General Business Law and Litigation

Business Formation

An important decision in beginning a business is choosing the most advantageous type of entity for your new business endeavor.  The decision you make can have significant tax and legal liability implications for your business.  California law provides several options, and our attorneys will explain the differences inherent in each option and provide guidance in selecting the best type of entity for your business.  We assist clients in forming the following types of business entities:

• Partnerships
• Corporation
• Limited Partnership
• Limited Liability Company (LLC)
• Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

We prepare the necessary entity formation documents, including shareholder and operating agreements, purchase agreements, contracts and leases, and employee agreements, and oversee the filing of the documents with the Secretary of State.  Our attorneys also assist clients with preparing, negotiating or reviewing contracts, leases and employment agreements.

Contract Disputes

Contract disputes can occur in any aspect of business, and can draw the resources and attention of the company away from its core operations, negatively impacting the business.  It is imperative that contract disputes are resolved quickly and efficiently so that the company can return to its primary purpose.

Business disputes commonly arise in a variety of areas, including:

• Lease or purchase of equipment
• Purchase or sale of property
• Shareholder Disputes and derivative actions
• Breach of fiduciary duty by officer or director
• Covenants not to compete
• Fraud and deceptive trade practices

Dissolution

Finally, when buying or selling a business itself, or dissolving a corporation or partnership, care must be taken to adhere to legal formalities while also structuring the process to meet the needs of the parties and minimize the risk for protracted legal disputes. 

Careful planning at all stages of the business lifecycle, combined with knowledgeable advice and competent representation along the way, are vital to the smooth operation of your business.  Contact Bewley, Lassleben & Miller with your business advice and litigation needs to keep you running your business capably and confidently.