Outside General Counsel for Small Business
For small businesses, often the smallest mistakes can turn into some of the largest pitfalls. This is especially true when it comes to drafting contracts, paying, disciplining, or terminating employees, keeping corporate records, or simply obtaining the necessary licensing for your business.
These risks could be mitigated or avoided with the help of a general counsel experienced in the considerations common to small businesses. As the outside general counsel for your startup, sole proprietorship, LLC, S-corporation, stock corporation, not-for-profit corporation, or partnership, the Vanegas Law Group will dedicate time, resources, and hard-earned knowledge to solving your problems. We’ll share in your business goals and work to identify, evaluate, and confront any legal challenges that may come your way. Trust our business law attorneys to protect your company, your future, and to create innovative legal solutions that will protect your legacy.
Does Your Small Business Need General Counsel?
The Vanegas Law Group has skilled business and employment law attorneys available to assist you in addressing the countless legal issues that arise when operating a business in the Bay Area and beyond. Below is a brief overview of the more common needs we address for our clients:
Business Formation & Entity Creation
Deciding on the type of business entity you wish to form is perhaps the first crucial step you will take as an owner. The Vanegas Law Group can help you determine which is the best fit by evaluating the pros and cons of each for your company, including:
- Ability to mitigate liabilities and legal risks from your business to avoid jeopardizing your personal assets
- Minimize the possible tax implications while still maximizing your business income
- Advice and counsel on the record-keeping requirements for the entity type chosen
- Compliance with regulations at the local, state, and federal levels
Our legal team has decades of combined experience assisting sole proprietors, established small businesses, and start-ups take their businesses to the next level. Our attorneys will counsel you on the most practicable business structure that best suits your particular needs.
Operating Agreements, Bylaws, and Other Foundational Documents
Depending on the business structure and the complexity your operations and plans require, you may need Operating Agreements, Bylaws, and other incorporation documents. You may want to establish rules in advance for a founders’ departure. You may need to evaluate offers to purchase assets of your business or your entire business or offer such. Our experienced business lawyers will carefully draft agreements to not only ensure your entity is legally compliant but also to keep your personal assets isolated from company liabilities, such as lawsuits or debts.
Business and Personnel Policies
While your employees may not take the time to read your business and employment policies when first hired, you can be sure they will once a dispute develop. This is why you need the employment law expertise of the Vanegas Law Group to draft or review your current policies and find ways to strengthen them. If your company has not yet developed any, contact our firm to begin the process and check what is necessary to protect your legal interests. We will also update you on developments in the law that would require updating your policies.
Draft and Negotiate Vendor Agreements
Vendors are a crucial part of keeping your business running smoothly and profitably. Our law practice will assist you in drafting vendor contracts that not only satisfy your company’s needs but protect your interests in your business relationships.
Business Licensing
Forming a new business entity in, say, Contra Costa County but unsure what licensing you need? The Vanegas Law Group has assisted businesses in this area since 1979 and has in-depth knowledge of the licenses required to operate your company in this area. If you are involved in a non-compliance investigation launched by a federal, state, or local agency, please call us right away to begin the process of defending your business and reputation.
Key Employee Benefits
Without retaining their highest level or most qualified employees, many businesses would be hard-pressed to achieve any level of success. Trust our knowledgeable business law attorneys to assist in helping you draft, negotiate, or review these matters on your behalf.
The Vanegas Law Group provides businesses in the Bay Area and beyond with effective small-business general counsel backed by over 50 years of successful and varied litigation practice. We understand the challenges you face every day running your company and will provide prompt and invaluable counsel you can rely on for years to come.
Vanegas Law Group, the Small Business to Provide You With Small Business Counsel
The Vanegas Law Group is a boutique law firm specializing in assisting small companies throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, in creating successful entities with sound business policies. As a small business ourselves, we share a keen understanding of the stress and anxiety that comes with ambitious endeavors. Partnering with the Vanegas Law Group will grant you peace of mind and reliable guidance throughout the life of your business.
Our attorneys have over 50 years of combined legal experience and provide our clients with excellent legal representation. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation to advise you about your legal matter.
