At Byrnes, O’Hern & Heugle, we guide small and medium sized businesses through the process of forming, organizing, and growing their business. We assist our business law clients in deciding upon the appropriate corporate structure for their business, the terms of the relationship between the owners of the business, and the structure of operating agreements or shareholder agreements that govern the relationship among owners.
As businesses grow and evolve, we assist our clients in adding new owners and the sale of existing ownership interests. There is nothing more satisfying in our firm than watching our clients grow into successful, thriving businesses. We approach this work from the perspective of attorneys who are looking to guide clients on a long-term basis through all the legal events that surround the evolution of a successful business, from formation to sale or planned succession.
What Do Our Business & Transactional Lawyers Help With?
To put it simply, we help businesses solve problems they might face while developing their company. These problems can include:
- Starting the business – Choosing between an LLC, an S Corp, or any other type of business.
- Buy-sell agreements – Advice and recommendations regarding buy-sell agreements and how they can be used to streamline business succession, including incorporating life insurance into a business plan.
- Writing contracts – If there are any forms a business might need when hiring new employees, or any new clients, we can help you develop them.
- Breaches of contract – If a contract is disputed or a client isn’t paying, our business lawyers will advocate on your behalf.
- Mergers & Acquisitions – If you are thinking of buying out a competitor, or merging with another company, we can help you advise and guide you through the process. We can document and negotiate the entire deal, such as
- Non-disclosure agreements
- Letters of intent
- Asset and equity purchase agreements
- Merger agreements
- Banking & Financial Services – We can help structure, negotiate, and document different types of financial transactions by representing lenders and borrowers.
- Business Issues – Employers can run into problems such as disability and sick leave, discrimination, sexual harassment, and workplace safety. Our business lawyers can educate employers on best practices and are able to represent clients when employment law issues arise.
- Business operations – We are able to help businesses with their day to day operations which can include reviewing, negotiating, and revising templates for various transactions such as:
- Distribution and service agreements
- Agreements to bring in new investors
- Joint venture agreements
- Employee, customer, vendor, and consulting agreements
What To Expect When Hiring A Business Law Attorney
Upon the first meeting with one of our business attorneys, we will ask you about the history of your business, future goals, and a few questions about yourself and your business. Once your lawyer gathers all of the appropriate information, we will be able to provide you with the proper guidance. You can expect an engagement agreement which would outline any costs, and what matters our business attorneys are going to handle before we start working together. After this process has been completed, our business attorneys will begin taking care of your legal matters and provide you with regular updates throughout.
When Should You Contact A Business Lawyer?
It’s recommended that you contact our business lawyers as soon as possible. Oftentimes small businesses feel that they do not have the money to invest in a business lawyer, so they tend to wait until they are faced with an issue. But, it would actually save them a lot of time and money in the long run if they hired a business lawyer from the start.
There are many obstacles that business owners can handle on their own, such as:
- Writing a business plan
- Choosing a business name
- Reserving a domain for a website
- Applying for any licensing or permits
- Interviewing and hiring
- Submitting necessary IRS forms
- Hiring independent contractors and contracting with vendors & more
More serious issues such as discrimination, sexual harassment, workplace safety, local, state, and government entities filing complaints, or negotiating the sale of your business should definitely be handled with the guidance of a business law attorney.
Prevention Is Key
There are many legal scenarios that will force a business to hire an attorney, but there are also many things that can be done to prevent these types of scenarios from happening. Consulting with a business lawyer can help aid in prevention, but conducting your own research on topics like business contracts and disputes, it will be much easier to implement precautions into your business and prevent issues from occurring.
Contact Our New Jersey Business Law Attorneys Today
Byrnes O’Hern & Heugle is committed to building long-term client relationships, and watching our clients businesses grow and develop. If you are looking for a business law attorney, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We will take the time to understand your business and goals for the future, and provide you with the highest level of legal services. To speak with one of our attorneys about business law, contact Byrnes O’Hern & Heugle today.
