Business Attorney
Starting your own business can be an exciting and confusing endeavor. As you create your business plan, scope out possible locations, and consider different names, you should also seek professional legal advice from our qualified business attorneys.
We'll help you legally establish a partnership, LLC, or corporation so that your personal assets are protected from your business liabilities. Our attorneys can also advise on your business formation, mergers, acquisitions, or dissolution.
We'll help you legally establish a partnership, LLC, or corporation so that your personal assets are protected from your business liabilities. Our attorneys can also advise on your business formation, mergers, acquisitions, or dissolution.
- Formation
- Sole proprietorships
- Partnerships
- Joint ventures
- Family limited partnerships (FLPs)
- Limited liability companies (LLCs)
- Limited liability partnerships (LLPs)
- Corporations
- Mergers and Acquisitions
- Dissolution
- ABC Applications
Some Common Business Structures
Sole Proprietorship
When you start a business, it's automatically considered a sole proprietorship if you don't register it as any other entity. Under a sole proprietorship, your business assets and liabilities are not separated from your personal assets. You can be held personally responsible for your business debts.
Partnerships
Partnerships and limited liability partnerships (LLP) are for two or more people who own a business together. In an LLP, each partner has limited liability. You both would be protected from debts against your business, and you would not be responsible for any actions of your partner.
Corporations
A corporation is a legal entity completely separate from its owners. It takes on all liability. Additionally, a corporation would pay taxes separately and can be more expensive to establish. This business type is a good choice for businesses that are higher-risk or plan to go public.
Limited Liability Company
An LLC offers you corporate liability protection but usually operates and is taxed similarly to a sole proprietorship or partnership. Owners of an LLC are referred to as members. As a member, your personal assets are protected from your business debts or lawsuits.
Legally Form a Business
If you're planning to start a business, you'll need to choose a business structure and possibly file for various licenses or permits when you register with the state. There are multiple business structures for you to choose from, each with its own legal protections and benefits.
Some of the factors you'll consider when setting up your business include:
It's essential to seek financial advice from your CPA and legal advice from an experienced business attorney as you start your business. We'll help you select the business structure that fits your goals and operations.
Some of the factors you'll consider when setting up your business include:
- Liability Protection: You'll want to shield your personal assets from any company liabilities such as debts or lawsuits. Additionally, you can protect the company from the personal debts or conduct of an owner.
- Future Taxes: Each entity handles taxes differently. Traditional corporations pay taxes at the corporate and personal levels. Some other business types pay a self-employment tax.
- Number of Owners: If you are the sole owner of your business, you can choose to remain a sole proprietorship or establish an LLC or corporation.
- Management Structure: An LLC can be managed by owners, referred to as "members," or by managers without ownership. Limited partnerships may influence which partner has more business control.
- Potential Investors: If your business requires investors or significant funding – or you plan a future public offering – you would need to set up your business as a corporation.
- Selling the Company: Transferring ownership of your business would be done differently depending on the structure. For example, some states may require an LLC to be dissolved if one partner leaves.
It's essential to seek financial advice from your CPA and legal advice from an experienced business attorney as you start your business. We'll help you select the business structure that fits your goals and operations.
Alcoholic Beverage Commission (ABC) Applications
Ensuring you have the right licenses and permits is a crucial step to starting your business. There are several different types of liquor licenses and permits that may be applicable to your business. Without them, you may not be able to legally operate your business.
Some of the common alcoholic beverage licenses include:
If you plan to serve or sell alcohol as part of your business, our business law attorneys can advise you as to which types of licenses or permits will be necessary.
Some of the common alcoholic beverage licenses include:
- On-Premise Consumption or Liquor-By-the-Drink (LBD) licenses for restaurants, hotels, clubs, and other establishments
- Winery license to manufacture, bottle, and sell alcoholic vinous beverages
- Retail Food Store Wine license for grocery stores and convenience stores to sell wine for off-premise consumption
If you plan to serve or sell alcohol as part of your business, our business law attorneys can advise you as to which types of licenses or permits will be necessary.
Working With a Business Law Attorney
Meet With an Attorney
We'll help you define your goals and determine the business structure that works best.
File Your Documents
We'll create and finalize the necessary legal documents for your business formation.
Enjoy Peace of Mind
You can confidently register your business and begin operations with liability protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I legally start a business?
Our business law attorneys can advise you throughout the process of starting your business. Some of the steps you will take to legally start your business include:
To protect yourself and your business, we highly recommend seeking professional legal services and professional accounting services.
- Choosing your business structure
- Selecting and protecting your business name
- Registering your business at the state and/or federal level
- Acquiring a tax ID number
- Applying for the appropriate licenses and permits
- Opening a business checking account
To protect yourself and your business, we highly recommend seeking professional legal services and professional accounting services.
What business structure should I choose?
You can form a business as a:
The entity you choose depends on the type of liability protection you need, how you want to pay taxes, how many business owners there are, etc. Our business lawyers will help you consider the specific needs of your business and advise you as to which structure is the most beneficial to you.
- Sole proprietorship
- Partnership
- Corporation or
- Limited Liability Company (LLC)
The entity you choose depends on the type of liability protection you need, how you want to pay taxes, how many business owners there are, etc. Our business lawyers will help you consider the specific needs of your business and advise you as to which structure is the most beneficial to you.
What business structure is best for a small business owner?
A sole proprietorship and some partnerships offer the least liability protection but can be operated more informally. An LLC or corporation offers the most liability protection but requires a more formal process to set up. If you want your personal assets protected from your business liabilities like debt or lawsuits, an LLP or LLC might be a good choice.
Our business attorneys can explain:
You should consult a CPA regarding tax considerations for your business type.
Our business attorneys can explain:
- How different business entities are formed
- How they are legally required to operate
- Which entity is best for your business
You should consult a CPA regarding tax considerations for your business type.
Can I change my business structure later?
You should carefully consider which business entity you plan to establish. It’s possible to change your business type later, but state laws vary. We recommend you thoroughly review your potential business liabilities while choosing your business entity.