Practice Areas
Employment law - (Includes discrimination and labor law) - Your employees are the hands and feet
of your business. As federal and state regulations become more complex, many business owners are turning to their attorneys
to keep them on course with what the government requires, and to help them develop policies that are fair to employees, but
leave employers appropriately in control of the workplace. And sometimes, even employers who are enlightened and completely
compliant with government regulations will still find themselves faced with legal action from an unhappy employee. This firm
is here to help with these needs.
International trade and transportation - International transactions in goods and services with
parties overseas implicate a different set of laws and a different set of problems than do domestic sales. Because of my years
of experience prior to entering the legal profession, I have a particular understanding of the problems facing importers and
exporters, as well as customs brokers, freight forwarders, NVOCCs and others who do business beyond our borders. With legal
changes brought about by the Department of Homeland Security and particularly Customs and Border Protection, it is important
to work with an attorney who understands the unique legal challenges facing clients who ply this trade.
Entity formation - Even the most modest business venture will benefit from seeking legal advice
at startup. The decision about whether to incorporate, form an LLC, act as a sole proprietor or form some other entity, will
deeply affect many aspects of the business's future throughout its life. Proper structuring can result in significant tax
savings, more harmonious interaction between business owners, protection of the owners' private assets, and a smoother exit
strategy, to name just a few benefits. Restructuring later in the company's life can sometimes also correct problems with
minimal complications.
Contracts and disputes - At the heart of every business transaction, from selling a corporation
to buying a latte, there is a contract, whether written or unwritten, whether spelled out or implied. If your business is
active, from time to time, you will have a disagreement with a customer or vendor, whether about warranties, about what payment
is due, or about whether there was a deal at all. It's reassuring to have reliable legal counsel to turn to when the problem
cannot be resolved by the parties and too much is at stake to write off. An effective attorney can also sometimes help you
develop strategies to prevent some of these disputes from arising.
Transitioning - Every business and every business owner benefits from transition planning. Whether
you plan to sell your business, go public, or pass the enterprise to your heirs, the transaction will go more smoothly and
cost-effectively with planning a periodic reassessment throughout the life of the business.
