The Value of Outside General Counsel for Your Business

One of the many values of our business lawyers is that we help ensure that you are positioned to effectively resolve issues that arise in the lifecycle of a business. It is important for business owners and entrepreneurs to carefully consider the value of advice of a business attorney rather than exercise financial restraint when making important decisions that often significantly affect the success of a business. Rather than risk the serious consequences of decisions made without the consultation of a business attorney it is suggested that business owners conduct a careful cost/benefit analysis into whether one should hire a lawyer. Consulting with an attorney at the onset is similar to insurance: your decision help’s you mitigate risk and minimize loss when potentially disastrous events occur.

Business and Entity Formation

A business attorney can help you select the right type of business entity to meet your objectives and needs.  There are several entity choices available in Massachusetts: Corporations (both C-Corporations and S-Corporations), Limited Liability Companies (LLC), Partnerships (Limited Partnerships and Limited Liability Partnerships), as well as other specific entity types for professionals, charitable purposes, and other highly specialized business. Selection of the proper entity type will establish a foundation for sustainable long term growth, investment return, limited liability for parties, favorable taxation, dealing with external issues and pressures, and other matters. 

Contracts / Negotiation

An attorney knowledgeable on business law in Massachusetts can make sure that your rights and interest are protected.  It is critical that the contract provisions that deal with particular issues and contingencies are not only fair, but also align with your interests in any given transaction.  An attorney specialized in these areas can consult and assist in contract negotiation and work on the “fine tuning” of contractual terms. The type of contracts that a business attorney might review includes employee agreements, commercial leases, equipment purchase agreements, buy-sell agreements, licenses, and bank-investor financing documents.

Intellectual Property

It is essential for a business owner to consider their intellectual property rights. This can manifest itself in trademarks, service marks, copyrights, and patents.  Intellectual property can also include other types not specified in Federal statute, including issues such as trade secrets and formulas, customer lists, methods and processes. You should consider protecting your intellectual property from competition as well as protecting it internally from employees, partners and other shareholders. A competent business attorney can help you navigate legal protections available to protect what makes your business unique. 

Asset/Stock, Interest Sales and Mergers and Acquisitions

During a businesses lifetime, the owner(s) will want to expand the business or take advantage of an exit opportunity.  A business attorney can help you craft and implement a strategy for the sale of the shares or membership interests to an outside organization, or to your own employees or other shareholders, or members.  An acquisition will allow shareholders to exit the business by converting their interest in the entity to cash or another option(s). If you find yourself at the beginning of these discussions with a potential buyer it is critical that you consult a business lawyer such as ourselves at 781-463-6063.