements, and advise businesses of their legal, tax and practical implications. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each transaction, design alternative approaches and implement the approved strategy.

• Corporate Law

After forming a corporation for a client, our service does not end. Through our "Corporate Minute Service," we regularly contact our corporate clients to review and document recent activities, to coordinate board of director and shareholder meetings and to prepare essential corporate minutes.

• Tax Planning and Disputes

Our experienced tax attorneys work with businesses and their accountants first to structure the appropriate business entity and then to formulate and implement strategies to optimize the effects of current tax laws on business transactions. We also represent businesses in hearings and litigation to resolve federal and state tax disputes.

• Employees and the Workplace

Among many other matters, we review and counsel businesses on compliance with state and federal laws that affect employees and the workplace. We prepare and review personnel manuals and other policy documents that address such important employee issues as compensation, discrimination, harassment and termination. We negotiate, draft and review employment, noncompetition and severance agreements and assist with the creation, administration and dissolution of benefit and retirement plans. We also represent businesses in labor commission and similar proceedings.

• Business Legal Advisor Services

We offer a unique comprehensive and cost-effective service we call the "Business Legal Advisor." Under the program, we effectively act as a business's in-house legal staff or general counsel. We work with the business to establish a periodic budget for general legal affairs, to evaluate the time, thoroughness and expense to be devoted to particular matters, and to establish an efficient communication system between the business and our firm. When necessary, our attorneys and legal assistants educate themselves about the business and its industry through research and meetings with the business's key employees and stand ready to provide immediate legal and practical responses to business proposals and legal inquiries--within a budget.

• Business Disputes

When business disputes arise, we represent businesses in resolving the disputes through mediation or arbitration or, if necessary, litigation.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

Our website is maintained as a way of keeping our clients and friends of the firm advised of recent developments in the law and recent news from our practice. It is not intended to be used as legal advice and the reader is cautioned to consult with an attorney experienced in such areas of the law before taking any action on issues we may discuss on this website. In the event this communication is not in conformity with the regulations of any state, we are not willing to accept representation based on this communication.