Small Business Lawyers
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Meet some of our Small Business Lawyers
Jeremiah C.
Jeremiah C.
Creative, results driven business & technology executive with 27 years of experience (17+ as a business/corporate lawyer). A problem solver with a passion for business, technology, and law. I bring a thorough understanding of the intersection of the law and business needs to any endeavor, having founded multiple startups myself with successful exits. I provide professional business and legal consulting. Throughout my career I've represented a number large corporations (including some of the top Fortune 500 companies) but the vast majority of my clients these days are startups and small businesses. Having represented hundreds of successful crowdfunded startups, I'm one of the most well known attorneys for startups seeking CF funds. I hold a Juris Doctor degree with a focus on Business/Corporate Law, a Master of Business Administration degree in Entrepreneurship, A Master of Education degree and dual Bachelor of Science degrees. I look forward to working with any parties that have a need for my skill sets.
"Jeremiah was pleasant to speak to and provided high quality work. I appreciate that he took the time to call me personally instead of a paralegal. Work delivered early and high quality! Highly recommend"
Benjamin W.
I am a California-barred attorney specializing in business contracting needs. My areas of expertise include contract law, corporate formation, employment law, including independent contractor compliance, regulatory compliance and licensing, and general corporate law. I truly enjoy getting to know my clients, whether they are big businesses, small start-ups looking to launch, or individuals needing legal guidance. Some of my recent projects include: -drafting business purchase and sale agreements -drafting independent contractor agreements -creating influencer agreements -creating compliance policies and procedures for businesses in highly regulated industries -drafting service contracts -advising on CA legality of hiring gig workers including effects of Prop 22 and AB5 -forming LLCs -drafting terms of service and privacy policies -reviewing employment contracts I received my JD from UCLA School of Law and have been practicing for over five years in this area. I’m an avid reader and writer and believe those skills have served me well in my practice. I also complete continuing education courses regularly to ensure I am up-to-date on best practices for my clients. I pride myself on providing useful and accurate legal advice without complex and confusing jargon. I look forward to learning about your specific needs and helping you to accomplish your goals. Please reach out to learn more about my process and see if we are a good fit!
"Benjamin was a great communicator. He understood that I was looking to negotiate, not litigate. Very happy with the work. Hiring him for a second project now."
David B.
A twenty-five year attorney and certified mediator native to the Birmingham, Alabama area.
"David was able to meet my turnaround time and still do a thorough job and provide great feedback on my document."
Rebecca S.
I absolutely love helping my clients buy their first home, sell their starters, upgrade to their next big adventure, or transition to their next phase of life. The confidence my clients have going into a transaction and through the whole process is one of the most rewarding aspects of practicing this type of law. My very first class in law school was property law, and let me tell you, this was like nothing I’d ever experienced. I remember vividly cracking open that big red book and staring at the pages not having the faintest idea what I was actually reading. Despite those initial scary moments, I grew to love property law. My obsession with real estate law was solidified when I was working in Virginia at a law firm outside DC. I ran the settlement (escrow) department and learned the ins and outs of transactions and the unique needs of the parties. My husband and I bought our first home in Virginia in 2012 and despite being an attorney, there was so much we didn’t know, especially when it came to our HOA and our mortgage. Our real estate agent was a wonderful resource for finding our home and negotiating some of the key terms, but there was something missing in the process. I’ve spent the last 10 years helping those who were in the same situation we were in better understand the process.
"Rebecca you were awesome I appreciate you working with me and helping me get this done. I look forward to working with you in the future."
Adam B.
With over 25 years of experience in the technology sector, I am a strategic business counsel, outsourced general counsel, and a leader of high-performing legal teams aimed to help maximize the efficiency of all stakeholders. I recently joined the renewable energy space with the addition of a new client on its way to becoming the first Chinese battery company to build a battery manufacturing presence in the US beginning with a 1+ GWh cell and pack plant, and a domestic anode and cathode plant. In my most recent full-time role, I served as the Sr. Director and Assistant General Counsel at SMART Global Holdings, where I served as the general counsel for the HPC and AI division of this publicly traded holding company, comprised of four companies, before becoming the global head of the commercial legal function across all portfolio companies, including two multinational industry leaders. During much of my career, I provided outside legal services on a recurring basis for several years advising several high growth start-ups and venture firms as well as house hold names, and also led one of the country's fastest growing infrastructure resellers and managed services providers. My core competencies include contract review, commercial negotiation, legal operations, information security, privacy, supply chain and procurement, alliances and channel sales, HR, and general corporate. I am passionate about leveraging my legal skills to achieve business solutions, supporting innovation and growth in the technology sector, and helping maximize the commercial flow and efficiency at growing companies. I hold an undergraduate business degree, a JD, a MSBA Taxation, and certifications from the California Bar Association, Six Sigma, and ISM.
Ema T.
I am a NY licensed attorney experienced in business contracts, agreements, waivers and more, corporate law, and trademark registration. My office is a sole member Law firm therefore, I Take pride in giving every client my direct attention and focus. I focus on getting the job done fast while maintaining high standards.
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Browse Lawyers NowSmall Business Legal Questions and Answers
Small Business
Business Entity
Illinois
I have an LLC for rental investment. Can i use the LLC to do independent corp to corp work.
Currently employed, with investment property under LLC. Would like to do independent contract work.
T. Phillip B.
The question isn't whether you can do it, but is whether you SHOULD do it. You definitely would be able to do other work within the LLC. However, in doing so, now you active work and passive income are getting combined which would likely subject your passive income to the 15.3% self employment tax. Let me know if you have any questions on how to structure the businesses.
Small Business
LLC
Texas
Why hire a lawyer for LLC formation?
I am a small business owner looking to form a Limited Liability Company (LLC). I am aware of the various steps involved in forming an LLC, such as filing paperwork with the state, but I am unsure of the legal ramifications and potential risks associated with this type of business structure. I am seeking advice from a lawyer to understand the legal implications of forming an LLC and to ensure that I am taking the necessary steps to protect my business and my personal assets.
Michael C.
Here are some of the key reasons why it can be beneficial to hire a lawyer when forming an LLC: - Expertise navigating legal requirements - Forming an LLC involves meeting specific legal and regulatory requirements under state law. A business lawyer can help ensure you take all the necessary steps to properly create and register your LLC so that it obtains legal recognition and protections. - Assistance with operating agreement - Lawyers can draft a customized operating agreement that outlines the ownership structure, member responsibilities, profit/loss distributions, voting rights, and other rules governing your LLC. This agreement is important for establishing how your LLC will operate. - Advice on tax implications - LLCs can choose different tax treatments (like being taxed as a sole proprietorship, partnership, S-corp or C-corp). A lawyer can help you understand the tax implications of these options. - Ongoing legal advice - After forming the LLC, you may need guidance on legal issues like liability protection, employing workers, licensing, contracts, intellectual property, etc. A lawyer can provide trusted counsel. - Compliance with regulations - Lawyers stay up-to-date on all current LLC regulations and can help ensure your LLC remains compliant as laws evolve. Non-compliance can result in penalties or loss of LLC status. The bottom line is that an experienced business lawyer can help you avoid potential mistakes when forming an LLC and provide ongoing guidance to maintain the legal protections an LLC provides. Their expertise makes the lawyer fees worthwhile for many small business owners.
Small Business
C Corp
North Carolina
C corp vs. S corp: Which is better?
I am currently starting a new business and am trying to decide which corporate structure is best for my particular situation. I have heard that C corps and S corps have different advantages and disadvantages, so I am looking to get legal advice as to which would be more beneficial for me. I understand that there are many factors to consider, such as taxation, liability, and potential for growth, so I am hoping to get a better understanding of the pros and cons of each structure and which would be the most suitable for my needs.
Nicholas M.
It would be impossible to give you a primer on all of the advantages and disadvantages, but here is a headnote version: C-Corp Pros: Ultimate flexibility with regards to ownership, control, power, etc through the issuance of one or more classes of shares. Cons: Double taxed. You will be taxes as a corporation and as an individual taking a salary from the corporation. S-Corp (this is just a C-Corp electing to be taxed under subchapter S of the IRS code): Pros: Tax advantage for owners (up to 100 people) from not double taxing. Cons: Less flexibility than C-Corp but more granular control than LLC. Depending on the situation, most companies starting out are better off starting an LLC, which has less formalities, and then converting to a S-Corp or C-Corp once they scale and can take advantage. C-Corp, S-Corp, and LLC all have the same level of liability protection if you follow the formalities for formation and maintenance. C-Corps have the most rigor and LLCs have the least. You can also consider LLP and other business structures based on co-owners or other factors that a lawyer can help you evaluate.
Small Business
Multi-Member LLC Operating Agreement
New York
Can a multi-member LLC operating agreement be amended without the consent of all members?
I am a member of a multi-member LLC and we currently have an operating agreement in place that was agreed upon when the company was formed. However, there have been changes in the business and we feel that certain provisions in the operating agreement need to be amended to better reflect our current needs and goals. Some members are hesitant to make these changes and we are unsure if the operating agreement can be amended without the consent of all members or if unanimous consent is required. We are seeking clarification on the process of amending the operating agreement and the level of consensus needed among the members.
Damien B.
Hello! My name is Damien Bosco, Esq. My law office is located in Long Island City across from Manhattan. If the operating agreement is silent on amendments, the default rule under New York's Limited Liability Company Law (LLCL) would apply. According to Section 402 with exceptions in Section 417 of the LLC Law, the operating agreement can generally be amended by a majority vote of the members, unless the agreement specifically requires unanimous consent for amendments. However, certain provisions require the consent of a member adversely affected by the amendment.: A) the obligations of any member to make contributions, (B) the allocation for tax purposes of any items of income, gain, loss, deduction, or credit, (C) the manner of computing the distributions of any member or (D) the compromise of an obligation of a member to contribute is contained in the articles of organization. If there are to be amendments without unanimous consent, it is better to have an attorney supervise the amendment process on behave of the LLC to make sure the amendment process is following NY law.
Small Business
Liability Waiver
North Carolina
Does every participant need a liability waiver?
I am a small business owner who is planning to hold an event for a group of participants. I am looking to ensure that everyone involved is properly protected in the event of any accidents or injuries. In order to do this, I am considering having participants sign a liability waiver. I want to make sure that I have the right legal protection in place and would like to know if every participant needs to sign a liability waiver.
Shelia H.
Yes. If you are having an event, every participant needs a liability waiver. This is especially important if the event includes activities that may result in someone getting hurt. Additionally, it provides you with an opportunity to disclose the possible hazards and an opportunity for the participant to make an informed decision regarding whether to attend and participate. Finally, even if you have a waiver, you will also want to supplement the waiver with insurance that will cover your event.
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