Business Law
Choice of Business Entity
When you are starting a business or evaluating the growth of your business in the last few years, it is critical to choose the correct entity within which to operate that business. In Pennsylvania, you have many different options, including, corporations, limited partnerships, general partnerships, limited liability companies, non-profits. Depending on your choice, there are also a number of different elections or options available. We assist business clients in this process by reviewing the goals and individual facts in each situation. Armed with this information, we can recommend the best entity. We also can provide clients with legal advice about the following related areas:
- Business formation
- Business succession and estate planning
- Corporate, shareholder, and partnership disputes
- Director and officer liability
- Dissolution
- Insurance
- Partnerships
- Reorganization
- Restructuring
Many problems can be avoided or resolved more easily with appropriate business planning at the outset. Please call one of Business Law attorneys with your questions.
Business Planning
Once you have chosen an appropriate entity, your business is ready to grow and prosper. Along that path, business owners will be faced with a number of issues that will require assistance from a competent attorney. These issues might include:
- Building or acquiring facilities or equipment
- Contracting for the purchase or sale of goods and services
- Developing policies, procedures, and plans concerning employees and independent contractors, including the drafting of appropriate employment agreements and/or covenants not to compete
- Insurance coverage & claims litigation
- Leases
- Licensing
- Trade secrets
No matter the issue, one of our business law attorneys has had some experience with a problem similar to yours. Call our office in Erie, PA and our business team will be ready to assist you.
Tax Planning
One of the most complex areas that a business owner faces is the myriad of various federal, state, and local taxes. Failing to plan in this area can have a disastrous effect on the profitability of your business. We can help with quality planning and compliance services in all areas of federal, state, and local taxation. Our business attorneys can provide assistance in the following areas:
- Corporate, partnership, and hybrid entity taxation
- Individual income tax
- Estate and trust planning, wealth preservation, and death tax minimization
- Tax compliance and litigation services
- ERISA, pension and profit sharing plans, and employee compensation and benefits
- Asset protection planning
- Tax exempt organizations (including help with achieving 501(c) status)
One of the leading causes of business failures is poor tax compliance. At the outset of your business, or as you are contemplating expansion, it is especially critical to be aware of all relevant taxing authorities and regulations. We can help you assess your needs in this important area.