Deciding to start a small business is a big step, and many entrepreneurs often leave their full time jobs to pursue their dreams of becoming a small business owner. Becoming a small business owner is very exciting. However, there are many risks involved with being an entrepreneur. Gathering the knowledge necessary to ensure that all aspects of properly forming and managing a business can be overwhelming and daunting. Whether your company is a start-up or a well-established small business, your company needs a lawyer who can guide you through the myriad of legal issues that your business may face. Maintaining a full time general counsel can be prohibitively costly for most small businesses. At Garner Law PLLC, our goal is to provide cost effective general counsel services to entrepreneurs by providing services at competitive rates and with options of flexible fee arrangements which fit your budget and business model. Just like businesses with an in-house general counsel, your business can have immediate access to an attorney who can assist you with questions and concerns that arise on a daily basis. Whether you need help establishing your business entity or working with contracts and employee issues, let Garner Law PLLC help your business.
Entity Formation
There is more to starting a business than just hanging out an “open” sign. Garner Law PLLC works closely with small business owners, beginning with the question of “What form should my business organization take?” Because each type of entity has advantages and disadvantages, you should consult with an attorney when deciding what form of business to adopt. Garner Law PLLC can help you decide on the best way to structure your business and prepare all necessary legal documents.
Drafting, Reviewing, and Negotiating Contracts and Agreements
Businesses require contracts in order to function, including partnership agreements, employer/employee contracts, confidentiality agreements, nondisclosure agreements, vendor contracts, and real estate leasing agreements. Garner Law PLLC can draft contracts to meet your needs and review and negotiate contracts that other entities request you to sign to ensure that your interests are being protected.
Collection and Enforcement
Small businesses rely on a healthy flow of income to remain solvent, but sometimes the biggest challenge for a small business owner comes when it’s time to get paid. Collecting debts can be a difficult and, occasionally, a litigious process, and laws and regulations governing debt collection can be complex and overwhelming.
Registered Agent
A registered agent is a business or individual designated to receive service of process when a business entity is a party in a legal action such as a lawsuit. Most jurisdictions, including Maryland and the District of Columbia, require a business entity formed in or doing business within their borders to designate and maintain a registered agent.
Failure to properly maintain a registered agent can affect a company negatively, including revocation of a small business’ corporate or LLC status as well as in some cases, assess additional penalty fees on the entity.
Contact Garner Law PLLC for all of your business needs. We always act in your best interest.