Business Representation

Unsworth & Barra, PLC has an extensive background representing businesses and individuals with respect to business operations.

BUSINESS ORGANIZATION NEEDS

• Type of Business
  One of the most important issues for many businesses is what type of business entity to use. Vermont laws make it relatively easy to have protection in case your business gets sued so a creditor cannot reach your personal assets. We work closely with clients and their financial advisors to determine long term goals and then decide which entity will best enable the client to achieve those goals. We handle all aspects of forming the business entity, qualifying it to do business and providing ongoing support of operations and business maintenance. Today there is a broad selection of entities available, including corporations, limited liability companies, general partnerships, limited liability partnerships, sole partnerships and joint ventures. Each comes with specific advantages and considerations, which we will explain to help you decide. Once the entity is selected, we will draft all documents needed to complete the formation process.
  
  
• Business Maintenance
  We can prepare the minutes of meetings, as needed, for certain types of businesses.
  
  
• Business Buyouts
  Our firm can help you to anticipate and address future business issues today. For example, did you know that term life insurance can automatically fund a buyout in the event of a partner's death? Do you have a buyout agreement in place for your business so that it does not have to be immediately sold and can continue to function in the event that one of your business partners dies, becomes incapacitated or decides to leave?
  
  
• Business Real Estate
  We provide complete business real estate services to help with real estate planning, development, financing, conveyance, acquisition and refinancing.
  
  
• Business Agreements
  Businesses frequently need assistance reviewing, negotiating, interpreting and drafting important contracts with customers, suppliers, others. We offer help to clients with these matters.
  
  
• Business Litigation
  Our experienced trial lawyers handle a broad range of business and commercial litigation, including employment claims, collections, general litigation, contract disputes and construction matters.
  
  
• Business Termination and Transition
  In the event a business is terminated, rather than sold or merged, we can assist with the necessary planning, structuring and documentation. If our client's goals include transferring ownership to key employees or a subsequent generation, we can design transition plans to facilitate our client's success in these objectives.
  
  
• Sales and Acquisitions
  Unsworth & Barra, PLC represents businesses and individuals in business operations and the purchase and sale of businesses and assets. The purchase or sale of a business is an exciting time for any business owner. We commit a significant portion of our practice to working with clients who plan to buy or sell a business, and we can negotiate and document such transactions. This work is done in close concert with the client and the client's financial advisors. Our primary goal is to help clients achieve their goals and we look for innovative ways to achieve that objective. Buying or selling a business is generally a complex matter and without proper attention to the manner in which the transaction is handled, unexpected or unwanted results may occur. We work with our clients to prepare them, provide guidance and enable them to achieve their goals. Proper documentation of a purchase or sale typically involves drawing up documents such as letters of intent, asset sale agreements, stock sale agreements, pledge agreements and promissory notes.
  
  
• Business Collections
  Our attorneys can help business clients to collect the money they are owed, place liens and manage creditors.
  
  
• Fees
  For small businesses, we charge a flat fee for business formation. The general service includes: an initial meeting with the client, working with the client's accountant to determine the most appropriate type of business to form, preparing the articles of organization, preparing the corporate agreements concerning shareholders, preparing a data document outlining all pertinent business data, executing documents and preparing a portable business formation record containing all initial letters and other documents. We provide comprehensive guidance in the formation of Vermont business entities, including corporations, partnerships, joint ventures, limited liability companies, non-profit organizations, limited partnerships and limited liability partnerships. For matters other than formation, we can charge a flat fee or bill on an hourly basis.
  

Contact us today for a free initial consultation.