Overview
Starting a business can be a daunting challenge. Small business owners face a number of complicated laws that a business lawyer can help them understand. Business lawyers train themselves to understand the legal complexities that businesses of all sizes face. They can assist businesses with a number of legal issues that can arise when starting or growing a small business, as well as any legal conflicts that may arise during business.
Issues Requiring a Lawyer
Choosing a business structure. Many different types of organizations exist. Should you start a sole proprietorship, a partnership or a corporation? What is the difference between a limited liability partnership (LLP) and a limited liability company (LLC)? What are the advantages and disadvantages of a corporation? Is your business eligible to become a nonprofit organization?
Employment law advice and litigation. Employees have very specific legal rights. A business lawyer can allow employers to understand the rights of employees in order to protect employers from wrongful termination cases or other lawsuits. An attorney can also establish contracts for employees and include noncompetition or nondisclosure agreements.
Business Disputes, Conflicts and Litigation. Issues such as breach of contract, construction disputes, unfair trade practices, commercial lease disputes and other problems can threaten a small business. Corporations can experience highly complex issues such as shareholder disputes.
Mergers and Dissolutions. Whether a business owner seeks to grow a small business by acquiring other companies or intends to dissolve a business or remove a partner, a lawyer who handles the intricacies of small business can provide valuable services.
Categories of Business Law
- Antitrust Laws
- Commercial Litigation
- Breach of Contract
- Business Ownership Structures
- ESI Discovery Law
- Franchise Law
- Intellectual Property
- Landlord Tenant Law
- Mergers and Acquisitions
- Non-Compete Agreements
- Oil & Gas
- Patents
- Sports Management
- Tax Law
- Trade Secrets
Hiring an Attorney
The list above is not comprehensive, and lawyers can assist a small business with many aspects of operation. Finding a lawyer who handles business law can improve a company’s likelihood of thriving.