Business Law: Formations and Transactions

Opening and running a small business in compliance with state laws and regulations can be a complex endeavor. Issues regarding legal liability, workplace discrimination, workplace safety regulations, employment contracts, and tax considerations must be anticipated and planned for.

Larson Hart & Shepherd can guide you through the maze of legal issues related to a small business and avoid common legal pitfalls. We have significant experience with:

  • Business formations (Incorporation, Limited Liability Companies [LLCs], Partnerships)
  • Business licensing
  • Bylaws and shareholder agreements
  • Business purchase and sales
  • Mergers and acquisitions
  • Franchise law (both franchisors and franchisees)
  • Nondisclosure contracts
  • Noncompete agreements
  • Contract negotiation and drafting
  • Raising funds and capital
  • Banking transactions
  • Business litigation

Please contact our business law attorneys if you have questions about the appropriate structure for your business, incorporating your business, drafting and reviewing business contracts, or complying with applicable laws and regulations.

For more information about setting up a business, see Kenneth Hart’s three-part series, The Essential Business Prenuptial.

“Mike is the best business lawyer I've met, hands down. His business background means he can really understand where I'm coming from when I discuss my transactional issues and mold a solution that works well. He's easy to talk to, listens carefully, and cares about his clients as people.”
John Brown
Redmond, WA

“Ken Hart is the ultimate professional and nice guy. We were opening a new business, and he gave us invaluable business and legal advice. He is responsive, timely, and knows how to protect his clients. He could explain the issues in terms we could understand. We think of him as a friend and will continue using him as our attorney when our business starts up.”
Sandy and Carl Mealing
Lord’s Gym
Tumwater, WA

“We get construction contracts that have had a lot of fingers on them; we won’t even start a project until Chris reviews the contract. He has been involved with starting three businesses for me. It’s really important to start on the right foot. He handles all my personal issues, too.”
Mike Johnson
Bellevue, WA