Our Expertise

What issues affect you and your business? It’s likely that we have experience handling those issues.

Entity formation: LLC or corporation? We can help you decide. Corporate formalities? We can help you understand what you need to do. More than one owner in your business? We can help you understand what documents you need to make certain that your interest in your business is protected in the event of death, disability or divorce – or when you or your partners want to sell a share of your business. [Paula.]

Startups: Do you have a great idea, but you don’t quite know how to fund it? Are you wondering how to best protect your investment in your idea? We can guide you through the process of setting up a business entity, advise you on how to protect your intellectual property, and introduce you to ways to finance your dream. [Paula.]

Transactions: Used to doing business on a handshake? We understand. We also understand that a well-written contract can help you transact business more efficiently when things are going well... and when a dispute arises. We can draft contracts that work for the business and protect you if you need to terminate the contract. [Bruce.]

Employees: Do you need employment agreements for your employees? Maybe you have an employee who is causing you concern. We can help you decide what actions and documents are necessary to protect your business and your customers. [Link to Paula.] We work on your side to safeguard your company against employee fraud, to shield your confidential information, to draft and defend non-competition agreements, and to think through crucial steps when terminating an employee.

Creditor-Debtor: Businesses often need to borrow or lend money? Do you really understand those loan documents? You may feel you have no choice but to sign a personal guaranty – but there may be another way to satisfy your creditors. We can help you understand exactly what you are signing. [Link to Bruce] Having trouble meeting your loan obligations? We can help you talk to the lender. [Bruce.] Having trouble collecting? We can help you recover amounts you have loaned. [Ranchor.]

Commercial Leasing: Ready to sign a lease agreement? Do you understand what CAM charges are? What does that subordination clause really mean? Is there a better way to structure rent payments? Let us help you navigate the hidden costs and requirements of commercial leases. [Link to Paula.] If you are seeking to enforce a clause in your lease agreement, let us help. [Ranchor.]

Negotiation, Mediation and Litigation: Need help on a business deal gone awry? We never rush into court unless it is necessary, but there may be times when litigation is the only choice. We can guide you effectively to help you make the right choices for your business and defend your business interests. [Ranchor.]

Purchases and Sales of Businesses: Are you ready to sell your business? Have you heard of a business you want to buy? Is a competitor ready to sell you its assets or customer list? Or are you considering buying a franchise? We can advise you through the purchase or sale of stock or assets so that you leave the closing table with what you want – and not what you don’t want. [Bruce.] We can also review those long and complex franchise agreements so that you understand exactly what you are buying – and what your obligations are. [Paula.]

Succession and Estate Planning: What will you do when you decide to retire from your business? Will your partners or children take over? What plans do you have for your personal estate, and what role does your business play? What are the tax consequences? We can help you work through plans for your business and personal wealth. [John.]

Prenuptials and Postnuptials: Are you a business owner contemplating marriage or divorce? We can show you how a change in your relationship will affect the ownership of your business? Let us help you navigate through these changes in regards to your business. [John.]

Workouts and Bankruptcy: There are times when your business debts may seem overwhelming. The earlier you confront these issues in your business, the more likely we can help you meet, and possibly overcome, the challenges. [Bruce.] We can also help you decide if liquidation or bankruptcy may be the right choice for your business.

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