Small businesses in New York must navigate a number of regulatory agencies in order to start a company and continue operations. Compliance with these state, local, and federal requirements can require an experienced legal professional who understands small business needs so those companies can focus on day-to-day business and continued growth. A small business attorney can handle your company's transactional legal needs.
Small Business Legal Needs in New York
Running a business under New York's complex system of laws can put a company's operations and assets at risk. Compliance problems can result in fines, delays, liability, and expensive delays. In addition, when a compliance issue arises, the business-owners need to take time away from running the business to respond to transactional legal issues. Smaller business owners have different needs and resources than larger corporations and need a knowledgeable and effective small business transactional attorney to respond to their specific needs.
Transactional Law in New York
Transactional legal issues for small businesses can involve any aspect of small business operation, from the formation, to annual reporting, to winding up a business entity. Some common issues where an attorney can help your small business include:
- Formation: Forming a business can be complex and require a number of documents and filing requirements. This includes drafting and reviewing business plans, corporate formation, articles of incorporation and bylaws, operating agreements, charter documents, start-up filings, state and local licensing, and partnership agreements.
- Mergers and Acquisitions: When your business has grown and it comes time to sell your company or acquire another business, a transactional business attorney can help the process go more smoothly and avoid any unnecessary litigation. Small business legal counseling for mergers or acquisitions includes conducting due diligence, corporate governance, complying with securities regulations, tax issues, and negotiating the terms of the deal.
- Contract Negotiation: One of the most common areas for transactional legal assistance involves negotiating and drafting contracts for small businesses. Common business contract issues involve employment contracts, non-compete agreements, franchise agreements, real estate leases, and contracts for the sale of goods. As a small business owner, you will want an attorney who can represent your interests, especially when dealing with multiple parties and parties in other states or countries.
- Contract Drafting: Relying on form contracts and boilerplate may not protect your company when something goes wrong. An attorney can help you draft your contracts to ensure your interests and rights are protected in the event of a breach of contract or what happens when some unexpected event arises that neither party anticipated.
- State and Federal Regulatory Compliance: New York is one of the most heavily regulated areas for business operations. Companies operating in the city are expected to comply with federal, state, county, and city regulations which can change every year. It is important to have your small business attorney regularly update and review company plans and procedures to ensure the business is in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
New York Small Business Lawyer
Taking the right steps in forming your company, complying with regulations, and negotiating contracts can help your small business avoid costly litigation down the road. Many of the legal issues that small businesses encounter can mean delays, financial penalties, or even halt your business activity. An experienced New York small business attorney can help counsel small business owners to prevent these issues so the business owners can focus on what they do best. If you have a small business and need legal assistance for your company, contact the Law Office of Frederic R. Abramson today.