Every business will encounter legal matters at some point. When you start your business, when you engage in contracts, buy property or plan for your taxes, legal advice can help you in a variety of ways. An attorney can operate as an important partner in protecting your business in regard to legal matters. Douglas Healy offers his legal expertise in business law to companies in Springfield, MO, and surrounding areas.
Business Formation & Dissolution
One of the first actions you will take as a new business owner is to decide what form your enterprise will take. This decision can be very important because it can affect how much you will pay in taxes, as well as how you will take money out of the business for your own needs. If you are in partnership with another person in your business, you will have to carefully determine percentages of ownership, duties regarding business operations and what will happen if one party wishes to leave the partnership. A skilled business attorney can help with these issues that require careful legal advice and documentation.
Employment Law
Employment law has become an important part of the business law category. As the number of rules and regulations has increased, businesses have had to take specific steps to ensure they remain in compliance with these laws. Disputes about discrimination, payment of wages, termination, workers’ compensation, and other matters can costly. Your attorney can help to ensure that you are doing all you can to stay abreast of new developments in employment law and are fully compliant with its requirements.
Commercial & Contract Law
Businesses often engage in contracts with customers or suppliers that involve pricing, delivery, quality control, and other matters. Sometimes, disputes arise when a product is not delivered on time or when the item does not comply with stated specifications. These disputes can be costly to businesses and can cause significant losses in revenue. A business attorney can help to resolve contract disputes to help prevent financial loss. Contract attorneys may also be consulted in regard to property leases or equipment leases, to protect the interests of their clients.
Tax Law
Businesses are often subject to a wide range of tax requirements. Tax laws can change frequently and understanding how to minimize your tax exposure can help you to maintain your company’s financial stability and increase your individual wealth.
Attorneys may specialize in tax law to help businesses comply with current tax laws and plan for changes that often occur in these laws. When a tax problem arises, they can help to resolve the issue successfully for all parties involved.
Mergers & Acquisitions
Mergers and acquisitions law involves legal matters involved in the buying, selling and merging of businesses. You may need a lawyer to look at contracts involving buying an existing business, or you may have a buyer for your own business. Mergers and acquisitions attorneys ensure that your financial interests are properly protected and that all legal requirements are followed to ensure a successful transfer.
Trademark Law
When marketing and advertising your business, you may run into trademark violations in regard to logos or other matters. Your name, motto or logo may be too similar to an established business, which can trigger cease and desist orders, as well as expensive lawsuits. An attorney experienced in trademark law can you avoid these matters or settle disputes in an effective manner.
Public Offerings
In some cases, a business may become so large and lucrative that the owner decides to sell stock to the public to raise money for investing in the enterprise and to pay dividends to those who invest. This action requires a wide range of official documents and requirements that must be fulfilled. An experienced attorney can help to ensure that all laws and statutes are considered when making this important step for a successful business.
When you are in business, a number of issues may occur that require legal advice from an attorney with a strong background in business law. A skilled attorney can save you money, time and stress when complex matters arise. Call Douglas Healy today to help with business issues that affect the financial health and legal compliance of your enterprise.