Michigan Business Law Attorneys
Whether you are establishing a new business, going through a period of growth and expansion, or just working to ensure that your operation keeps running smoothly, an experienced business law attorney can be your best resource.
Business Law Services
Business Formation
Starting your business off with the right structure and foundation can be the difference between success and failure. Our business law attorneys can assist with every step in the establishment of your business, including:
- Advising you on the type of business entity that best suits your needs
- Formation of the business entity
- Drafting or review of operating agreements, bylaws and shareholder agreements
- Making you aware of tax issues, licensing requirements, and other obligations
We can assist in structuring your business as:
- A sole proprietorship
- A partnership
- A limited liability company (LLC)
- A C-corporation (C-corp)
- An S-corporation (S-corp)
- A non-profit corporation
In some cases, the entity may be formed by execution of documents, while other entities may require filings with the state or other action by the membership of the entity. For example, designation as an S-corp requires a tax election by the shareholders of a Michigan corporation.
The process can be complicated, and missed steps can create problems for you, your business, or other principals in the business later. So, it is well worth the investment to work with an experienced business law attorney to ensure that you choose the best entity for your purposes, and then establish that entity correctly.
Business Operations
In the ordinary course of business, most companies will encounter a variety of legal issues, including:
- Compliance and regulatory issues
- Insurance claims and coverage
- Contracting with customers, vendors, and other third parties
- Employment contracts and other labor-related issues
- Joint ventures, mergers, and acquisitions
In each of these areas, being fully informed and prepared can mean better outcomes, less expense, less stress, and less impact on your business. Working with an experienced business lawyer who will become familiar with your business operations and guide you through legal and regulatory issues can be your most powerful form of insurance against costly missteps and oversights.
Business Litigation
While preventative measures are the best first line of defense, most businesses become involved in litigation at some point. Whether the company is being sued or the business is pursuing a lawsuit, litigation can hurt your business in many ways:
- Risk of financial loss in the lawsuit
- Possible impact of negative publicity
- Diversion of key personnel to litigation-related activities
- Risk of loss of important assets, such as intellectual property
- Impact on employee morale
In short, there’s often more at stake than money. When your business is facing litigation, you’ll want to give yourself every advantage, including guidance and advocacy from an experienced Michigan business law attorney.
Dissolution of Businesses
If and when your business winds up operations, whether due to a conflict among the principals, a loss in profitability, the death of a partner or key shareholder, or for any other reason, it’s important to wrap up properly.
An experienced business law attorney can guide you through the process of dissolving your business, extinguishing any outstanding liabilities, distributing remaining assets, fulfilling legal requirements, and limiting future exposure.
Give Your Business the Advantage that Comes with Experienced Legal Representation
You can’t afford to cut corners in the formation and operation of your business. No matter how good your products, services, and customer service are, your business will be vulnerable without a solid legal and structural foundation. Start out strong with knowledgeable guidance in setting up your business entity. Or, if operations are already underway, connect with a business attorney who can review the steps you’ve taken so far and help correct any mistakes and fill any gaps before they harm your business.
Just call us in Saginaw at (989) 792-9641 or in Frankenmuth at (989) 652-9923, or contact us online.