What does a business & corporate lawyer do?
Business lawyers help companies and entrepreneurs set up the right structure, protect themselves with sound contracts, raise investment, buy or sell businesses, and resolve disputes with partners, customers and suppliers.
Choosing a structure
Most US businesses operate as sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLCs or corporations. An LLC or corporation can limit personal liability, but each has different tax and governance implications. A business lawyer can help you choose and form the right entity in the right state, and draft operating or shareholder agreements.
How it works in Europe
Company forms and formalities differ across Europe (for example GmbH in Germany, SAS in France and BV in the Netherlands), and some require a notary to incorporate. A local business lawyer can explain capital requirements, governance and tax registration.
Questions to ask before you hire a business & corporate lawyer
- Have you worked with businesses of my size and in my sector?
- Can you give me a fixed fee for this piece of work?
- Who else in the firm handles tax, employment or property if I need them?
- Do you offer a monthly retainer for ongoing questions?