LEGAL SERVICES BUSINESS LAW
Penny-Wise, Pound-Foolish
Business owners are always watching their expenses, as they should Some try to limit costs by avoiding attorneys until they are sued However, it can be risky and expensive for a business to minimize the importance of good legal counsel. As we often say, it is always easier and cheaper to stay out of trouble than to get out of trouble. There are also many ways that proper planning can increase profits and protect business assets. Make sure you have all the advice necessary to achieve your business and personal goals. Legal advice from attorneys who know business and its needs will pay for itself many times over while bringing peace of mind.
These are some of the questions that businesses should answer:
What Business Entity Should be Used?
There are several different forms of business entities. The one that will be best for your business depends on many things. What is your business plan? What is your personal life plan? What do you see as the length of life for your business? What risks are associated with your products or services? Will you have partners or investors? Will you own real property? To minimize risk, perhaps several entities should be formed, with leases, service or management contracts binding them together. You must also consider such issues as insulation against personal liability, minimizing
taxes, asset protection, estate planning, retirement planning, operational structure, and financial structure The choices of entity and structure will affect many of the subsequent decisions that will be made in your business, and whether you will realize all the benefits and satisfactions that you expect.
Minimize Taxes… Maximize Benefits
The tax code is a complex and difficult minefield but may also offer opportunities to those having the knowledge and ability to take advantage. Experienced business and tax counsel can alert you to these opportunities and help structure your business to maximize your tax benefits and minimize your tax burdens.
Contracts Of All Shapes And Sizes
Whatever the nature of your business, you have relationships with vendors, service providers, employees, and customers. Those relationships are all contractual, whether or not you have formal written contracts. Written contracts are highly recommended, but even without them, your invoices, receipts, and even advertisements and instruction manuals can impose legal obligations on you. They can also provide valuable protection if drafted properly. All your business documents should be reviewed by an experienced attorney for their legal consequences.
BUSINESS LAW
LEGAL SERVICES
Employment is increasingly complex and risky, especially with the growth of the “gig economy” and the use of independent contractors Failing to respect the difference between an employee and an independent contractor can be very costly A personnel manual is a contract between a company and its employees. What are the limitations on the employer’s rights with respect to hiring and firing employees? What are proper hiring practices to avoid claims of violation of anti-discrimination laws and equal opportunity requirements?
Could your company be eligible for minority or women’s business status to receive preferences for contracts? What credit procedures will reduce the risks of unmanageable debt? What are the effective ways to recover on delinquent accounts? How can you protect yourself against claims of defective goods or services? How can you manage the risks of using the internet? How can you provide for your family while still ensuring that your business continues after you? We can help you answer these questions and more
Selecting A Business Legal Advisor
As you can see, there are many areas of law that need to be addressed including business planning and formation, commercial transactions, debtorcreditor issues, employment tax, real property, land use, estate planning, and intellectual property.
At J&G, we have all the legal experience and practical business knowledge needed to guide you through all phases of business, from start-up to exit Even if there are no pressing legal issues, every business would benefit from a business legal audit and recommendations for improvements
Business, Asset, And Tax Planning
You can rely on J&G Law, LLP to provide highquality consultation on these issues and more:
Business Entity Selection
Off-Shore Trusts
Federal and State Tax Audits
Income, Gift, and Estate Tax Returns
Mergers and Consolidations
Sale or Purchase of a Business Disputes and Litigation
Contract Drafting and Interpretation
Trademarks and Copyrights
Franchise Agreements
Securities Law Issues
Risk Management
Employment
Banking, Borrowing, and Lending
Exit, Retirement, or Succession Planning
