Business Legal Services

We Can Help With Every Stage of Your Business

Our experienced business attorneys are here to assist companies of all shapes and sizes, through a wide range of industries. From corporate structuring and registration to financing, contract negotiation, and employment issues, we can offer guidance from the very beginning. We want to help you realize and expand your vision.

Business Formation

If you have a new business idea, or are ready to turn an existing business or hobby into a formal business, we can assist you with forming the right business for you. We will work closely with you to tailor our services, determine the current state of your endeavor, your short-term needs, and your long-term goals. We will use this information to advise you on whether to form a corporation, limited liability company (LLC), partnership, or another legal entity and assisting you with whether that business should be taxed as a sole proprietorship, partnership, S corporation, or C corporation. We will ensure you are well aware of the advantages and disadvantages of each option.

After deciding upon the best avenue for your venture, we will demonstrate our value by making sure that your business is formed in compliance with Ohio law. Then, we will guide you through drafting by-laws, shareholder agreements, operating agreements, employment agreements, and any other documents and contracts your business needs with your long-term stability in mind.

Corporate Formalities

You may already be an experienced business professional, far past initial formation. However, opportunities and complications will still come up. Our business lawyers will work with you to foster your business’s growth and sustained profitability. It is particularly important that you work with a trusted business attorney if you have a traditional corporation. You will need to adhere to corporate compliance requirements in Ohio or the other states in which you are incorporated. To maintain corporate compliance, we will guide you in proper recordkeeping, holding necessary shareholder and board of directors’ meetings, and maintaining voting practices and rules.

When you are a part owner of a business, whether it be a partnership, limited liability company or corporation, you may have a strong interest in controlling who can and cannot become owners. For corporations formed and operated within a family or small group of business partners, typically referred to as closely-held companies, it is especially important to ensure shares are not sold to a stranger. To help limit who may be an owner of your business, we can help you negotiate and finalize buy-sell agreements.

Contracts

Whatever type of business you own or operate, you are going to run into contract law issues, and it is better to have a business attorney at hand than to have poorly worded contracts turn into costly disputes. You may need formal agreements with a wide range of parties, including customers, clients or patients, vendors and service providers, employees, independent contractors, and business partners. We can help with all of your contract needs.

If another party provides you with a draft contract, we are here to carefully review it, analyze its potential effect on your business, and recommend changes. We are highly experienced in negotiating with other businesses and their attorneys to draft contracts everyone can agree to. We are also here to draft original agreements that fit your needs and protect your interests.

Employment Issues

One of the hardest things to do from a business standpoint is find, hire, and keep skilled and hardworking employees. To this end, we offer employment advice and counseling. We are here to help recruit, interview, hire, and employ workers in accordance with all Ohio and federal laws.

We are well-versed in an array of state and federal employment guidelines, including Title VII, the Americans With Disabailities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA), National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, COBRA healthcare continuation coverage, Ohio labor laws, Ohio wage and hour laws, workers’ compensation insurance requirements, and unemployment compensation taxes.

We will draft employee and independent contractor agreements, including confidentiality, non-solicitation, non-compete, and severance agreements. We also can help you develop an employee handbook, which is essential when your business is growing and taking on more people.

Real Estate

In recent years, virtual businesses, satellite offices, and shared workspaces have become relatively common. Many ventures do not have a physical office. Instead, owners, managers, and employees work from their homes, coffee shops, and coworking spaces. However, this model does not work for every type of company or only meant to be temporary. Many businesses require or benefit from a physical “brick and mortar” location. If you are a physician, you need a building or suite that complies with state and federal laws. If you are a clothing and jewelry retailer, you may want an idyllic storefront downtown.

When your business locates the property it has always wanted or has grown out of its current space and needs to sell, call Arenstein & Andersen Co., LPA about acquiring real estate. We are here to assist you with letters of intent, purchase/sale contracts, financing, zoning compliance and other regulatory matters, and commercial leases.

Mergers and Acquisitions

When it comes time for your business to grow, it may lead to acquiring other, smaller businesses or competitors. Or, you and another venture may choose to merge and combine your strengths. Whatever the case, you are going to need the assistance of a business lawyer with M&A experience. We are here to represent you during negotiations and drafting M&A agreements. We will help you get the most out of a merger or acquisition and to transition into the new arrangement as smoothly as possible.

Civil Litigation

As a business owner, going to court over a dispute is a real possibility. If you are unable to resolve a dispute through negotiations or alternative dispute resolution methods, like mediation, then you may decide to file suit. We can represent you in pursuing a civil claim against another party, and we commonly handle breach of contract issues. We can help you fight seek court intervention to order the other party to compensate your business or refrain from taking a certain action.

However, sometimes, your business’s presence in court may not be your choice. Our business lawyers represent employers against employee claims, including those related to wage and hour law violations, allegations of discrimination or sexual harassment, allegations of wrongful termination, and accusations of breach of contract. We also defend businesses against other party’s civil claims, including business partners, vendors, suppliers, customers, clients, and patients.

Dissolution, Divorce, Retirement

After years or even decades of being in business, it may come time to step away. This can happen for many reasons. You and your spouse may decide to divorce, and you either choose to sell or close the business, or one of your partners walks away. You may also be ready to retire or move on to your next venture.

Whatever your reasoning, you need an experienced attorney to guide you through selling your business, exiting a continuing business, or dissolving the business. We are here to represent you through each step of the process, including obtaining an accurate business valuation, negotiating any necessary exit agreements, and ensuring you receive the best possible terms for your exit or sale. If you are closing your business’s doors, we can represent you through the liquidation process.

Bankruptcy

Many industries are highly competitive, and it can be challenging to take an idea and create a profitable venture. Due to all sorts of difficulties, some within and outside of your control, you may find that your business is not only unprofitable, but it also is in a great deal of debt. It may not be easy to walk away, but it may be the best decision to protect your long-term security and provide an opportunity to rebuild. When you owe several creditors money, you should speak with an experienced business lawyer about bankruptcy. At Arenstein & Andersen Co., LPA, we have helped many businesses through a Chapter 7 bankruptcy or other options.

Healthcare Industry

If you operate a business in the healthcare industry, we can assist you throughout any stage of your operation. We understand that your organization is unique and you have a lot of issues to consider. You may have questions about laws and compliance, or meeting the needs of your patients. We will stand beside you as you begin operation through the closing of your business, whatever process you are at.

Contact Arenstein & Andersen Co., LPA’s Business Lawyers Today

As a business owner, you are probably used to learning about all the various aspects of your industry, including its laws, regulations, management techniques, and best practices. However, doing everything on your own puts you at risk for costly mistakes and missing chances to maximize your full potential. You and your business will benefit from having knowledgeable, experienced, and skilled legal counsel when forming, running, or ending your business. With over two decades of experience and a well-earned reputation for accessibility and results, Arenstein & Andersen Co., LPA is prepared to deliver a successful plan for your business.

Our business lawyers in Dublin, OH and Tipp City, OH have the comprehensive knowledge you need to remain compliant and successful. At Arenstein & Andersen Co., LPA , we have the skills to identify and mitigate risks, and when problems arise, we will address them efficiently with as little financial impact as possible.

To learn more about how we can help your business flourish, contact us online or call (614) 602-6550 to schedule an appointment.